Feature
MISS PLATNUM
Like a hybrid of Goldie Looking Chain and Amerie, Romanian singer Miss Platnum is here to inject irony into R&B, with a sassy vocal and witty lyrics.
Tell us about your unusual lyrics
“I was getting bored with R&B and the female lyrics about men who hurt you and all the stuff you should buy. I don’t take myself seriously and I write with an ironic twist. Singers like Beyoncé seem so proud and perfect and you never find any edges - that’s pretty boring to me.”
And your sound?
“Well, I'm from Romania so it’s a mixture of R&B and Balkan sounds. I try to be different from any other R&B act out there. I am different from any other act out there!”
Are there any particular R&B singers you enjoy taking the piss out of?
“R. Kelly! He does the same shit every time on every song: ‘I’m a flirt and I’m gonna take the girl.’ It’s very cheap. That urban opera he did (‘Trapped In The Closet’) was so bad. I think he is overrated as an artist”
What inspired you to write 'Give Me The Food'?
“I asked my producers what’s so special about me and how I behave. They said I’m not afraid to drink a lot, enjoy myself and be loud, and I don’t eat less to look thin. I also wanted to write something against this skinny trend. Some girls will never be that shape; I’m one of them and I’m proud.”
You’re Romanian - describe your country.
“A chaotic place with a beautiful landscape, really good food and very open-hearted, emotional, warm people.”
You now live in Germany. Is there any prejudice against Romanians there?
"People are afraid of Romanians joining the European union because they have this picture of weird people who steal and drink a lot. Yes, that does exist but it’s only a small minority as with all countries. The media tend to show only show the bad parts - probably more newsworthy. I’m hoping that once the borders are open, people will check out the country, the people and the reality.” (EJS)
Miss Platnum performs at Cargo, London on June 5. Check out myspace.com/missplatnum for more info
Words Elle J Small
