Hesta Prynn Interview - Appeared in Portfolio Oct 2003
Hesta Prynn is one-third of the hip-hop group Northern State. They’re currently touring to support their debut eight song mini-album “Dying in Stereo” and will be playing at the NORVA on the 25th of this month. I recently asked her about their recent European tour, her stage persona and life as a burgeoning hip hop star.
Here’s what she had to say:
You recently toured Europe. The pictures on you website look like you all had lots of fun. Can you tell me about some of the highlights?
Playing w/ the Roots through England was amazing. We are really inspired by thier use of live instrumentation, so it was awesome to see how it's done. Norway was incredible too, had no idea we were so big there. What a bunch of crazy heads, we partied like we were in high school.
Did you experience any culture shock when you got back home?
Naw, just a serious hangover.
How do you get psyched up before a show?
We do a prayer circle where everyone goes around and says something (us n the band). It's clearly inspired by the Destiny's Child "Diary" and pretty hilarious.
So other than yourself, DJ Sprout and Guinea Love, who else is on stage supporting a Northern State show?
Our live back up band consists of The Groove Bros and Katie Cassidy - live drums that trigger samples, live bass, a dj and katie plays a mini-harp and some cool percussion instruments. It's a hot show.
You took your name from Hester Prynne, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s character from The Scarlet Letter, right?
Yes.
Hester is a huge feminist heroine, so I’m going to ask an obvious question: What similarities do you see between yourself and Hester?
Basically I was just trying to represent for the scorned women the world over. What we're doing is empowering, and doing it with this name is a statement. Hester Prynne from the novel was pretty helpless and unempowered. Hesta Prynn from Northern State is quite a bit different.
Just now, when I typed “Nathaniel Hawthorne,” Microsoft Word (in its infinite wisdom) asked “Do you want to schedule a meeting with or send Email to Nathaniel Hawthorne?” Funny. But that’s a good question, if you could send email to him, what would you write?
Ummm... can I email Martin Amis instead?
Can you believe Arnold is the new Governor of California? What’s up with that?
My brother is a funny guy, for the last couple weeks he walks around saying THE GOVERNATOR in this ahhh-nold voice. It's a hilarious joke. Much like our political process.
In one my favorite rhyme of yours, you mention Cynthia Plaster Caster, the famous groupie and artist. Are you a fan of hers, or did you just like saying “Plasta Casta?”
I spoke to her on the phone a couple of times for a job i used to have. I wanted to shout her out cuz in her day most women felt that to be part of rock n roll your only option was to be a groupie n have sex w/ rock stars. I wish Cynthia had felt more empowered cuz she's a really creative and talented woman.
Have you been in the studio lately?
Yes, all I do is work.
You all are new to this whole puttin’ out records and touring thing, and you readily admit it. Do you see your style changing radically on your next release?
We're definitely growing as songwriters and lyricists. The next record is gonna be amazing. We also have the time and money to really do what we want - we made Dying in Stereo on a shoestring in 4 weeks and it really makes a world of difference.
Amazon.com suggests that shoppers buy your album along with Fever To Tell by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They’re not even Hip Hop! Why do you think they did that?
Cuz we're part of the "New York" scene, we're underground but have pop aspects to what we do. The YYYs are fronted by a strong female performer (who is fucking awesome by the way, we played w/ them in Oslo.
What was the last CD you bought?
The new Outkast.(luv it by the way)
Last book read?
Living History - Hillary Rodham Clinton
Coffee, tea or soda?
Coffee!
Beer, wine or neither?
Cosmo
Sprout says: "I've got the perfect party in my mind." If you could have anyone in the world at your perfect party, who would you invite?
All the greatest friends I've ever had. They live all over the world now. Maybe Jay-Z too, he likes to party.
Finally, I showed my 6-year old, Ian, the video for “At the Party” and he loved it! I asked him to think of a question for you, and here it is: “Who’s the master?”
Ian! (Isn't it obvious??)