Blu DeTiger is not your typical pop star, and her music video for debut single “In My Head” is not a typical music video.
In the glossy, colorful clip, the bodacious bass-playing babe parties with a group of… Bratz dolls. Together, she and her crew of literal Plastics get lost in the groove, a repetitive, funky bassline (energetically played on Blu’s signature blue metallic bass) that resurrects the shimmery spirit of Studio 54 for Manhattan’s modern club crowd.
When she’s not making headway in the studio or spinning at downtown New York City’s coolest venues, the 20-year-old musician and DJ, who worked with The Knocks on her bombastic debut banger, is hitting the books at NYU, where she’s currently studying at the Clive Davis Institute.
Below, we caught up with the emerging artist to chat about her favorite basslines, the inspiration behind her insta-catchy new single, and how she balances late night gigs with early morning classes.
What was the inspiration behind “In My Head”?
I can never sit still. I’m always running around New York doing a million things or even jumping around the studio when I’m making music. To me, the beat that’s in my head means the music is always flowing—the rhythm, the pulse, the groove. The song is about creativity—having a great idea or being really passionate about something you’re working on. It’s that feeling when the beat feels like it’s inside you and you gotta dance or record it or do something! It’s a song to let loose to and dance.
How was it working with The Knocks?
I met The Knocks through the DJ scene in NYC and it felt very natural when we started working together. We speak the same language. I’ve learned so much from them about production and songwriting. They’re true tastemakers. Plus, they’re the coolest guys and so much fun to hang out with.
How did the New York club scene influence your work?
DJing around New York exposed me to so many different types of music and culture and gave me a great sense of what makes people move and dance. I’m very conscious of how things will go over in a club setting, which definitely affects how I go about making music. I try to pay homage to the old school New York club days. I also met most of the people I collaborate with now through the club scene so for my first song, I wanted one that all my DJ friends could spin in their sets.
You’ve toured with Kitten, who we love here at LADYGUNN. What was that tour like?
Touring with a group of people and musicians you really enjoy, love, and respect is so unique and special. And it was my first real touring experience. They all became my family and I’m so grateful I got to have that experience with them!
You’re currently attending NYU. How do you balance schoolwork with gigs?
There were definitely nights where I had to DJ until 4am and then be in class at 9am the next day… But fortunately I’m in the music program at NYU, so most of the work I do for school helps towards my career and vice versa. I’ve had to learn to prioritize what’s most important and make it so that school and my music career are working together instead of versus each other.
You play a killer bass. Why did you decide to pick that up?
I started playing bass when I was 7 years old. My older brother was playing drums at the time. I wanted to play an instrument too. I don’t know how much I really thought about it at age 7, but I remember thinking that everyone already plays guitar and that it was “too mainstream,” so I choose bass. But maybe I wanted to complete the rhythm section in the house with my bro. Or maybe I was inherently attracted to the groove. The instrument was definitely taller than me for a few years. [Laughs]
Do you have a favorite bass line of all time?
“Good Times” by Chic. It’s a bassline that has everything: it’s a hook in its own right with a rhythmic and harmonic call and response over four bars. It sits in the track perfectly and compliments everything around it—and most importantly, it makes you dance. To play it right you really need to embody Bernard Edwards and the whole Chic project.
What’s next for you?
Writing more music, releasing more music, and playing more shows! Check out my tour dates and follow me to keep up!
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