It’s no wonder Parris Goebel is great with time management and never skips a beat while navigating her several careers. Her initial claim to fame was dancing after all, where every beat matters. After leaving her one-of-a-kind mark on every possible troupe a dancer can lead, from starring in and choreographing Step Up sequel to dancing for Rihanna, Goebel set her eyes on extending her influence.The moment the world got to know Goebel’s nuclear charisma was the moment Justin Bieber unveiled his visual album Purpose. Goebel starred and directed arguably the brightest spot on the record – music video for supersmash-in-the-making called “Sorry”. She received mass exposure following the video’s success was enough to secure her more exciting career opportunities. The biggest one was finally being able to grab the mic herself, adding a dollar sign to her name and making the world listen to her as opposed to just watching her bust these fierce moves. 2016 was the year we met Parris the singer and we couldn’t miss an opportunity to talk to this multi-threat of a performer about her artistic evolution.
I’m really good and really busy right now. I have a lot going on, which is always good and some exciting projects coming up in 2017. I do get tired, but it’s a good tired as I’m doing what I love. I’ve gotten better over the years at taking days off to recharge and to balance out my work load. I use to take on lots of projects at once so now I work more from project to project and have more support around me to help these days. At the end of the day it never feels like work for me. I like being busy and get itchy if I am sitting around doing nothing. I have such much in my mind that I want to do so no time to be tried.
You’ve just turned 25, which is a good number to stop for a bit and reflect on all that you’ve accomplished so far. What’s your ultimate favorite career moment?
I was talking with my family the other day and we were looking at everything I had done in what feels like a lifetime, but really is a short span of time. Everything kicked in around the age of 19 on the professional side and the last 6 years has been incredible. I don’t really have an ultimate moment as there has been some many amazing moments it would be unfair, and too hard, to choose one on its own. I have been blessed to have incredible experiences with the top in the industry, and worked on such a variety of projects that I couldn’t ask for much more in my career to date.
Please be honest: did you save all of these awesome outfits from Justin’s “Sorry” video so that you can sell it on eBay in like 20 years’ time?
If you know me – I don’t wear my outfits for long so they have been and gone. They are all in a bag somewhere in the studio so who knows – maybe an E Bay sale is on its way. We had such a great response to the clothing in the video and really we grabbed whatever was in the wardrobe.
Deciding to become a singer was surely a huge step. What made you pick 2016 as your starting point as a singer?
2016 was just when the music was ready to go. I have been working in the studio since start of 2015, so it has taken me time to find the right beats, work with the right people, and work on my singing voice. It is really a huge step for me as I’m so used to being in total control with dance, but this is a whole new journey. I’m still developing, but loving what I am creating in the studio with some great people. The response from everyone has been great so far, and I’m just getting started.
How did you decide on your sound? Did you get any inspiration from the artists you worked with in the past?
My sound is really varied and you will find I just don’t want to be in one lane. Because I dance to such a wide variety of music then I want my music to appeal to everyone, so I have worked on different genres. You will find slow jams, RnB, dancehall, club music – all with a great beat that dancers will appreciate. The new music I’m working on is different again from my current EP. I feel I will always keep evolving and always keep challenging myself to put out music that will change the game.
What does the $ sign in your name stand for? And would you ever consider a duet with Kesha (even though she dropped the $ in her stage name)?
I wanted something different in my name and like the look of the dollar sign instead of the S. Stands out and makes my name unique along with my double R (thanks parents). And yes, I’m open to working with a variety of artists over time.
You’re still working on your EP and we’re excited to hear it, so what can you reveal about it? Should we expect an LP from you as well in the future?
It’s the first piece of work from me, so it’s really an introduction to me as an artist. If you watch my music videos then you will really see what I love to do. I have now taken my own music and filmed it in different parts of the world with local dancers doing my choreography and then wearing fashion that I love. As I said above, you are going to get a variety of different tracks across of variety of genres. I want people of all ages to be able to enjoy my music and feel the best. Already working on an album that will drop early next year.
You’re a singer, a choreographer and a director. Does it mean you do basically everything by yourself or you use some help?
I am what you can call a “one-stop-shop.” I have a very strong vision. I’m fortunate I can do all those things and it helps bringing what is in my mind to life. I also have good people around me who help with what I am doing. You need a good team to be able to execute what I need to get done.
You’re a great example of a talented female performer bending all the rules and carving a way for herself in multiple directions. But we’re sure you do meet some obstacles along the way. What were the hardest things you had to overcome/fight/change?
When I first started dancing it was a male dominated scene. Girls weren’t really featured as much, and movement was all very strong and masculine. We had to work really hard to carve a way for all female dance crews and to compete on an equal level with the boys. We had to train harder, work more on all our styles by being versatile, and then gaining the respect of the overall community. Over time with the results, female dancers can hold their own and be a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Considering you’re working so hard, you have be a riot when it comes to partying, too. So how crazy do you get when you have time off?
When I have time off I like to relax. My partying days are long gone. I love to sleep and catch the sun and just totally chill out. Off course I like to go out when the occasion arises, but I won’t stay out till the sun comes up. I like to share company with good friends.
You’re on a plane. The place next to you is taken by another famous lady. You’re about to spend hours chatting with her. Who is that lady?
Oprah Winfrey
What’s the wildest thought you ever had stuck in your head while you were performing on stage?
I hope none of my body parts are showing.
If you could become a character on any existing TV show, who would you like to be and why?
Kim Kardashian
What’s your all-time favorite music video?
Missy Elliott “Get Your Freak On”
What’s your favorite karaoke tune?
“Baby Boy” by Beyonce
Where will you take us when we come visit you in New Zealand?
Around Auckland City, which is my home town.
And finally, is it ever too late to say sorry?
No…..
