White Crate is proud to present WC02, a show on July 8th curated by Mae Powell – generous spirit, jazz pixie, psychedelic indie folk chanteuse, and the Bay’s rainbow-embodied ambassador of peace and magic. WC02 is the second in a quarterly party series curated by Bay Area artists, and for this outing we’re being treated to live performances by Everyone is Dirty, The Breathing Room, Marika Christine, and Arts and Crafts – plus DJ Stanley Ipkuss.
Read on for a special interview with Marika Christine.
How did your relationship to music first start?
I first began to develop a relationship with music at my elementary school choir and guitar club. I was lucky enough to be exposed to lots of music in SF public schools and explored musical theater, choir, and even classical voice and opera. Eventually, I realized that singing, playing the guitar, and writing songs felt like the most creative and authentic form of expression for me.
What’s the biggest inspiration behind your music right now?
I have lots of musical inspirations but I’m trying not to get too focused on sonic influences and instead to let songs come about in their own way. I find that when I over think the styles or genre, I get stuck in writers block and over censor my creative flow. The biggest inspiration right now is picking up the guitar and playing whatever feels right.
How does the Bay Area influence you or the music you make?
I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about the Bay Area that creep their way into my music. I’ve lived here almost all of my life and love it a lot but I also get overwhelmed by the cost of living, injustices towards the unhoused community, and elitism I witness everyday. My song “Music and Heart” is about falling in love with SF and also being tired out by long days working in the service industry and struggling to get by while chasing a love of art.
Five songs you’re loving right now?
“California” – Asha Wells
“People Please” – Mapache
“God Dog” – Jolee Gordon
“The River” by Fievel is Glauque
“Get a Bike” – Chime School
