Photo Credit: Sami Turunen
Whoever said disco was dead, clearly has not met the trio that makes up Beverly Girl. Bringing it back to life for the 21st century, these three serve up the ’70s with a modern twist like no other. That includes the glamorous cover of Millie Scott’s “Automatic.”
“Automatic” is just the start of what’s to come in 2018 for Beverly Girl. They plan on releasing another single this spring. One of their own is in LA working on it with who they can only say is “a LEGENDARY electro-funk/pop pioneer.” We’ll find that out soon enough, but first – our back and forth.
Kendra: You’ve noted “Automatic” is your first cover. For you guys, was is more about finding a song you felt you could execute, or just about which would be the most entertaining to work with?
Beverly Girl: Yeeeesss, we had so much fun covering a song from Millie Scott, who happens to be one of our favourite artists!
To be honest, we have always been very hesitant about playing songs by other artists. We’ve always had a strong vision of what we wanted to do, and felt like doing a “cover” per se would only interfere with our own direction and style. It definitely took us a while for letting the idea really sink in, and eventually, we settled on “Automatic,” as it has always been very special to us.
Kendra: You got to head to New York City to record. Was that your first time in the states? How’d the Big Apple treat you?
Beverly Girl: As a matter of fact our guitar player Artur has been spending a few months per year over there since 2013. He’s been representing Beverly Girl while working and hanging out with a lot of cool people, such as Tomás Doncker (True Groove Records), Paul Pesco (Madonna), Ronny Drayton (Nona Hendryx, Scritti Politti), Ira Siegel (Kashif, Whitney Houston) and so on! Most of the tracks on “Automatic” were recorded over there, which definitely brought a sense of our spiritual hometown to the tune.
Kendra: People often say disco died back at about the start of the ’80s. Beverly Girl is about bringing it back but in a new-fashioned way. How does one take disco and make it work in the 21st century?
Beverly Girl: By keeping it fabulous, whatever one is doing. That’s about the recipe for everything we do. Our music comes to us very naturally. If something feels forced, it probably shouldn’t be happening at all (…not to be confused with HARD WORK though!)
Kendra: We also have to talk about your look real quick. Beverly Girl is very glam chic. Other than a love of music, was that also something that bonded the three of you?
Beverly Girl: Absolutely. Beverly Girl was born out of love for music, dance and fashion. Our music’s made to be played and listened while doing vogue poses and wearing posh makeup.
Kendra: I can only imagine how great you guys look and sound onstage because of that. I had the pleasure of attending one Pride event. Glorious to say the least. How was playing Pride this year for you?
Beverly Girl: Performing in Sweden at the legendary West Pride was literally a jaw-dropping experience. Witnessing Gothenburg (which apparently has been one of the more dangerous places for LGBT people in the past!) having their police cars and buses decorated with rainbow signs and flags was very touching and humbling. The show itself was AMAZING. We had the pleasure of being catered by one of the greatest festival crews we’ve ever seen. Thank you so much, Sweden, tack så mycket!