Buzzine: Paint the Town with Electrik Red

Reviving Female Musicians

With the recent rise of uncouth pirates and political tea parties, it’s hard to tell if we are living in the 21st century or the 18th. Luckily, gender roles have yet to revert back to the restrictive etiquette of previous times, as women are keeping the entertainment industry wrapped around their manicured fingers with sexy professionalism and determined attitudes.

Back in December 2008, the New York Women in Film and Television held their 28th Annual Muse Awards, where they honored elite members including actresses Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon, Nickelodeon/MTV Networks Kids and Family Group president Cyma Zarghami, and advertising queen Linda Kaplan Thaler. A classy affair held at the historic Waldorf Astoria, the point was made that accomplished industry women today are getting attention not because of notorious behavior but because of undeniable talent.

Well, for the most part anyway.

Now, fast forward to Spring 2009 and get acquainted with Electrik Red. Just when you thought women were done pioneering major cultural movements, here comes a group that is strong, vibrant and on a mission that was once considered impossible. The fierce foursome includes Naomi, Sarah, Lesley and Binkie. After getting their feet wet in the entertainment industry through various gigs like backup dancing, they then decided to combine their talents and break free with a unique identity and solid approach. According to Leslie, the group aspires to promote confidence and empower the female audience listening to their music.

In the spirit of Madonna, Janet Jackson, Vanity 6, The Spice Girls and TLC, these ladies are ready to celebrate their sexuality and gender by bringing their “edgy brand of hip hop and R&B” front and center. However, don’t be misled because, according to Binkie, there is a thin line between a sexy presentation and a raunchy one. Make no mistake about it — these ladies are all about a classy delivery.

“It’s about taking ownership of being a female,” Binkie said while Sarah stressed that it is important to stay “true to who you are.” In the past couple of decades alone, this “ownership” of their music has been a growing phenomenon among female artists. From an angry Alanis Morissette to post-trauma confident Britney Spears, a rocking Melissa Etheridge to a self-identified diva Beyonce, the bold voice of women in the music industry continues to grow, perhaps making up for time lost during the prim Victorian era.

Yet, those previously named are all single recording artists. When it comes to female groups, Electrik Red strongly feels that there is currently a void in the music industry that they are more than ready to fill. It’s no secret that artists in general see the world differently and often also see alternate methods of making a difference. By setting what Leslie describes as a “blueprint” for modern women with their style and message, the group is now ready to break out on the music scene.

At the moment, Los Angeles serves as their home base for their mission. However, since these ladies have set their sights on “world domination,” brace yourself to be electrified by music’s latest energized ensemble as they paint the town Electrik Red.

Posted: 2009
Written by Candi Sterling

Source:
http://www.buzzine.com/2009/04/paint-the-town-with-electrik-red


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