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The Sputnik // Wednesday September 14

A&E
Kiley Bell Section Editor

Kiley Bell // arts@thesputnik.ca

Kay: Nova Scotias newest hip-hop sensation

Not many musicians would allow you to interview them in a bathroom, especially one situated in a nightclub, but after an interview with Kay, I got the feeling that the female hip-hop artist wasnt like a lot of musicians. Each September, first year Laurier Brantford students flock to club NV to enjoy a concert promised to them during O-Week. This year, Laurier Brantford snagged These Kids Wear Crowns as the main act, with Toronto trio Candy Coated Killahz and Nova Scotia native Kay opening. I had already been snubbed earlier by These Kids Wear Crowns for an interview because- well, Im not really sure why. And at this point I was remaining doubtful that I would get the chance to interview anyone. That is until an hour went by and I found myself standing in a quiet, club NV bathroom upstairs with Kay and her manager, ready to begin an interview. Did you want me to sit on toilet? Kay says, already taking a seat. My first thought looking at the white, female, Nova Scotian rapper that was now sitting on the throne in front of me was how bizarre this interview was quickly becoming. My second, and probably more important thought, was how difficult it must be for her to find her voice in a maledominated rap world. Guys can be kind of harsh, but its nice to be an adult now and have grown men around me that are really nice and respectful, Kay explains. Truthfully, Ive come to a point where I dont bring anyone around me that doesnt respect me. Most times Im the only girl in the room, but they all treat me like a sister. While I found it smart that Kay only surrounds herself with males that take her seriously as an artist, I still wanted to know where she could find inspiration to continue her style of music as a woman. Growing up I was super influenced by Nelly Furtado and Missy Elliot. For the longest time I thought I was Missy Elliot, says Kay. But then I looked in the mirror and had a reality check, she laughs. Not only does Kay have a unique voice in the rap and hip-hop world, but she also has a style that is all her own. My closet always looks like a rainbow, Ive been super colourful since I was a kid. And I take a lot of inspiration from 90s hiphop, she explains. This much is evident from her massive gold chains, black and white leggings, and Adidas cap and sneakers, all of which are a definite throwback to the 90s look made famous by the likes of Master P and LeftEye. No matter what your style is, if its heels and booty shorts or if its baggy shirts, just be yourself because thats the most attractive thing, Kay says. The older you get, the more you really come into your own. Already impressed by her honesty and easy-going attitude, I found myself wishing that I could say something on behalf

Kay, an up-and-coming Nova Scotian hip-hop artist, played NV last week. (Photo by Venetia Bodanis)

of Laurier that would equally impress her. Although she was already one step ahead of me. If I were to go to a school right now with Blue Wizards, it would totally be the right school for me! she says as we discuss the different O-Week teams. Frosh week is the best because I know I could be anybody up there on stage and everyone would be just as supportive. Its the perfect situation for me as a new artist. As I noticed the time on my tape recorder nearing the 10 minute mark, I immediately apologized for taking up more of her time than I had anticipated.

Its totally okay! she says. Im on the can so Im practically multitasking, she laughs. As it turns out, Im glad that These Kids Wear Crowns denied me an interview. If they hadnt have done that then I wouldnt have had the chance to hang out in a bathroom with the down-to-earth, and extremely talented Kay. With a new tour underway, and her single My Name is Kay garnering some serious airplay, its obvious this Maritime musician has a bright future ahead of her.

Marilla Wex stands up as Brantfords Rising Star

Hopeful comedians performed at the Brantford Comedy Festivals Rising Star Competition last Thursday. (Photo by Venetia Bodanis)

Kiley Bell Section Editor

When he said that I was the winner, I did that beauty queen thing where you put your hands over your mouth and I didnt cry but I felt a little bit tearful. Oh, thats so lame. But Im just so pleased! These were the words spoken by Marilla Wex last Thursday, as Gus & Guidos opened its doors to both boisterous laughter and drunken heckles by hosting the Brantford Comedy Festivals Rising Star Competition. The stakes were high because the winner of the competition was granted

a spot in the upcoming Brantford Comedy Festivals Saturday show, opening for heavyweight comedians Tom Green and Sean Cullen. It was an extremely close competition with the British-born Wex only winning by one point. Going up against five other strong competitors, Wex wasnt sure where she would place. It was very close, there was one point between me and the other guys so Im pleased to be in really great company, says Wex. I am really blown away. I totally thought there were a couple of other comedians that were going to win. One of her competitors in particular,

17-year-old Mayce Galoni, won over Wex and the crowd over the course of the evening with his self-deprecating humor and fresh material. I honestly loved what Mayce did. He was my absolute favourite, praises Wex. I cant believe hes 17 and he has that material he has written himself. I totally thought he would win because he was incredible. While wonderkid Mayce Galoni didnt win the Rising Star competition, he did tie for second place earning himself an opening spot for the comedy festivals Friday night show. Galoni, along with other second place winner Mike Takacs, will open for Trevor Wil-

son, Mark DeBonis and Gilson Lubin on Sept. 23. Now that Wex has just over a week to prepare for the upcoming Festival, it also means she will have a week to first feel nerves and then overcome them as she prepares material to open for some of Canadian comedys biggest names. Im a bit intimidated. Its interesting, terrifying, amazing, and Im just blown away right now, says Wex. You can check out Marilla Wex next on Sept. 24 when she performs in her well-deserved opening spot for the Brantford Comedy Festival at the Sanderson Centre.