#MusicExchange: Lana Crowster returns to the national music scene with the release of single: "Fake"

The singer and songwriter, who hails from Belhar in the Western Cape, has also been named as one of the young South Africans you need to know by the Mail and Guardian in its recent poll.

We had a rapid-fire chat last week.

Image: Supplied

The new decade means:

New possibilities and a positive shift in energy.

Fame is about:

Using your clout for good rather than evil.

Retirement will happen when:

When I can afford a house with a huge garden and seven dogs.

I don't do:

Drugs and escargot.

What does music mean to you?

Music is a sacred vessel best used to communicate the incommunicable.

My music is about:

A woman of colour living a bold life and the lessons learned along the way.

I would love to co-write with:

Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Gregory Porter and H.E.R.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

I am inspired by late night, wine-induced conversations with my close friends and the strangers I meet on my travel adventures.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Being able to express myself through various forms of creativity – art, music, fashion design, etc.

Image: Supplied

Image: Supplied

The song you must do in every show:

“Seasons”, “Truth” and “Outta My System”.

Any funny moments on stage:

I recently did a show where my zip broke as I stepped onto stage! I had to perform two dance numbers while holding my pants up!

My heroes:

Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu – basically all Black women who freely express themselves and live unapologetically.

My style icon:

Rihanna and Lizzo.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Lizzo – her self-awareness, artistic bravery, her intelligence as a musician and she is a powerhouse performer, songwriter and vocalist.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Roland Juno keyboard. I remember dreaming of owning one as a music student, so I saved up for it and bought it! I still can’t believe I made that happen for myself. And my car, The Silver Bullet; same story as the Juno ;)

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Watermelon-flavoured Absolut Vodka and soda, on the rocks, please:)

What makes you stand out?

My personality, character, music and sense of style are fiercely unique.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would be a creative director of some sort; fashion and jewellery designer, anything where I get to be creative.

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?

Lizzo, because she is basically my twin, in character and spirit!

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Resilient, bold, authentic, unique, powerful.

Five favourite SA albums: 

Nomvula – Freshlyground
A Cry, A Smile, A Dance – Judith Sephuma
Indlel'eyekhaya – Spha Mdlalose
Halloween – TKZee
Swimming in The Soul of Music – RJ Benjamin

What is your favourite word?

Am I allowed to swear on this questionnaire?

Favourite fashion garment:

My sneakers, all of them!

Top of your bucket list:

Graduating with my master’s degree in music business from New York University.

Your greatest achievement:

This far, it’s been creating a niche for myself as a performer and music educator. Being able to create a legacy project like The Lady Day Big Band and have a hand in nurturing the future of SA music is my biggest achievement. I will continue to seek out opportunities to do so.

What do you complain about most often?

I hate getting cold. Winter is the worst for me.

What is your fear?

Dreaming so big that I can’t make it a reality for myself.

On stage, I tend to:

Lose my mind, but in a good and entertaining way!

Wishes and dreams:

Success, abundance, happiness and the ability to pay every ounce of my success forward. And a house with a garden big enough to hold seven dogs.

Social media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
www.lanacrowster.com