Creative people gravitate towards each other naturally, and when it comes to two artists that are known to crossover musical genres it’s no surprise that House icon Cajmere and hiphop diva Kid Sister would come together. Their new track “Everybody Wants” is a groovy, infectious dancefloor hit that can only come from the crossbreeding of two innovative players.
Melisa Young aka Kid Sister grew up in south suburban Chicago and made her voice known when Kanye lent his vocals to her track “Pro Nails”, accelerating her rise to stardom. With her new album Ultraviolet mixing in clubby tracks worked on by well-known stars in the House constellation, 5 Magazine decided to have a brief chat with her and Cajmere about their recent collaboration.
I’ve read about some of Kid Sister’s history growing up in Chicago and going to Jubilation listening to Booty House. Tell us more about your roots in House music and some of your favorite memories.
Kid Sister: I’ve always felt a deep connection to House Music starting from back when I was just a wee tyke going to parties at the now infamous Jubilation teen dance club. Before that all I listened to was classical and religious music. It wasn’t until I was about eleven years old that I learned about different genres outside of those two. Hearing House for the first time was like the scene in The Wizard of Oz when it goes from black and white to Technicolor.
Tell us about how the partnership came about. What new things have you discovered through this process?
Cajmere: Jamie Principle was telling me about Kid Sister and that he really liked her sound. He said that she did lyrics over “Shake and Pop” and sent it to me. From that, I knew that her sound would fit with a track I was currently working on. I’ve learned that it’s really exciting to work with new talent.
Tell us about the songwriting process for “Everybody Wants.”
Cajmere: I came up with the music and chorus and was looking for someone to do the verses. Kid Sister came into the picture and took it to another level with her artistic ability. She has an amazing personality and is extremely talented.
You’re known for breaking new ground musically and encouraging change no matter how strange or uncomfortable it may seem. What is something you’d like to say to heads who are still finding it hard to accept newer styles of House Music?
Cajmere: The only way we can keep Jack alive is to continue to support him through his many transformations. We have to adapt to the times and support new and emerging artists but also stay true to our Chicago House roots.
I see there were a couple of House producers remixing tracks on Kid Sister’s Ultraviolet album. If you had to write a review of it, what would be some words you’d use to describe the wide span of genres that you crossover?
Kid Sister: I feel like the genres are varied but at the same time come together in a VERY cohesive, seamless way. I like to call what I do “electronic Hip-Hop”.
Your career is absolutely skyrocketing and the next year must be crazy for you what with your new album and all. Do you see yourself transforming your style even more?
Kid Sister: Why thaaaaaank you! In my opinion an artist cannot expect to remain viable without constantly adapting to what’s going on. So yes, expect me to do this to but while staying true to what I do best!
What are some current and future projects we can look forward to?
Cajmere: In the near the future, I will be working on some things with Tiga, Tommy Sunshine, Afrojack, De La Soul, Santiago and Bushido, Rob Threezy, Jamie Principle, Colette, Felix da Housecat, and Diplo.
Any plans for re-releasing more material from the Cajual and Relief back catalog?
Cajmere: I recently have released some old tracks with the Lost and Found album and will release some more tracks in the future.
