The Opener is The FADER’s mini-interview series with exciting new artists we think you should know. What’s black and white and red all over? Ms* Gloom, the sultry electropop singer whose slick tunes are as glamorous as her noirish aesthetics. Her February mixtape J Is For Joon introduced the Orange County-born, LA-raised singer to listeners across the country, though she’s remained a bit of an IYKYK secret. An upcoming remix project seems liable to change all of that, featuring heavy-hitters like the iconic AraabMuzik and our recent GEN F star Quiet Light.
In between assembling a stacked lineup of collaborators, Ms* Gloom also found time to soundtrack the new runway show by textile aficionado Ben Doctor. In her plush, evocative music, Gloom adopts a persona somewhere between Brigitte Bardot and Betty Boop—coquettish, campy, and cutting all at once. Ahead of the release of J Is For Joon (RMX), we caught up with the artist to discuss her inspirations, her favorite accessories, and the ideal level of fame.
Reflections on Art and Inspiration
When asked about her hometown, Ms* Gloom recalls the private, special feeling of cliff jumping and hiking in Orange County. Her musical journey began with pop staples like Madonna’s Confessions on a Dance Floor and Beyoncé’s B’day, records she played on repeat during her formative years. Her current creative compass is heavily influenced by Marc Jacobs. “I relate to many of the emotions he discusses in conceiving a collection—from making the fearful, seemingly impossible first step, to ‘post-art-done’ emptiness,” she explains. “When I wear his clothes, I feel caught somewhere between the wonder of a child and the elegance of a sophisticated woman.”
Beyond the studio, her life is surprisingly grounded. She spends her free time cleaning, running errands, and browsing eBay. When it comes to her personal style, she favors a giant 70’s black and red striped bakelite ring that serves no practical purpose other than aesthetic impact. Her advice for others is equally bold: “Being yourself doesn’t just attract, it repels… in a good way! When you hide who you are, you’re not only hiding from the right people—you’re accidentally advertising yourself to the wrong ones.”
As for the future, Ms* Gloom remains focused on her craft, looking forward to new creative experiments and, perhaps, trying Lexapro. When asked about the ideal level of fame, she offers a singular, enigmatic answer: “Jesus Christ.”
