In the year 2010, there might not have been a time in your life where you didn’t hear or see the following lyrics:

“Poppin bottles in the ice, like a blizzard when we drink, we do it right, gettin slizzard/ Sippin sizzurp in my ride, like Three 6/ Now I’m feelin so fly like a G6?

Your first instinct may be “What the fuck does Slizzard mean and is a G6 some type of car?” It then goes to “I need this song as my ring tone right now” and “I need to spam my BBM status with these lyrics, oh my god! So hip!”

After your mind goes through that, oh so intense process, you draw back and think about something else. Who the hell is that girl singing the hook?

Well on your iTunes purchase receipt it says “DEV” and that’s who it is, it’s not Uffie and no it’s not Ke$ha. It’s DEV. Well who is DEV? Pop class begins….

DEV is a singer/songwriter, discovered by LA Valley-boy group “The Cataracs.” To some that C-word might just be any other Snoop Dog lyric, but to others it may be the name of the group that is brewing up all the youthful pop music that today’s radio stations, iPods and Facebook statuses are screaming for; basically brain-washing teens with fetch lingo and simple beats that will live in your brain. The same things Dr. Luke & Max Martin did in the late 90s to early 2000s with Britney, N*SYNC and The Backstreet-Boys. Coming strong with her recent Billboard hot 100 debut “Bass Down Low,” The Cataracs’ self-proclaimed “mainstream top 40 revolutionizing muse” is ready to use her debut album to tell listeners that she is really more than just the “G6? girl. Before even going into writing/producing this album, she is coming off headstrong as ever with creative ideas employed by executive producers & non-stop collaborators “The Cataracs.” Just coming back from studio sessions with 50 Cent & Travis Barker and getting ready to fly to Costa Rica to begin her debut album sessions. I decided to call her up to find out what the whole “G6 movement” is about and how annoying it is to be only known as the “G6 girl.”  When a pen, a paper and a Universal Republic contract seems to be living proof, she is so much more than that.

Dev: Hi Alex.

Alex Kazemi:  Hey Dev, where are you right now?

Dev: I’m good, in Florida!

Kazemi: Touring?

DEV: Yeah, Just wrapped up the tour and then I’m playing a show in Canada on the 20th.

Kazemi:  Exciting, so I don’t know how this works. You were a professional Olympic swimmer, swimming all your life and then one day you just decide to sing the hook to one of the biggest pop songs of the year 2010 “Like A G6.”  Does California Valley boy production duo “The Cataracs”  have anything to do with this decision and transition? Two S’s, swimmer to singer.

DEV:   I was a swimmer for a long time and I guess I was pissed off because of my ex boyfriend’s new girlfriend, you know when your young and aggressive..  I decided put up this song on MySpace. MySpace was the place to be at the time, you know I recorded a song off my MacBook, it was basically a “diss track” and I didn’t expect anything out of it? It was just to make me feel good like how music should but Niles came across of my page and was really  into my voice and they kind of got me into singing and opened up my eyes to business opportunities.  I didn’t know we’d ever be connoisseur’s of party pop like “G6? and “Bass Down Low” when we first met up and now we live with each other in LA and are on some real shit! [Laughs]

Kazemi: Real shit eh? How do you three sort out ideas as a constant collaborative group, what is a typical session like with DEV, Niles & Dave (The Cataracs.)

DEV:  Were all completely random, unique and weird individuals that make each session very different and complicated in a way. It really depends, some times the boys will come to me and say “I’ve been wanting to do this song but this is more of a DEV track” and from there Niles will show me the beat and me and David will come up with lyrics or some times I go to them when I have written some sort of idea and they will help me elaborate on it to the point where we can have a song.  Its great having their two minds and two different personalities and it’s great that I live with them.

Kazemi:  I assume they will be executive producing your whole album?

DEV:  You assumed right! We’re going to go to Costa Rica for a month and lock ourselves in this incredible beach house and do my whole album together. Producing and writing, I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with on my album.

Kazemi: The Cataracs are really geniuses when it comes to the Dr. Luke formulaic sound that the audience of this generation wants to hear but will any other additional song-writer/producers be flying out to Costa Rica for the debut?

DEV: I might work with some people,  I’ve been contacted by a couple people that you might know of but it’s hard to say of right now but I think me and The Cataracs are on a really good streak right now and it’s not intentional. “G6? was not planned, nothing has been planned and it’s always been really natural and I think were going into this album with the natural mindset we’ve gone into with any other session. If any of the producers really want me to come out and fly from Costa Rica, maybe I will but as of now I’m focusing on working with The Cataracs for the time being in Costa Rica.

We’ll see, I guess?

Kazemi:  I think working with other producers isn’t a bad idea. You are becoming notoriously known as the hook-girl, you just reprised that role on a track on the new 50 Cent record, did your voices collide and compliment each other?

DEV: YES! Oh my god, it’s so cute! I was so excited because I’m such a big 50 fan. I remember when “In Da Club” came out and being obsessed with it! The track is really cool; our voices definitely complimented each other in the bridge.  The coolest thing about this was it was over a Cataracs beat and that was really comforting. The roughness of his voice contrasted really nicely with my little soft voice. It was dope.

Kazemi: Travis Barker and yourself were in the same studio, did you guys happen to cut anything?

DEV: We did! I actually got on one of his songs that will possibly be put out on the album he’s working on.

I’m on the hook with a song that has verses from E-40, Snoop & Ludacris. He liked it enough, kept it and hopefully is  out on the album. It was really cool as well, same kind of situation with 50. I had a big poster of Travis on my wall and I was obsessed with Blink.

Kazemi:  That’s fandom at its best, what was the story with “Booty Bounce” and “G6? were they produced and written around the same time? Whose idea was it to use the ” Like A G6 ” hook from “Booty Bounce” for the final track “Like A G6.”

DEV:  They were made in the same summer; it was a time where The Cataracs and myself were grinding it out in the studio pretty tough together. We made a bunch of simplistic random tracks, the sounds are similar and I can understand why you thought they were made around the same time. It was a really cool phase, swagging it out basically and telling the world we were the shit! Super sassy tracks, it was actually The Cataracs idea to take the bridge of Booty Bounce and put it over “G6.” The bridge became a hook basically.

Kazemi: Did you write this bridge/hook?

DEV: No, The Cataracs & Myself did it together, we were all kind of sitting down and I had to approve it before I sang it. They approached me like any other time they have written lyrics they thought I’d like and I was obviously down, that beat was amazing and to switch it from “Booty Bounce” to “G6? was not a problem for me. Everybody thought it was a great idea and we swung with it.

Kazemi: On the topic of Lyricism was the line ” And we sip champagne when we thirsty” from “Bass Down Low” a tribute to the Biggie classic “Juicy.”

DEV: It was a tribute to the big poppa, yes.

Kazemi: I think this needs to be said, it’s going to be hard drifting from being the “Like A G6? girl and its going to take time but what do you think will isolate you from that tile music wise. On the debut album, will there be a balance of icy pop songs like “Bass Down Low” but then other material that could be seen as different and could be the DEV-edge, DEv- aesthetic. Your own sound that could make people thinks differently.

DEV: You are the coolest dude in the world.

Kazemi: Thank You.

DEV:  Your Welcome!

So yes, thankfully “G6? gave me enough attention and it gave me a good amount of success and obviously has put me on the pop music scene, it’s a good time to push my music to more people rather then before when a demo would only have a couple thousand hits on MySpace. I’m playing bigger shows, traveling different places but with that,  it comes to the point where people put me in a box and everyone says “Wow, is that all she can do?” People should be more curious, my voice is weird and it is capable of things and that hook everyone knows from “G6? has given me a lot of attention but not too much. I’m confident in The Cataracs and myself that this album is going to speak for its self and I won’t just be known as the “G6? girl.  Pop songs with the feel of “Bass Down Low” will be included but I grew up being into helluva different music! I know that my intricate influences and The Cataracs simple influences are going to come out on this album as one.  Typical pop music is not what I am only good at doing; I have a lot of ideas and hip-hop influence records, some electro ballads. I’m really excited for it; my sound is going to come out. I think when my album is out people aren’t going to say “So did you hear The G6 girl has an album?” It’s going to be “I just bought DEV’s album on ITunes and it’s sick as fuck.”

Wait till April bitch!!!

Kazemi: [laughs] Every artist gets compared and I was wondering what it’s like being a white girl coming up on the scene who has saliva and can spit on a microphone and then is all of a sudden  sinked  towards more mainstream artists like Uffie and Ke$ha.  Every-time you hear a white girl rapping on the radio, an avid mainstream music listener will say “Like, Oh my god! What a Ke$ha wannabe.”

Who the fuck is DEV? Why isn’t she Uffie & Ke$ha?

DEV: I just feel that I have a lot more to say and the ability to have an eclectic sound, a very diverse pop album. I’m not bashing either artist, but I’m going to be able to give you a little bit more then what you’ve heard on those record. When my album comes out, hopefully I won’t have to hear another reference or comparison.  I am such a brat, I don’t want to be compared to anyone, I don’t care if it’s the greatest person in the world. Fuck it.    Both artists are cool but whatever, wait till April.

You know what I’m saying Kazemi?

Kazemi: I’m on it, I think.  Would you ever want to pen songs for any other pop artists, outside song writing?

DEV: I think when the time comes; I’m focusing on DEV right now. My energy is on finishing touring and making the best pop album I can. I plan to explore my artistry after this record is done and when I’m taking a break right before the sessions for the next record.

Kazemi:  Are you a morning or night writer?

DEV: I write the best from 4AM to 6AM, it’s super strange but this is going to sound really stupid but I use to have swim practice at 6AM.  I think all my energy is use to that hour and my mind can function the best at the hour from practice.

Kazemi:  That’s a fair change of workout. Alcohol, Sex and gossip and every element a youth talks about in there personal conversations is kind of translated in the pop music today, when you write do you feel you have to cater to this and join the whole “fuck yah partying, fake ID and underage sex” pop song movement.

DEV:  I personally don’t go into songs thinking about all of the misfits and each social clique at high school who will be into my song. The Cataracs are really good at doing that and they will know when to calm me down. I’m not going to be the one who says “Everybody underage get drunk and go fuck people!!”

I am not going to say that in a song, I feel like I can say a bit more then that but I know the teens are down with it and they want to hear words like “slizzard.”

The boys and me have that under control but listeners should understand music is self-expression and don’t take anything too seriously. In 2011 The Cataracs and myself have the ability to change the game, blend the music world by providing the weird California swag and sound were on.  The sounds, The Cataracs & me choose, the lingo we use, and we know what’s up. I feel like a lot of artists try to get there and it’s almost there but the lingo is off, the beats are wrong and I can tell those things because we’ve already started the movement, that  “pop revolution” everyone is talking about.

LINK LOVE: Alex Kazemi

Born in Florida and raised in Hong Kong, in 2004 the 17 year-old Anna-Catherine Hartley (aka Uffie) walked into hip-hop as a teenager and took Paris by the balls. We chatted with the music sensation about her career, aspirations, and the her much anticipated upcoming album.

Now 22, Uffie takes influence from grime, crunk, hip-hop and acid house, her music somewhere between electro, rap and nu-skool with a clear affinity for explicit and provocative lyrics.

After her massive hit “Pop The Glock” created a huge buzz on both the blogosphere and Myspace along with numerous club appearances, Uffie dropped two more tracks, “Hot Chick” and “In Charge”. 17 millions song plays on Myspace later, she could be seen everywhere on the international scene, between Lollapalooza and Coachella, and from Pukkelpop to Japan as Pharrell Williams’ special guest. Remixed by Sebastian and dressed by Jeremy Scott, she filled the fashion magazines and was the cover star for many including Jalouse, Zoo and PIG.

Alex Kazemi: What inspired you to write MC’s can kiss?

Uffie: Pigeonholers

Kazemi: Who have you been working with on your debut?

Uffie: Feadz and Oiizo of course, then Sebastian joined to team on difficult. I also started working with Mirwais towards the end, which was a great experience. One track with him is featuring Mattie Safer, and the next single has Pharrell Williams… who kills it.

Kazemi: Why did you decide to name the record “Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans”?

Uffie: Its the title of one of the tracks, and in a verse… it really just summed up the experience for me. This album was the end of my crazy youth and the intro to my adult life… it was an experience of fun crazyness tears and passion… makes me think of jeans and leather.. This title just really captured it for me.

Kazemi: A lot of people in pop music have been claiming ke$ha is a knock off uffie? Do you agree or do you feel that your style of music just falls in the same place?

Uffie: There are definitely similarities… but I’d rather not be part of this drama.

Kazemi: Is there a favorite unreleased track you’ve done from your “pop the glock” sessions that you wish were out right now?

Uffie: None

Kazemi: How old were you when you discovered you could rap or in modern terms “spit and drop” so well?

Uffie: 18

Kazemi: Do you think the mainstream is ready for your music? Is there a certain audience your music is aimed too?

Uffie: I think mainstream in general isnt what is was when i was growing up. Music that was indie or underground has in a way broken through and is partly the new mainstream… so maybe. I think people are craving something real and fresh, so looking other places than pop princess to get it. My music is aimed to anyone it touches…

Kazemi: Do you feel that most of your fan base resides in Europe?

Uffie: No

Kazemi: When did you first meet Feadz and when did you decide he was going to be your main producer? Do you have a favorite Feadz production on this particular record?

Uffie: We met when i was turning 16. He asked me a few years later when i was turning 18 to try out some vocals… and we just kept going from there.

Kazemi: Do you think your music is different then anything else in pop music? Would you consider your music pop music?

Uffie: I think its got more dark humor. Im also a bit of a tomboy at heart, so i think that brings it a bit of an edge. The fact that i choose to work with many different producers that arent seen so much in this style brings something aswell.

Kazemi: Do you think this record is different then anything else you’ve done?

Uffie: Definitely. When working on an album you get to go deeper, experiment more. My past tracks were eps destined for clubs… on the album i got to go deeper, make things that people can listen to at home..

Kazemi: Why did you wait 3 years to produce the video for “pop the glock”? Do you care for music videos?

Uffie: It was a fun experience, and videos are fun to make. I brought back pop the glock because its where the project started, my first baby… that it was a bit of a homecoming. Aswell when you release a video it touches more people, that probably havent heard it before…

Kazemi: What made some of your first tracks so confrontational? Many don’t imagine using promiscuity in that way…

Uffie: Doesn’t faze me

Kazemi: How did you get involved in the music scene at such a young age? What was the experience and process like?

Uffie: It was just fun with my friend Feadz… ive always loved music and it came pretty naturally… but i never thought anything would come of it. There was no pressure… total fun and freedom…

Kazemi: Is there anyone that you collaborated with in the past that you would love to again?

I prefer to look towards the future.

Her much anticipated debut album “Sex Dreams & Denim Jeans” (due may 31st 2010) is a Ed Banger family affair, co-produced with some of the greatest electro geniuses of our times (Feadz, Mr. Oizo, Sebastian, and Mirwais).

Photo credit: Nathalie Canguilhem

LINKLOVE: ALEX KAZEMI

There are so many reasons why I love Uffie, and this video is just another reason why. We’re all familiar with the Playboy Mansion, but this is what I view the Dim Mak records party house as being like haha. Gorgeous girls, great music and amazing style!

Celebrities-

Rihanna- Ri’s been really stepping it up lately. She’s got a wide range of looks, and is starting to find a world of her own when it comes to her style.

Lady Gaga- Everyone knows she’s crazy. Lady Gaga is definitely changing the views of fashion right now

Taylor Momsen- Are you surprised? You know we love her.

Emma Watson- The young HP actress is growing up! And looking hot at every event, if we do say so ourselves.

The Olsen Twins- They’ve been in the fashion eye for awhile now, and now that they’ve got some of their own lines, they always look awesome.

Zoe Kravitz- Lenny’s daughter! This teen has been making a lot of appearances lately, and looks good!

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Models-

Chanel Iman- Our favorite model to follow on Twitter. Chanel is so adorable, and has really awesome style

Tallulah Morton- She’s all over the Cobra Snake (in a Cory Kennedy way), and always looking fly.

Cole Mohr- This is for you Kirby.  Cole brought boyish and grunge to the fashion forefront, for models anyway. Plus he’s incredibly handsome, which definitely isn’t a bad thing.

Ethan James- Ethan is being seen more and more on the fashion scene (Milan fashion week, H & M, tons of editorial spreads), and has a similar look to Cole. I actually went to high school with this Ford model, and he’s been the most stylish guy I know since he was 15.

Jethro Cave- Pioneered the half-shaved head. LOVE those hanger tattoos.

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Fashion Personalities and Party People-

Alexa Chung- Whether she’s dressed to kill or wearing denim cutoffs, Alexa Chung is always on top of her game.

Chloe Sevigny- Great designer, great style icon. I’m in love with her buckle booties, which she is seen wearing a lot, paired with skinny pants or cute dresses. Definitely a hipster style icon.  We know she isn’t exactly under 25, but she’s been around for so long as a stylish designer to know, and like our moms, is one of those women that turn 25 every year for the rest of their lives.

Peaches Geldof- This social always looks gorgeous (as do all the Geldofs), for events or on the street with her fake fiance.

Aaron Kolfage- Fashion Indie’s favorite party host and dear friend, Aaron always looks fierce on Friday nights at Ruff Club. He dresses with such creativity, I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere else. This weekend, Aaron was wearing a giant tulle bowtie with a brooch in the middle, and I was mad jealous. Aaron gives us Midwesterners hope for being incredibly stylish, he’s from Michigan!

Fashion Bloggers-

Pelayo of Kate Loves Me – This guy, and his girlfriend, both have killer style. He wears some of the craziest things I’ve ever seen (including Louis Vuitton mesh tights!), and has perfectly coiffed hair at all times.

Lovisa The Intern- Lovisa Drever is all over Lookbook.nu, but I know her from Waffles + Falafels (who even briefly carried a shirt with her photo on it). She’s got a killer sense of style and can pull anything off, plus adds to the crazy personalities of W + F, who are some of my favorite people.

Six Six Sick Girls- These hosts and bloggers DIY matching outfits for their events, which include everything from red wigs to elbow gloves. They not only have a crazy (and matching) sense of DIY style, they also post some (literally) sick stuff on their blog.

Kirby Marzec- Fashion Indie’s own managing editor, Kirby not only knows everything about every designer, and what’s going to be hot next season, but she also isn’t afraid to pull it off. Whether it’s drop (to the knee) crotch pants, DIY ripped tees, or metal vests, you can be assured that Kirby will wear it, and she’ll wear it damn well.

Jazzi McG- We had a half hour long talk the other day about how much we love Jazzi’s blog, and her style.  A queen of DIYing and always dressed perfectly for the occasion, she’s definitely one to watch.

Tavi of Style Rookie-  Tavi is no rookie, maybe in the way that ‘Rookie of the Year’ becomes a professional baseball player, Tavi dresses better than some veterans of fashion.

Camille of Childhood Flames- Another not-even-legal fashion blogger showing that you don’t have to have a career to be fashionable, this sixteen year old is a pro at mixing designer goods with things we can afford, and is also taking advantage of the DIY world.

Lucas Logan- This 18-year-old from LA is all over the internet, model/blogger (Stylish Kids In Riot)/designer, Lucas is California’s newest ‘It’ Kid, braces and all.

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Musicians-

Uffie- I mean look at her, in.sane.

The Veronicas- I’ve followed The Veronicas since I was in high school, and their style has definitely evolved into rocker chic. They always look good separately, and even better together, on stage or off, and aren’t afraid to take risks.