Catching up with Kid Sister

After she hooked us with Ultraviolet last year, we just had to know what’s next

By Niema Jordan
Published: March 27th, 2010 | 5:30pm

Kid Sister is the lady from Chicago who created the infectious track about fabulously decorated nails. Also known as Melisa Young, she is the juking MC who rhymes about mixing high- and low-end fashion (Louboutins with a power suit from K-Mart, anyone?) and reps her hometown to the fullest. Kid Sister is also in the midst of a U.S. tour guaranteed to make sure you have your right hand (if not both hands) high. We caught up with Venus Zine’s 2008 summer cover girl to get her take on touring, her favorite shows, and what’s up next.

There were some delays with you’re the release of your full-length debut, Ultraviolet (Downtown)—was that because you wanted to go back and perfect it, or was it because of a changing sound?

“It was more like we wanted the album to be cohesive. There was no clear single on the first version of the album, and that was really the first indication that maybe we needed to go back and focus it a little bit more.”

How have things changed since the album was released last November?

“[I’m] just getting on a touring schedule, you know? I had a period of time where I wasn’t doing much and then the album dropped—and now it’s time to tour. It’s nice to get back on the road because it’s a [welcome] change.”

What’s your favorite part of performing?

“When I have these little ‘in’ jokes with certain people in the crowd or just regular jokes. I’m not a comedian but I do think that I say dumb shit, and so it’s that really familiar connection that’s my favorite part.”

What’s your favorite song to perform?

“That’s like asking ‘who’s your favorite child?’ (Laughing) I love performing “Daydreaming,” but I usually don’t perform it. It’s so nasty and so loud. I love all of my songs, but that one slaps you in the face. It’s almost orchestral, it’s so pretty, and I love hearing it.”

Do you feel like touring allows you to expose everyone to a little piece of Chicago?

“Oh yeah, for sure. That’s why in the ‘Pro Nails’ video I made sure we did a little of the song “Switch Board to introduce people to juking who are outside of Chicago or don’t read regional music blogs.”

Are there any shows that really stand out for you?

“Sacramento. We got there and it looked like the parties we used to play when I first started. There was a kitchen, but not a real bar—it was like a table with liquor on it. And then I got on stage and they went crazy. Everybody was going nuts. No one was worried about something spilling on their clothes or what they looked like or what anyone else looked like. And that’s all I want the crowd to do. Leave the preconceived notions and the preoccupations with silly stuff at home. Just have a good time and shake your ass. It’s simple.”

Have you started thinking about ideas for the next album?

“Yeah. I have a lot of beats and I’m not sure yet which ones are for me and which ones are for other people. A lot of it comes from friends and family, which is basically what the last album had so it’s nice to be able to feel that support continuing.”

Do you have any other projects coming up?

“Not that I can talk about. They’re secret! I don’t want to jinx it either. Let’s just say they involve productions: things that involve lots of glitter and sparkles and flare.”

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Kid Sister official site

Kid Sister MySpace page

Downtown Records