Rebecca Black Is Grown and Sexy in “Foolish”
If you’re thinking Rebecca Black is a familiar name, it’s because she was the 13-year-old girl in the viral “Friday” video that came out back in 2011.
But Rebecca isn’t 13 anymore, and she has new music to show for it. While on set at her photoshoot at Cherry Soda Studios for her new single and music video “Foolish,” we talked to Rebecca about the platform “Friday” gave her and where she’s headed in this next phase of her career.
Tell us about your new single “Foolish!” What’s the inspiration behind this song?
“Foolish” is a song that I’ve been waiting for the world to hear for a really long time. It is so representative of not only my sound but where I’m at in life right now, a place where I assume a lot of other people at my age are at as well. We’re beginning to not only own ourselves as budding adults, but we’re owning our sensuality. This song is all about that that experimentation, and even further than that, it’s about about everything you feel and discover when you start to fall in love for the first time.
Will there be more songs to come with it?
Yes, it is a part of a new EP due this summer!
What part of you does this song represent?
I wrote this song while I was just getting into a new relationship, and it was around the first time in my life that I was allowing myself to be vulnerable emotionally and sexually with another person. That time can feel really awkward and terrifying at times, but at the end of the day, it is also so wonderful and exciting. It is so important for all of us women to embrace our own sensuality and bodies as we live our lives, but that isn’t always an easy thing to do. That process is a huge part of this song and is a very real thing I’m going through as a young woman as well.
Tell us about the music video!
The video was directed by Lobster Bear, a team that I love to work with so much. We came together on a concept that captures all of those feelings of a young, first love. The riskiness, the vulnerability and the fun of it all.
What is your favorite part about the video?
It was such a fun project to be a part of and the team that was apart of it was absolutely incredible. We were up shooting until 5 a.m. the next day and even up until that last shot, everyone was having so much fun and just pushing through. It was very collaborative which I appreciate as I’m starting to find my own vibe as an artist.
How is it hiring a steamy love interest? Is it awkward at first?
It was actually nice to get to know someone new in such a short amount of time! Kurt was so sweet and very professional so it wasn’t really that awkward. It’s all about embracing the concept and the video an just biting the bullet when it comes down those really hot, intense moments.
Boiler Suit & Crop Top: Sharon Rahim for L.A. Roxx, Shoes: Demonia, Earrings: Melody Ehsani
Do you feel like you’re embarking on a new chapter of your career?
I do! My parents really wanted me to go to college, and I did too, but I was really torn, you know? I had dreamed of going to school for theatre, for music, for psychology, so many things… but I also had an opportunity to do what I loved right in front of me. I decided to take that opportunity and run with it. In these last couple of years, I have learned so much about business, music, production, acting, personal development and so much more. So yeah, there are so many new things I am learning about life every day. This is a definitely a huge new chapter for myself as a person and for my career.
How does this song represent this new phase of your career?
My last single, ‘The Great Divide,” was such a big step for me personally, and I was so happy to see so many of my fans connect with that song and appreciate it as much as they did. With “Foolish,” I’m showing another very personal side of me that many have yet to see…. but I’m so excited and ready for it.
Now for the elephant in the room. Are you grateful for the platform “Friday” gave you or is it burdening to be boxed into that still?
I am very grateful, I don’t know if I’d be talking to you guys now if it weren’t for that song! However, I would be lying if I said that I never get frustrated by the fact some people refuse to look past it, to see me for who I am now. I’m working on moving through and past that myself. We all are constantly growing and changing as people, and I don’t think it’s possible to define anyone by just one thing that’s happened to them. That song was a huge part of my life, but it does not make up all of it.
Shirt & Bottoms: Dyspnea, Shoes: Yandy, Earrings: Melody Ehsani
What’s some advice that you wish you knew when you were younger?
I’d say to be more forgiving of myself. It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself, isn’t it? Whether it be through work, school, self image, the list goes on. At the end of the day, we are all human and we deserve to give ourselves a break every once in a while, physically and emotionally. If there’s one person that should always be there for you, it’s yourself.
What’s something you wish people knew about you?
My love and passion for music. My fans know how important it is for me and we all talk it about it so much as a family, but honestly, my entire life revolves around music. It helps me grow, it helps me heal, it has allowed me to learn so much about myself. Like I said, this is a huge choice for me to do, but I’m 100% all in for it!
What’s a song you’re obsessed with right now?
“Sad For You” by Njomza! It is a beautiful song and so damn relatable at the same time.
Who are some of your inspirations?
I love to see young women making powerful moves. I just saw Lorde live for the first time in a few years, and what a presence she has. She is such a force to be reckoned with while maintaining such elegance and femininity. I am so inspired by her lyrics, her spirit and her style. OMG she serves looks!
Top: Masaki Matsuka, Skirt: Sharon Rahim for L.A. Roxx, Boots: Ami Clubwear, Earrings: Melody Ehsani
What are some of your goals right now?
First and foremost, to get this EP locked and loaded. It has been a project in the making for soooo long and we are so close. Once that’s done, I’ve gotta get out there and perform this music live! It is something so hard to describe, but the feeling of being able to share my music with an audience provides such a unique and special connection with every single person in the room.
What kind of topics are you covering in the EP?
This EP is all about coming into your own. There are so many walls I’ve broken down within myself in making this music and all I could hope for is that it could help someone out there do the same and feel a bit of freedom themselves. At the same time, I don’t want to sound too serious here. I really want people to be able to enjoy these songs! I was so excited that “The Great Divide” hit the Top 25 dance club charts and there’s no shortage of other bops on this EP too!
I’ve focused on lots of solo work for this project. I think it’s been important in helping my find my sound. I would love to get in a session with Frank Ocean one day. His music is so fluid and his writing is some of the best out there today. I would love to see how he does what he does and just absorb as much of it as I could.
Top & Skirt: Dyspnea, Shoes: Yandy, Earrings: Melody Ehsani
Photography: Maddie Cordoba
Styling: Kendall Finzer
Makeup: Andrew Toma
Hair: Jaycee Mnirajd
Photo Assistant: Tyrell Hampton
Thanks to Cherry Soda Studios
