Amanda Blank fills us in
Philly’s rappin’, dancin’ diva Amanda Blank has come a long way this past year, taking the momentum from previous collaborations with names like Spank Rock and Santigold to launch her solo show with debut record I Love You, released in August, and a nearly non-stop touring itinerary that has left audiences howling for more.
Don’t let the word "debut" fool you - Blank is already a legitimate, young vet of the scene. If you don’t already know her first single "Might Like You Better," you absolutely should. With its chorus’ continuation of the title (..."if we slept together") and bootie-bumping beat, it is practically screaming out for a nomination as this year’s modern gay romantic anthem.
And she comes with some cred-worthy endorsements, too: To date, she’s scored opening gigs for Yeah Yeah Yeahs and, in her most recent adventure storming through the Windy City this week, the princess of perverse, Peaches.
During a quick break from life on the road, Blank talked with EDGE about what it’s like to tour with Peaches, how she’s not a sex-obsessed nut case and why gay men and straight women make such a delicious, nutritious combo.
Touring with Peaches
EDGE: Touring with Peaches must be pretty crazy. Tell us what it’s like - what’s the craziest thing that’s happened so far on tour?
Amanda Blank: It’s been incredible! I’ve looked up to her for so long and so it’s been really exciting touring with her. She’s already taught me so much! To be honest, nothing too fucked up or crazy has happened (yet!) I think we’ve both been super focused on the show, so there’s not too much time to act a fool. I did however get to rap on stage with her... and that blew my mind it was so fun! Dream come true fo’ sho!
EDGE: Your album dropped this year to mixed reviews. What have been some of your favorite review quips? Alternatively, what are you absolutely sick of hearing?
AB: My favorite "quip" was when some asshole said I was just begging to get date raped. Wow. I wish I could date rape their face. I wouldn’t say I’m sick of this, but I find it a bit peculiar that writers are so curious about my personal relationships with the men who worked on the album. FYI, I love them all, but it’s not romantic. With any of them.
EDGE: I read your "personal brand" described somewhere as "bad-girl potty mouth raps." Do you feel that’s accurate?
AB: Partially, I suppose. I rap songs for myself and for all kinds of people so sometimes it’s raunchy and sometimes... You know... I likes to get sensitive.
EDGE: You’ve described your music as "written for girls like you and gay men." By the law of association, that could be taken to mean you relate to gay men at a certain level. Could you tell me more about that? Do you have a favorite gaylebrity?
AB: Haha, I do! I think it’s a law of nature or something. Straight women and gay men are like peanut butter and jelly. The two just go together. My favorite gay is Divine, without a doubt.
EDGE: What is one thing about yourself that you think surprises people, or is perhaps misunderstood?
AB: I think it’s maybe just who I am. A lot of people thought I was some sex-crazed man-hating attention-starved nut case. And none of those things are true. I’m not fiending to fuck everyone I meet. I’m not rapping about anything for the pure shock value of it.
And I love, love, love boys. I guess it’s all easy to confuse, but the truth of the matter is, Gwen Stefani, I’m just a girl.
Amanda Blank opens for Peaches at the Metro Friday, Nov. 20. Her tour wraps up with several more steps through the end of the month. Visit www.myspace.com/amandablank for more information.
