Bif Naked 

by Alex Teitz  

Bif Naked has emerged with a strong and powerful style. Her recent release, I, Bificus on Atlantic/Lava Records is slowly sweeping the nation. Bif Naked also finished a recent dates with the Lilith Fair. Bif Naked comes across as an individual against the herd. FEMMUSIC was able to catch Bif Naked by the slimmest of margins recently. For more information on Bif Naked visit: http://www.BifNaked.com Here’s what she had to say:

FEMMUSIC: You’ve lived everywhere from India to Canada. How has that affected your music and songwriting?

BN: Because my father moved around so much (teaching dentistry) my two sisters and I grew accustomed to change and travel. I think that all the moving helped me as a performer, I was never shy. I think that songwriting, however was helped by my enjoyment of writing poetry as a kid.

FEMMUSIC: There are numerous drawings, and words of wisdom in the liner notes. What is the story behind them?

BN: I always did my own liner notes (one EP and three albums) because I wanted it to be done by ME so that I could contribute 100% to the making of the whole CD. When kids buy it, they pour over the booklet and I hope that I put enjoyable cartoons and stories down and it’s entertaining to them. It also gives them insight into what type of person I am, where I come from as an artist and helps us develop a solid relationship.

FEMMUSIC: You were briefly married, and mention it in “Chotee.” How did that experience change you, and your musical style?

BN: I don’t think it effected my musical style as my style encompasses a large variety. I think that it did not change me personally because even though it spawned a broken heart – it never hindered me from falling in love again.

FEMMUSIC: What artists have influenced you the most?

BN: Chi Pig from S.N.F.U. was my mentor

FEMMUSIC: What advise would you give to an artist just starting out?

BN: Never quit doing what you do, always be honest, don’t be too serious.

FEMMUSIC: What has been your biggest challenge as a woman singer-songwriter?

BN: The challenges I have faced in my life have been either to do with my gender (ie. equal pay, playing hockey, being raped) or to do with songwriting (trying to convey emotions or stories with music). I think that some of the songs I’ve written may be considered gender specific but that has never bothered me. I do’t expect boys to sing songs about their period cramps – so I don’t expect anyone to be surprised if I do.

FEMMUSIC: Your songs focus on relationships, many of them bad. How did you choose the songs for I, Bificus?

BN: We wrote, like a million songs, and these ones were my favorite.

FEMMUSIC: What has been your best experience since you’ve been playing music professionally?

BN: I have a best experience every week on tour. Sometimes it’s playing with another band on the bill whom I’m a fan of and sometimes it’s because my band had such fun on stage and sometimes it’s because the mosh pit was so “bitchin”.

FEMMUSIC: Open ended. What else would you like to tell our readers about you, and your music?

BN: Um……well I guess that I write songs about stuff that I experience (except “Spaceman” – I wasn’t actually abducted – it’s just a fantasy song) and I do’t think my experiences are unique or special – we all go through the same things. I try and tell it like it is. Plus, music is supposed to be entertaining – I hope my stuff is. I do’t take it too, too seriously. Life is hard yet easy. Life is long yet short. We must live every single day like it is a gift. And we must SKATE!!!