Spotlight on: BC Jean

So Janis Joplin and Gwen Stefani (in her No Doubt days) somehow had a baby, and no one told us. All this time, she’s been hiding out in San Diego, biding her time and writing music so good, Beyonce chose one of her songs to launch her latest dual-personality album, I Am … Sasha Fierce.

Yep, we tracked down the writer and original voice behind If I Were a Boy, twenty-one year old Californian, BC Jean. The debut album may be forthcoming, and the four songs on her website will leave you thirsting for more, but the wait will be worth it. Try listening to her original If I Were a Boy and not feverishly hitting repeat every time it ends. We dare you.

With music in her genes, BC’s talent and inevitable success is practically cosmic, although the fact her grandparents were both signed recording artists has little bearing on her development as an artist in her own right.

‘They lived in Woodstock, NY and I was raised in San Diego, CA. I would visit them almost every year and did learn some technique from them, but they really didn’t play a role in my music career. Too much of a generation gap…ha ha.’

She landed a regular gig with a cover band, playing seven nights a week at the Sahara in Vegas, finishing her homework in her hotel room after the shows. She finished high school on the road, and then at seventeen moved to LA to start doing her own thing.

And that’s where we find her now, living in the hills of Hollywood, writing scorned-girl power-ballads du jour in NYC recording studios, and getting ready to unleash her sound on the world.
We gave BC a list of sentences to finish and she showed herself to be a right little rocker, with a particular love of exclamation marks.

Ed’s note: some were removed, but do not let that underestimate this girl’s enthusiasm – it’s unparalleled.

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I’m all the way from …San Diego, CA originally, but I’m now living in Hollywood!

I fill my days with … Working my business – writing, working out and vocal warm ups.

I take my coffee …Green Tea please

My birthday is …April 22, 1987 and I am a true Taurus.

The album I could (and have) listen to one million times is …Led Zepplin’s Greatest Hits.

The book I could read one million times is …Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom.

The song I wish I’d written is …What’s Up by Four Non Blondes.

The first CD I bought was…No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom.

I’d love to play a gig in …Anywhere! But I’m really looking forward to taking my music to Europe.

The story behind If I Was a Boy and Beyonce is … I was in New York working with producer, Toby Gad, on my album. Whilst I was there, I learned some horrible news about a guy I was in a relationship with, which (of course) led to an awful break up. The lyrics just flowed right out of me – I think that song took me about 15 minutes to put down
on paper!!!! I remember Toby saying to me as soon as we recorded it ‘we just made a smash hit my dear.’
It was for my album of course, and the rest is history – Beyonce released it and now it is worldwide hit.  I will be putting it on my album as well.

The soundtrack to my childhood was … “So this is Love” from Cinderella.

My music sounds like …Rock’n'Roll/Pop/Soul.

I’d love to be a cover-girl of … Rolling Stone magazine.

Generation Y is going to … change the world (hopefully).

Given the chance (and a big suitcase) I’d steal … Sienna Miller or Gwen Stefani’s wardrobe.

Can’t last the day without … Caffeine & music.

My debut album is …Stay tuned.

My passport is ready to go, please buy me a ticket to … Jamaica.

If you are heading to the bar, can I get a …Skinny bitch – “Vodka/Diet Coke.

My favorite item of clothing is my… Ripped Jeans, scarves & hats!

My favorite on-the-road snack…Popcorn.

Most essential item in my bag….Cell phone & sunglasses!

If I had twenty dollars left in my wallet, I’d buy…Starbucks, gum, & a bunch of lottery tickets.

The perfect Sunday…Beach, relaxing, just hanging out.

The best thing about my job is …Being able to express myself, and support myself while doing what I love – it’s  amazing!!!

My mama always told me …less is more & let the guy call you.

2009 is going to … ROCK!!!!

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Trespass loves

If I Were a Boy
Maybe I’m Wrong

To hear these tunes and find out more about BC, head to her Myspace