INTERVIEW: Label Signs Gamer Musicians

Columbia’s Lost Rings Label Discovers New Talent with Three Women of Color Gamers

Nerd culture is often associated with comic book fans, anime junkies and video game enthusiasts. When one thinks of a "nerd," very smart males or females who live on the fringe of cool culture come to mind. It’s not often that people of color are associated with this niche. However, geeks have a community that is growing in size and diversity. More women are getting involved with gaming, a form of digital entertainment where visuals, story, characters and music are important.

Music on soundtracks is important in driving the emotional heart of the story. Soundtracks can also expose young gamers to music they might not have heard before like Queen’s “I Want It All” on The Eye album or Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” in Resident Evil. Gamers often have their own music they like to play to, their own playlist, which helps them enhance their video gameplay or streaming experience. Columbia’s Lost Rings (http://www.lostringsofficial.com/), a record label comprised of artists who are game enthusiasts, aims to attract these types of gamers.

The first three artists signed are women of color -- Bunnymightgameu, BlackKrystel, and SunZi. Each has a different persona, but the thing that synthesizes their connection is their equal love of gaming and music.

SunZi, the rapper of the trio, recently released her second track on the label, “Senpai,” which is a word from anime culture that means “crush.” Her video for the song has an 80s aesthetic that incorporates her love for video games but also has “Blaxploitation” vibes.

While all three ladies are self-proclaimed “blerds,” none of them fit the stereotype of a nerd. They are all bold, beautiful, smart and self-assured.

BlackKrystel and Bunnymightgameu spoke with bfm about their enthusiasm for games and music.

bfm: What is nerd culture?

BlackKrystel: Something underground, that used to be looked down upon. There's a shift going on, though, and we're no longer taking a back seat or hiding. We're proud to be geeks!

bfm: What is cosplay?

BlackKrystel: It's Halloween meets stage performance. I have a theater background and really get into cosplay.

bfm: What's your favorite character to cosplay?

BlackKrystel: Storm from X-Men. Young girls of color always get excited when they see me. I like that.

bfm: What's your favorite music from a game?

BlackKrystel: The Kingdom Hearts soundtrack. It's Final Fantasy meets Disney. It's orchestral with some pop and electronica. I also like Life is Strange: After the Storm. The British folk band Daughter did the soundtrack and it's amazing.

bfm: How about you, Bunny? In general, what's your favorite music to listen to? As far as video games, favorite soundtracks?

Bunnymightgameu: I don’t have a favorite genre or type. I listen to a lot of instrumentals. I also don’t listen to a lotta’ music that is in circulation right now. But, I love the “Streets of Rage” soundtracks.

bfm: How did you connect with Lost Rings?

BlackKrystel: Through a mutual friend. It was star-crossed. I was in the right place at the right time.

Bunnymightgameu: I got a message from my photographer who’s now the creative director at Lost Rings. He asked me to meet him at some address and when I got to the building it was the Sony Columbia offices. When they initially told me they wanted to sign me I laughed thinking it was a joke. I was totally down to ride but honestly didn’t know it was going to be THIS MAJOR.

bfm: What does “Otaku” mean?

BlackKrystel: It's a Japanese word that means to be a homebody, to stay in. It used to have a negative connotation, but that's changing.

bfm: What’s the name of your songs released by Lost Rings?

BlackKrystel: “Party Up.”

Bunnymightgameu: “Game U.”

bfm: How did you come up with your moniker?

BlackKrystel: From the game Star Fox Adventures. There’s a character, Krystal, who’s badass…! (laughs) Also because I’m mixed race, I thought it’d be interesting to juxtapose black and crystal.

Bunnymightgameu: My grandma collected bunnies. I was fascinated by them.

bfm: Why is it important to have a crossover label?

Bunnymightgameu: It’s important because rap music is so predictable and the shittier the lyrics, the more airplay it gets. This crossover needs to occur so we can balance out the musical energies.

bfm: Why is it important for women of color to be represented in the gaming scene?

Bunnymightgameu: Growing up I didn’t have many tough black/afro-latina female leads in gaming/film to connect to. I had Sara Connor and Lara Croft. We had to represent so that little kids coming up now won’t feel like they’re missing out on seeing a reflection of themselves in a greater light.

bfm: (to Bunny): Who are some Blerds, famous or not famous, that you'd like to meet?

Bunnymightgameu: Simm the Saiyan, rappers T-Pain and Travbryan, actor Khleo Thomas and Lucid Belle from the Netherlands.