I have officially declared 2012 the year of La Artista. That’s artist in spanish, gender specific for women.
Why?
Because, well, there are a hosts of new artists emerging onto the scene and I am invigorated by all of the good energy. One such artist is Thais, an eccentrically cool singer with with a fierce ‘fro and even fiercer voice. This Maryland native is one vocalist you should pay attention to throughout the upcoming months. Zora had the opportunity to sit down with the talented musician and chat about her quirks, confidence and creative pursuits. Read our interview below:
Who is Thais? What makes her special?
Thais is a young woman who is speaking her truth. I’m special because I’m generally placed in a certain box because of my appearance and sound, but I challenge that with my creativity. I’m not what you expect, I love Katy Perry, Pink, the Spice girls to name a few and they influence me. Its not often that you see someone remix a Britney Spears song on an African drum, and make it work.
Can you talk about some of the experiences that have led you to the decision to pursue singing as a career?
I was in a play called Da Kink in my Hair last summer, and I would take early morning swims in the pool by myself, and one morning the maintenance guy heard me singing and he was like “you need to pursue singing!” but I’ve always been afraid to do it because I haven’t trained in it as extensively as I have in other fields. Then I decided its 2012 and fear is for the “birds.”
Your version of Childish Gambino’s So Fly is garnering a significant amount of attention. Did you expect the cover to gain the notoriety that it has?
Well, I’m not sure if it has notoriety yet, I would say it is gaining attention that I did not anticipate. I expected my friends to like it but when people I didn’t know started emailing/ liking the Facebook fan page, I was really surprised and then having it play at a clothing store in Washington DC was mind boggling in a great way.
As a trained dancer, actress, and singer, I’m sure you have many creative muses. Who are some of your artistic inspirations and why?
My artistic inspirations are people that I see doing what I’m doing. Like Erykah Badu because she also studied theater ( I snuck into her camp to meet her once and was chased by security), Bob Marley because he was truthful, Bob Dylan because he’s unabashed, Katy Perry because of her resilience, Solange Knowles because she’s different. Jesse J…her voice.. Childish Gambino because he’s ironic and passionate.
What new projects can Zora expect from you in the upcoming months?
I’m in a production of Julius Caesar in New York City and I’m doing a talent show in February at NYU. I’m probably going to keep performing for my friends in my living room but I’m getting into the studio more to produce some music. I’m also going to open for some established artists too, they just don’t know it yet. I might just drop a mixtape too. What do you think of the title: “Memoirs of a Unicorn Hustler?”
Be sure to follow Thais on twitter: @shebethais and connect with her on Facebook.
And check out the video for her cover of Childish Gambino’s So Fly:
Black Women Run Marathons Too is a docu-series following a twenty-something girl's journey to health and a half-marathon 
Surving College brings you advice, dos and don'ts, and words of wisdom to make the most of your collegiate years 
Other Side of the Degree chronicles the sometime unglamorous, often hilarious world of college grads poised to change the world. 
She Rules™ celebrates dynamic young women making a difference on campus and beyond. These ladies are making big moves.