In a recent discussion, Karen O, the frontwoman of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, was asked about her stance on the age-old concept of rebellion. She said that she has no regrets about not being a typical rockstar rebel.
Karen O had received advice from an unlikely source – a close friend. This friend had emphasized that she needed to toughen up, not allowing others to sway her in directions she didn’t want to go. She describes the advice as a call to be ‘more of a bi*ch,’ an urging to assert herself when she felt pushed in an uncomfortable direction. This unexpected wisdom, although seemingly harsh, was simply an encouragement for Karen to hold her ground and maintain her individuality.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer clarified that the advice had come from Dave Sitek, a long-time friend and producer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs albums. Sitek, Karen explained, was probably attempting a classic rockstar move – pushing her towards a ‘mean’ persona. Yet she said that she has no other intentions except to set healthy boundaries and has not adopted a mean persona despite the pushes in that direction.
The conversation between Karen and the interviewer played out as follows:
“Karen, what you said as far as the advice you’ve gotten in your career is that somebody told you to be more of a bi*ch. How is that possible for somebody that seems so naturally nice, and then does it carry into other parts of your life?”
To which she responded:
“That person is Dave Sitek; he’s produced all our records. I think he just want to push me like really a lot in that direction because he knew that I generally would go in the other direction, but the way I decoded that was just – what I’ve been doing for a while was stick to your own guns. ‘No’ is the sweetest word, absence makes the heart grow fonder; that’s why you guys are so happy to see us right now. The most important thing is to follow what your gut tells you. I never regret not being a bitch but healthy boundaries, dudes!”
The singer’s conversation sheds light on her unique perspective on rebellion, asserting herself, and her overall approach to life. Her response harbors individuality and refusal to bend to external pressures, and her dedication to her own path sends a powerful message.
