GET FAMILIAR: Heady Betty
Heady Betty has been turning heads with a brash flow and commanding stage presence. I got an advance tip when her debut EP was about to drop, but since then, few artists in the 802 get more consistent word of mouth promo: whether it’s the audience, the promoter, or just the bar staff, the consensus seems to be that Heady Betty delivers a highlight set every time. People talk, bud. Which explains why she was part of a dramatic three way tie for Rookie of the Year in the first annual Vermont Hip Hop Awards.
So with VTHH getting back to full-time coverage, who else could I hit up for the first interview? You can catch Heady Betty at Zenbarn on Saturday, April 30th opening up for Cappadonna.
VTHH: Are you working on a new LP or EP these days?
Heady Betty: I’m working toward releasing a new album this summer. The project is in the final stages and I would love to have some new Betty for people to bump all summer long.
VTHH: Do you recall the approximate moment when you realized you were going to become a rapper?
Heady Betty: I was actually just talking to my sister about this, so it’s funny you ask. When I was in high school and she was in college, we were driving around in her car when she put on a beat and told me to freestyle. I didn’t step up and do it then, but I realized at that moment how badly I wanted to have the capability; I was probably 15 at the time.
When I was a junior, my friends in high school started freestyling and would diss me until I had to come back with something to defend my honor. My first comebacks were pretty bad, but I started practicing in my car and got better at keeping up in the group.
l recorded my first song 'Children' on GarageBand using iPhone headphones my senior year at UVM. After that, I knew exactly what I wanted to be doing with my time.
VTHH: Who are your biggest influences in terms of moving the crowd and controlling the stage?
Heady Betty: There are so many women in rap who inspire and influence me, but in terms of moving the crowd and controlling the stage, Megan Thee Stallion, Kentheman and Latto are artists I look to when planning out a performance. I watch videos of their live sets on repeat to see what gets the crowd excited and think of how to make it my own. I like to interact with the crowd as much as possible, I don't want to be the only one having fun on stage through the entire set.
VTHH: Coming from relatively down south, how was it adjusting to life in Vermont? Was there some culture shock or was it a pretty easygoing transition?
Heady Betty: Adjusting to Vermont was difficult. I traveled around a few months before coming here, so I had a dose of exposure to other cultures outside of my own, but it's my first time making a new home. I had never felt aligned with most people in the South politically or ideologically, so coming to a place where the general vibe is to accept others was a breath of fresh air. I felt out of place initially when I realized I hate jam bands, but I’ve carved out a mini community of my own here. I found some of the people I love creating with, and I picked up snowboarding because ‘when in Rome,’ ya know? I would not say it was easy, but the perspective I’ve gained coming here was definitely worth the struggle.
VTHH: Does it feel like BTV is finally getting back to normal?
Heady Betty: BTV was never normal, which is why I love it here. It’s constantly evolving, and it feels like after the lockdown was lifted, we emerged to find our old city in a completely new light. We’re all grieving heavy losses after the pandemic; many of us have yet to fully recover from how it de-railed our lives and plans. However, I believe loss brings the opportunity for new life and I’m grateful for the period of pause and reflection that rippled throughout the world.
I think as a community, we reconsidered what the needs and desires are of the people who live here, and even if we had to take a few steps back, I think we’re moving in the right direction. I see young, motivated people building in this scene and moving on to a larger scale, and succeeding. It’s inspiring to witness in the place where I’ve built my first home.