Dana Washington/LoverFly- Good, Good
This is the first installment of a series of artist profiles in collaboration with SPKNBEATS x Daily Crack. This voyage piece follows Dana Washington or better known as Dana La Rock/LVRFLY, an artist hailing from Buena Park/Anaheim, CA. With musical influences ranging from her parents’ musical talents to Andre 3000 and Lauryn Hill, her musical styling is hard to describe or even limit within a genre. She produces, raps, sings, and does spoken word; a true multiple threat artist. Not to mention her knack at film photography. There seems to be nothing the LVRFLY can not do (besides being very shy and humble in phone interviews.) The following track is titled, “Good, Good” from her upcoming The Lover/Flying Lotus Project.
Questions:
How do you view the Hip Hop scene in lieu of female artists? Is the current situation motivation for you, or a hindrance?
I don’t view it as anything personally; I avoid Women vs Hip Hop talk at all costs. I’ve had so many arguments and it’s depressing. Folks will always have something to say about Female [rap] artists - Either she’s wack with the microphone but her body is bangin’ so she gets a pass. Or vice versa, she gets props because she looks like a model but raps like a 5 year old, she gets a pass. And if she’s good and looks “just ok” she’s probably unseen. I’m aware of the inequalities and biases; it’s not a discussion I like being involved in.
The issues don’t motivate nor hinder me because I know whatever I’m apart of (music, film photography, writing) is for me first. Music is my way of expressing and releasing. Now however others accept what I create is how they take it, obviously I’m hoping my music is loved, if not I love it.
What are your goals as an artist? What type of impact do you believe you’re capable of?
My only goal is being true to myself, that’s all I’m worried about. As long as I’m progressing and not backsliding I’m content. I’m worrying less about what others want me to do and more on what I want - And that’s making good music and providing pieces of work people can respect. I don’t want the pressures of industry or being controlled by a guy in a suit, who in reality doesn’t care what I create as long as I bring the buck in, that’s not me. Speaking off, being honest, I don’t even like being affiliated with men when it comes to my music [laughs], that sounds real bad but men in the industry or men who “think” they know a lot about music often try taking advantage or are quick to change your look - I been there and done that.
…and impact wise, I’m not there yet, I have lots of songs to make and experiences to relay.
If you had to describe your personal style in six words or less, what would it be?
A 30 y/o woman trapped in a 16 y/o body. (That’s more than 6 but it’s all good.)
Can you give an example of your growth as a person or artist that holds significance with you?
A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly pretty much sums it up. I did a lot of soul searching, growing as a woman, personal change and got re-connected with God. My perspective towards life’s struggles, people and my surroundings are different. Overall I’ve blossomed into someone I could get along with 100%, I don’t have to fight myself anymore.
Look out for Dana’s upcoming The Lover/Flying Lotus Project and features on I <3 My Sex, Vol. 1, presented by Pistol Etiquette.
