Everybody Loves Betty Who
Betty Who at the Terrace on June 12, 2014.
Photo by Courtney Kessler
If you haven’t heard her hit songs “Somebody Loves You” and “Heartbreak Dream” yet, it’s time you listen and get to know Betty Who. Born in Australia and current New York resident, the 22-year-old singer songwriter is touring around the U.S. before she tours with pop artist Katy Perry this fall. Catching Madison on one of its more beautiful summer nights, Betty put on an amazing show at the Terrace last Thursday that got everyone up on their feet. Luckily, she took time to chat with me before the show.
TV: Have you ever been to Madison before?
BW: I played at the Frequency in January, 90 people showed up or something. It was SO cold and it was the first night I got sick–it was a nightmare. It was a really fun show, though. I have a couple friends that live in Madison and they came to the show so it turned out great. My whole band complained about the cold but I said “You have to see it in the summertime, I promise it’s beautiful.” So I’m glad we’re here.
TV: Have you been to the Terrace?
BW: I’ve never been to this venue so it’s very exciting with all of these people. Plus it’s so beautiful out.
TV: I read that you started pursuing music when you were young, what’s your experience been like getting to where you are today?
BW: It’s definitely been a long experience but at the same time it’s felt like a high speed train. It’s been intense and it’s been very cool. I’m looking forward to the next six months of my life. There’s lots of cool stuff that’s happening. And I’m very excited about putting out the new music I’ve been working on and upcoming tours.
TV: You’ll be touring with Katy Perry this fall, yes?
BW: Yes I am. I cannot wait, it’s going to be the best.
TV: So far you’re most known for the song “Somebody Loves You,” what songs are you most excited for your fans to hear from this point forward?
BW: I have been writing by myself and with my producer, Peter Thomas, but I also have a lot of new collaborators. I have been working with a lot of writers and producers in the industry with insane experience. It’s been very cool to work with people that I admire so much.
TV: What songs are you most excited to perform tonight?
BW: The whole set is fun for me, but my favorite song on the set might be “Heartbreak Dream” or “Lovin Start.” But I’m excited for the whole set.
TV: How do you see your image and music evolving in the future?
BW: I think as I get older I’ll get more and more R&B. But I guess we’ll find out. This album definitely has stuff from the first two EPs and as well as new material. I think it’s going to be a really good first impression that’s not a first impression. I’m looking forward to people hearing the stuff in between that fills in the time and what I’ve been working on.
TV: If you weren’t a musician what would you want to be?
BW: I more than anything would want to open up a diner and make eggs because I am literally the most talented egg maker I know. People don’t believe me but literally I will blow your mind. It would be the most popular, fabulous diner I know.
TV: Who are your influencers?
BW: The singer/songwriter generation. Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Sting—They’re my foundation of songwriting goodness. Then came the generation of singer/songwriters that were also pop musicians, essentially Michael Jackson, which is what I love. I think we kind of lost that in the 90s but now I’m so excited that there is a whole new generation of pop singer/songwriters. The people who are killing it right now are singer/songwriters and I love it.
TV: What’s one thing you love to see from an audience?
BW: I think commitment to a performance is something that sounds like it should always happen but the number of times it actually does happen is a lot less than it should. I am enthralled in a performance when an audience 100 percent commits and are excited to be there.
TV: Your performance here on the Terrace is one that Union-goers have been most excited for the summer, so everyone’s been asking if after you win your first Grammy will you come back to the Union?
BW: Oh my gosh, I’m sure. Madison is a huge target audience for me. I’m sure I will come back time and time again. When you tour, you usually only see places in very short hits of time. You start to feel like you know the city even though you have only been there for a short time.
Betty Who at the Terrace on June 12, 2014.
Photo by Courtney Kessler
For more of Betty Who’s music and tour information, check out her website and her Soundcloud. Make sure to keep your eye out for more concerts on the Terrace through WUD Music’s Terrace After Dark series! More exciting performances include the Isthmus Jazz Festival this Friday and Saturday, Sharon Van Etten on Thursday, July 17, Caroline Smith on Saturday, August 8, and more.
What are you excited to see this summer? What is your favorite Betty Who song? Share you thoughts and comments below!
