Bustié’s Throb emerges from years of emotional intensity, blending activism, identity, and dance music into a fearless sonic statement—channeling grief, love, and resistance into a bold, genre-defying experience.
1. “Throb”
arrives after a long and emotionally charged creative process—what does it feel
like to finally bring this body of work into the world?
It feels
extremely, liberating. I am proud to have found a place to put my anger with
the world, an to fully grieve the heartbreak that inspired most of these
tracks. This album is a sonic grimoire of my experiences shaped over the last 6
or 7 years, formed by heartbreak, & the atrocities that are being committed
against people of color, trans folks, and people living under oppression.
2. You
describe your sound as “Anarcho Body Music.” How would you define that term
today, and how has its meaning evolved since you first created it?
Anarcho
body music, is socio-politically conscious dance music, exploring themes of
identity, liberation, love, and empowerment through our highest form of self,
unity and the spirit.
3. The
album blends electro, new jack swing, acid, disco, and punk influences—how do
you approach balancing so many genres without losing cohesion?
I am
fortunate that Bustié’s influences are integral influences on what I grew up on
& Bustié is an extension of myself. Bustié is how I view dance music &
emotion. Dancing is for everyone , and full of life and color. I think dance
music has always originated from something not linear. That’s what I want to
dance to anyways. When you look at it that way, the cohesion can’t be lost if
unity on the dance floor is present across its tracks.
4. Janet
Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 is cited as a key influence. What
elements of that record continue to inspire you most—musically or politically?
Wow this is
so hard! To me, this album is the blueprint. Growing up I was really sick, and
homeschooled all of grade school. I remember vividly watching her on TV, and
being mesmerized by this album, really just her in general. I would have to say
musically I am still blown away and inspired the most. Choreography is HUGE to
me, I grew up dancing, it’s one of my biggest passions, I think sonically I’m
always thinking of this album because of how it inspires me to move, and in
return how I want people to move with me. While lyrically we share many
of the same general points, those were her experiences and these are mine.
5. "Throb”
is dedicated to your late mother, Catherine. How did grief and memory shape the
emotional landscape of the album?
My mother
taught me to live, expresss, and love unconditionally, without bounds, with
acceptance, and passion.
This album
represents my dedication to myself, and the dreams for a more loving world for
those around me. When I was young, my mom would clear off the coffee table and
teach me how to dance to artists like Teena Marie, Mary Jane Girls & more.
I tried to harness those memories of feeling free. Of feeling seen.
6. Your
lyrics address LGBTQ+ rights, trans empowerment, and systemic oppression. How
do you navigate the line between activism and personal expression in your
songwriting?
These songs
are left for the listener to determine what they would like to do with them,
they can either be seen as forms of self expression from experience and
perception, or they can be used as a call to action through the form of sonic
spellwork.
For me
personally, these songs are an action, but I want them to be open to how the
listener may utilize them best.
7. The
singles “Lady of Dread,” “Perimeters of Love,” and “Smile Now, Cry Later” each
carry distinct moods. What narrative or emotional arc connects them?
Passion is
what connects all my songs together. “Lady of Dread” is my call to action. It's
spellwork for dismantling oppression.
“Perimeters
of Love” is all about devotion, and the glimmers of hope we find through love
and connection. “Smile now, cry later” is pure disdain, heartbreak and anger.
So while no
specific themes tie them together, my vessel of how passionate I am about these
themes is the only clear bond between them.
8. You’ve
collaborated with a wide range of artists across the Bustié lineup. How
does collaboration influence your creative process and the final sound?
Pretty much
anyone I have collaborated with is someone incredibly near and dear to me. For
instance, Heather “CrowJane” is my best friend of over 22+ years, Rosa not far
behind them. They have seen every iteration of who I am in my life and have
loved me through every step. My collaborations and bandmates also represent
direct themes and influences I cover in this band as well.
When I
write I usually have choreography in my head, or a message. My collaborations
tend to be the weapon of how I shape and execute these tracks by their
influence.
I fucking
love my people, with all my heart.
9. Your
music is deeply tied to club culture and the dance floor. What role does dance
music play as a form of resistance or liberation in your work?
I think
people forget that dancing is such a sacred act. It’s blatant resistance to
celebrate and express how vibrant and resilient our communities are. To come
together, and show that even in the face of adversity we adhere to our hearts
and move our bodies with one another. Joy is liberation, joy is resistance. Our
joy is a weapon towards the core of hate.
10. With
the upcoming U.S. tour following the release of “Throb,” what kind of
experience do you want audiences to leave the shows with?
I want
attendees to leave our shows feeling empowered, supported, and loved. To
understand that there are other folks, who bare the same struggles, and from
that, find their community, and chosen family.
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