The Growlersworld Interviews

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The Growlersworld Interviews is an ongoing quest, bringing you closer to successful and creative people in all walks of life.

Rawle Austin presents...

A conversation with Tracey Chin - Writing her way Back to the Future!

Rawle Austin: Can you introduce yourself to Growlersworld.com readers? Tracey Chin: I’m Tracey, a self-confessed sugar-loving; retro-junkie wannabe writer. RA: I know you have quite the weakness for retro/vintage and kitsch items. How did this come about and why does it appeal to you? TC: I think it all started when I was college. I was drifting into the alternative, especially where music was concerned. I started frequenting Kensington Market, then Camden and Portobello Markets for the more unique clothes and music. I think mostly trying to find my identity, in some way. From there I got into the whole retro scene which extended into furniture; interior design and collectables – it was very inspirational; a lot of fun and a great way to fuse my developing interests, which were a welcoming antidote to the increasingly bland mainstream.

RA: What’s the most kitsch thing you own and what’s the story behind it?

TC: That has to be my Jem and the Holograms collection because it reminds me of my childhood. God bless eBay!!

RA: You have an urge to enter into the creative writing field. Where did this deep seated passion spring from and why do you want to write?

TC: I’ve always been good at writing. Some of my best childhood memories were of creating stories in my English class. Suffice to say, English was and is, my favourite subject.

Somewhere along the path of adolescence, I lost that confidence and passion, but I’ve never lost that memory of having enjoyed it all those years ago. It’s something that I desperately want to get back. RA: What was the last good book you read and what made it special for you? TC: Now I feel bad, because as a writer, I’m a ridiculously terrible reader! The last good book I remember was Norwegian Wood by Haruki Marakami - there’s something so conversational and simple in the style that he writes in.

Norwegian Wood deals with the theme of nostalgia and 1st-loves and how they shape the main character, something that I found quite poignant.

RA: Who are your top two favourite authors and why?

TC: That’s a tricky one because it depends on the market that an author writes for. I would have to say Angela Carter for her “Bloody Chamber and other Stories” short story compilation that I discovered while doing my A-levels.

I love the way she has taken traditional fairy-tales and given them a more adult and dark feel – probably how they were originally intended to be anyway. And of course Haruki Marakami for the reasons explained above.

RA: Music is another love of yours, what has been your favourite gig to date and why?

TC: Another tricky one! I’ve been to so many and nothing can beat the feeling of a live atmosphere.

Being a huge fan of Def Leppard - my 1st major gig was theirs – has proven memorable on many an occasion. Then there are those that are perfect for dancing around to, like Madonna. She always ensures the audience get what they pay for – the way it’s supposed to be. RA: Who are your top three favourite musicians/singers of all time and why? TC: Again, there are so many innovative musicians out there, but the 3 that I’ve chosen have all had a major impact on my life at some point or another.

I remember having a huge fascination and admiration for Mariah Carey when I was about 14. There was something really soulful about her, not to mention THAT voice.

It’s a pity her music has lost some of that now. It just looks and sounds too glossy – all style and not much substance.

Madonna – I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her 3 times now. Granted, she’s more of a performer than musician, but few can deny that she’s had a huge impact on pop music. Most of her songs hold a special memory for me.

Most singer/songwriters – Tori Amos made me wish I could play the piano with abandon like that; she’s just so wild and free.

Half the time you don’t understand what she’s singing about or what it means, but that just makes her even more mesmerising to watch.

RA: You’ve attended many a festival, what do you enjoy most whilst there? TC: The freedom of the open air. Depending on which one you go to, there’s so much other stuff that goes on, besides music. For me, I love the idea of dressing up and exploring other sub-cultures that are around. Dressing up is the thing at festivals now, much to my delight! RA: How would you describe the festival vibe? TC: If it’s a good one then you get a really friendly atmosphere. Most people are pretty chilled and open to new experiences – experiences that they wouldn’t usually encounter in their everyday lives.

It’s a form of escapism: like being a kid again.

RA: What is your most memorable festival experience of recent times and why?

TC: It would have to be Glastonbury. Despite the mud, just wondering around by myself, breathing in the atmosphere; seeing many unusual, crazy and surreal acts.

I encountered the same atmosphere at Secret Garden Party. Although it was on a smaller scale, it was still amazing, nevertheless.

RA: Ok, on the spot time. Jem and the Holograms. Who are they and why do you have a soft spot for them?

TC: Jem is a fictional pop singer doll created by Hasbro in the 80s. What made her stand out was her wild pink her and the fact that she had these red star earrings that allowed her to transform from Jerrica, business woman and humanitarian, into her alto-ego, Jem.

The Holograms were not just her band, but consisted of her sister and 2 of her friends: Shana & Aja. They were constantly feuding with the rival band, punk trio The Misfits (not the real-life band of the same name!), who were constantly trying to sabotage Jem and the band. I think I was drawn to them because they were different to your bog standard Barbie doll. They were very much “now” (well, in the context of the 80s scene) and represented the pop culture of the time.

Jem also represented the career woman: someone who was a smart, honest, hard-working business-woman, having fun at the same time - although kids wouldn’t have been thinking this at the time!

Also, the bands had specially written songs for the animated series (which I love) and have helped turn the show into a cult phenomenon.

It reflected the popularity of the MTV culture that had started a few years previously and totally revolutionised the girl’s doll world to what it is today.

RA: Who inspires you most and why?

TC: People who live their dreams, despite facing the many difficulties and challenges they face. I think this is probably because I’m constantly striving for this ideal in my own life.

RA: And finally, what words of wisdom would you like to leave us with?

TC: Do what makes you happy: “A life lived in fear, is a life half-lived.”

Emma Law - Procuring an Ethical and Environmentally Friendly World>

<Hassan Noshib: Porridge Power!

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