From Friday to Festival Stages: Rebecca Black on Viral Redemption and Her Love of DJing

When Rebecca Black first entered the spotlight as a teenager, her explosive rise to viral fame came with an overwhelming wave of attention—both positive and negative. Over a decade later, she has transformed that early experience into a platform for reinvention, proving she’s much more than a fleeting online sensation.

Now, she stands as an artist who has taken control of her own narrative. With the release of her latest single "TRUST!" and a performance at San Francisco's Portola Festival, she's stepping boldly into a new chapter.

We caught up with Black backstage to discuss her creative evolution, her love of DJing and how she's turning past challenges into fuel for her future.

From pop star to DJ: a multifaceted talent

While Black is well-known as a singer and performer, she's also been exploring DJing. Her recent Boiler Room debut showed that she can command attention on multiple platforms, despite its incendiary effect on social media.

When asked how she differentiates between these two personas, Black says, "As a performer, everything is planned, rehearsed. There’s a story, a character, and I know exactly what I'm doing from start to finish."

DJing, however, offers a refreshing change of pace.

"With DJing, I get to be flexible," she explains. "I started six years ago at a friend’s house because I loved reading a room, figuring out what works, and making it the best night for everyone there."

[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=vkcyXB08BBE[/embed]

For Black, DJing is about creating an environment where spontaneity reigns.

"I might walk in with an idea of what I want to do, but the set always changes depending on the crowd," she explains. "It's less about the performance and more about riding the energy of the room."

Embracing vulnerability in "TRUST!"

The release of "TRUST!" marks a significant turning point in her career, showcasing not only her growth as a vocalist, but also her fearlessness in addressing vulnerability. For Black, releasing the track has been about more than just adding another hit to her repertoire—it's a form of personal release.

"I wrote ["TRUST!"] over a year ago," she says, her excitement palpable. "From the moment we wrote it, everyone felt it was something special."

"It feels like I've been carrying this huge weight," she adds. "The further you get from your last project, the more you feel like you're in this identity limbo."

Black has found a way to channel that uncertainty into confidence, using her music as a vehicle for self-expression and exploration. Her artistic evolution since the infamous "Friday" is clear, with her recent work drawing heavily from growth, resilience and a profound appreciation of dance music.

The camp and glam of "TRUST!"

Part of what makes "TRUST!" such a standout is its official music video, which takes place in a courtroom—a symbolic setting that mirrors Black’s own journey in the public eye.

"When I met with Olivia, the director, she brought up the idea of me being put on trial for going viral with 'Friday,'" Black reveals with a smile. "It was funny and so in line with the character I created for 'TRUST!'."

Filmed on a set that resembles an authentic California courthouse, the video is steeped in campy glamour and satire, a signature Black approach that blends humor with depth.

[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=CE1xD5dqBcg[/embed]

"I always loved the idea of glamorous girls in ugly, unglamorous settings," she explains, citing her references for the visuals—constantly on trial by the court of public opinion.

The idea of being on trial is deeply resonant for Black. She candidly discusses how her life has felt under constant scrutiny since "Friday" went viral.

"I don't know if I've ever known what it's like to not be on trial,” she admits. "But taking that and turning it into something fun, into something that gives me power, was really cathartic."

Looking ahead to a new chapter

At 27, Black has already lived many lifetimes in the public eye. Born and raised in Irvine, California, she was thrust into the limelight at the age of 13 when her debut single "Friday" exploded on the internet.

Though it was met with mixed reactions—ranging from viral fame to brutal criticism—Black has emerged on the other side stronger, more self-assured and artistically liberated.

Her latest album, Let Her Burn, released in February 2023, is a testament to that perseverance. The project represents Black's full embrace of her identity as both a queer artist and a pop icon.

"This album is the most 'me' thing I've ever made," she gushes.

As Black continues to push boundaries both musical and personal, one thing is clear: she's far from the one-hit wonder many initially pegged her to be. Instead, she's diligently crafting a legacy built on resilience and authenticity, proving that the trials of public opinion can be transformed into something powerful, glamorous and, above all, fun.

"I've learned that taking myself the least seriously is sometimes the key to being taken seriously," Black says with a giggle. "And I’m okay with that."

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