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Jeffree Star

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Jeffree Star
File:JeffreeAlienPrincessTattoo.jpg
Background information
Birth nameJeffrey Lynn Steininger
Also known asJeffree Star
OriginOrange County, California, United States
GenresPop, synthpop, electronic
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter,[1][2]
make-up artist,[3]
fashion designer,[4]
model
Years active2006–present
LabelsKon Live
WebsiteOfficial website

Jeffree Star (born Jeffrey Lynn Steininger) is an American model, fashion designer, make-up artist, DJ, and singer-songwriter residing in the Beverly Hills area.[5][6] He started his music career from being known for his popularity on MySpace with over 100 million plays on his self released music, as well as his fashion line and from his transgressive, gender-bending appearance and persona while calling himself "Queen of the Internet" and "Cunt".[3][7][8][9][10] Star has leveraged his fame as an androgynous model and aesthetic talents to launch his own clothing line and forays into acting and DJing.

Biography

1988–2005: Childhood and youth

Jeffree Star was born in Orange County, California. His father died when he was 6 years old; subsequently, he was raised solely by his alcoholic mother, a model who frequently went on assignments. As a child, Star regularly began experimenting with his mother's makeup, leading to an obsessive compulsive interest,[11] and convinced her to let him wear make-up to school when he was in junior high.[8]

At the age of fifteen, Star became a make-up artist. During this time, he wore makeup, dyed his hair with day-glo colors and began cross dressing which in turn led to receiving large amounts of attention and popularity from both fellow students and strangers.[3][8][8][11] Right after his graduation from high school, Star moved to Los Angeles and began supporting himself with various make-up, modeling, and music jobs.[12][13]

He later recalled spending his time on weekends "using a fake ID to attend Hollywood clubs dressed in mini dresses and nine inch high heels where celebrities would contract [Star] for make-up work at their homes", or "hiring [Star] as a model."[11] Star reports that his weekend socializing at clubs and the make-up advice he offered eventually led to his modeling career.[11]

2006–2007: Internet popularity and Plastic Surgery Slumber Party

Jeffree Star used popular social networking website MySpace to further both his music as well as fashion design career. Star also used MySpace for blogging about his life while making social commentary on "self-image and confidence",[4] fame, beauty and life. Star had built up a fan base on several websites but convinced many to join him on MySpace, giving his MySpace profile a large number of "friends" from the beginning.[8] His MySpace photo shoots would frequently get over 50,000 comments when posted,[8] and by November 2006, he was recognized as MySpace's most connected profile personality.[14]

Star also gained fame as one of the most popular unsigned artists with the daily rankings placing him in the top tier[7] on MySpace.

On March 28, 2007 at Project Runway's Jeffrey Sebelia fashion show Star was a front row "celebutante" where he revealed details of Buzznet.com’s “Queen Needs a Princess Contest” which had "a day of femme-licious fun with Star" as the grand prize.[15] The social-networking, music-news site specializes in new-media (integrated photoblog and videoblog capabilities) which Star has capitalized on to dovetail his modeling and music interests.[15] Stars' social trendsetting participation at Buzznet and his success at growing online fan-base was noted in Buzznet's six million financing in May 2007.[16] Star regularly uploads video-blog segments including music reviews, event reports as well as posting news about his upcoming music release.

Star's music career as an electronica and hip-hop vocalist began when he befriended Peaches' drummer who encouraged him to make music.[8] Star was then asked by Deuce of Hollywood Undead to rap on their song "Turn off the Lights" for their debut album.[17] However, the track did not make it onto the disc. Deuce was recently evicted from Hollywood Undead and has produced a mixtape ("Break Them Wallz") with Jeffree and another song titled "Freaky Now" (alongside friend "Truth"), in which Jeffree raps extremely explicit lyrics.

His first two solo tracks "We Want Cunt", named in tribute to his former screen name Cunt: Queen of the Beautifuls, and "Straight Boys" were co-written with Hole and one time Mötley Crüe drummer, Samantha Maloney and singer Jessicka from Scarling..[10] Star asked MySpace co-founder Tom to convert his MySpace profile into a music page so he could showcase his music.[8]

On November 1, 2006 Star performed on the same bill as Los Angeles' Dirty Sanchez at the LA bar Key Club’s post-Halloween show.[18] Star has toured with electro musician Peaches,[3][19] as well as Cyndi Lauper,[8] Metro Station,[20] Breathe Carolina,[21] Dr. Manhattan, Schoolyard Heroes,[22] and Ultraviolet Sound.

On the 13 March 2007, Star released his debut extended play Plastic Surgery Slumber Party which was produced by Ultraviolet Sound.[23] The record topped at number one on the iTunes’s dance charts and "has consistently topped the iTunes dance charts at #1, hovering high above household names such as Justin Timberlake and Cascada."[4][8] Separately, Star's MySpace page has 25 million listens to Plastic Surgery Slumber Party as of July 2007.[24]

During the summer of 2007, Star was advertised as a part of the True Colors Tour 2007,[25] which traveled through 15 cities in the United States and Canada.[26] The tour, sponsored by the LGBT Logo channel, began on June 8, 2007 to coincide with Pride month.[27] Profits from the tour benefited the Human Rights Campaign as well as PFLAG and The Matthew Shepard Foundation. Though he was advertised as a special guest to perform on several West Coast dates, Star did not appear.[citation needed]

Star's song "Plastic Surgery Slumber Party" appeared on the August 2007 Tommy Boy release of Cyndi Lauper's True Colors tour compilation. Featuring ten tracks from ten of the artists, the compilation benefits the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that fights for civil rights for LGBT people.[27]

2008–2010: Cupcakes Taste Like Violence and Beauty Killer

Prior to the release of his second extended play, Star released his debut single "Heart Surgery Isn't That Bad..." on Valentine's Day, 2008, followed by its b-side, "I Hate Music", on April 17, 2008.[28] Star later recorded and released "Starstruck" featuring Danger Radio - his first single available for free download as a "thank you" to fans.[29][30] Trace Cyrus and Mason Musso from Metro Station[31] originally provided vocals for the song, however, due to a feud between the band and Star,[32][33] they were ultimately replaced with Andrew de Torres from Danger Radio.

Cupcakes Taste Like Violence, Star's sophomore extended play, was released on December 9, 2008.[34] This is his first record to be available as a CD as well as digitial download.[34] This is also Star's debut record to be released under Popsicle Records through Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group. Star said the extended play "remindes me of myself. I may look sweet, but I'm really scary and violent on the inside."[35] Cupcakes Taste Like Violence peaked at number six on the Billboard Top Electronic Albums[36] and at number eight on the Billboard Top Heatseekers.[37] "Lollipop Luxury" was the first single from the extended play released November 18, 2008.

Star's debut studio album, Beauty Killer, was released on September 22, 2009.[38] The first single from the album, "Prisoner", was released for digital download on May 2, 2009.[39] The track received two million plays on MySpace at the end of its second week being available for stream. "Love Rhymes With Fuck You" was the second single from the album; like "Prisoner", it was also released for digital download on June 30, 2009.[40] The album debuted at number 122 in the US Billboard 200 Chart. It also debuted at #7 in the US Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart and fell to #12 on its second week.[41] A music video for "Get Away With Murder" was filmed on November 7, 2009. The video premiered on the front page of MySpace on January 23, 2010.[42]

It was announced that recording was underway for Star's first studio album in late 2007.[43] He stated that the new songs "are more sexy, some are more "guy"ish and some are me screaming my heart out. I'm still finding what "Jeffree Star" really is. And I think I'm almost there..."[44] To "tide fans over" until the first single from the album was released, on April 21, 2009, Star released a remix cover of Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" which was made available for free download.[45] Morgan Page's radio edit mix of "Prisoner" was released for free download by Star on December 18, 2009. He worked with producers such as Lester Mendez, 3OH!3's Nathaniel Motte, God's Paparazzi[39] and more. Star performed at Warped Tour 2009 to promote some of the music from his album.[39][46]

Star originally planned a North American headlining concert tour, titled "I'm Cold, Keep Me Warm...Bitch!" for two weeks in December 2009. However, due to "personal things [that] have gotten out of hand in [his] family" the tour was canceled. Star will be embarking on his "2 DRUNK 2 FUCK" 2010 world tour where he says he will "be going everywhere...and yes that means Europe and Australia". This will be his first headlining tour supporting the album. Dates have been officially announced in the USA, United Kingdom and several countries in continental Europe.

Star released his fifth single "Blush" (his second single-only release) on February 16, 2010. "Size of Your Boat" was released as Star's sixth single (third single-only release) on July 1, 2010.[47] The song "I'm In Love (With a Killer)" was released on October 10, 2010 and made available for free download via Facebook. Star also recorded an anthem song for the It Gets Better Project titled "Kiss It Better". The song was also made available for free download on November 4, 2010. Star was featured on How Embarrassing, the comedy album from Jeff "JJ Star" Duran which was released in March 2011.

2011–Present: Virginity

Other work

Make-up, modeling and internet fame

Star was referred to celebrities including Kelly Osbourne, AFI frontman Davey Havok and Jessicka from the band Scarling. & did makeup for Hustler porn plus several music videos.[8][48] He is a former make-up artist for porn company, Hustler.

Star gained a cult following from posting outrageous photographs of himself on Internet forums and later MySpace, who began sending him gifts including expensive cameras to take more pictures.[8]

Jeffree waving to the crowd at Warped Tour 2009.

On August 1, 2006, Los Angeles' LGBT magazine Frontiers featured Star on its cover. On November 17, 2006 Star and several contestants from "America's Next Top Model" were a part of Black Chandelier's "Fall 2006 Runway Show" at Salt Lake City's Union Pacific Depot. Star was also a guest on "America's Next Top Model, Cycle 7".[48]

On March 16, 2007, Star was one of the featured runway models for BOXeight's production of designer Jared Gold’s flamboyant "Quiet Army show", regarded as "the wildest front row in all of Fashion Week." The shows 2007 theme was "Mormon chic", effectively using the Los Angeles Theater as a backdrop during L.A. Fashion Week.[49] He has appeared in several music videos including Good Charlotte's "The River",[50] Godhead's "Push", Aiden's "One Love", Metro Station's "Shake It"[51] and Ke$ha's "Take It Off (K$ n' Friends Version)"[52]

Merchandise

Star's T-shirts, hoodies and accessories were ranked #1 on Hottopic.com. He is also developing a fragrance called "Fierce", which he says will smell like "vanilla and cotton candy."[53]

Filmography

Television guest appearances
Year Title Role Notes
2007 Video on Trial Himself Guest judge (episode 20, season 2)
LA Ink "Kat's in Love" (episode 10, season 1)
2011 "Nothing Is Forever, Not Even Tattoos" (episode 21, season 4)

Discography

Main article: Jeffree Star discography

References

  1. ^ Catalyst, Clint (Spring 2006). "Jeffree Star". Swindle (magazine). Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  2. ^ Dempsey, John (May 22, 2007). "World of Wonders touts reality trio: Jeffree Star, Jim J. Bullock topline new shows". Variety. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  3. ^ a b c d Smith, Kevin (May 24, 2007). "Queen of the Internet". Arizona Star. Archived from the original on 2007-06-01. Retrieved 2007-06-09.
  4. ^ a b c Emonds, Craig (April 2, 2007). "MySpace continues to expedite music careers". South End Newspaper. Retrieved 2007-07-21.[dead link‍] Cite error: The named reference "MySpace continues to expedite" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  5. ^ Emonds, Craig (April 2, 2007). "MySpace continues to expedite music careers". South End Newspaper. Retrieved 2007-07-21.[dead link‍] [dead link‍]
  6. ^ "Jeffree Star Tickets". AllGigs.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  7. ^ a b Weiner, Jonah (April 11, 2006)."Tila Tequila for President". Slate.com. Retrieved July 29, 2006.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Immediato, Linda (9 May 2007). "Jeffree Star: The Fairest One of All". LA Weekly. Retrieved 2007-06-09. Cite error: The named reference "Jeffree Star: The Fairest One" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ "Jeffree Star: Electro / Pop / Rap". Virb. Archived from the original on 2007-09-12. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  10. ^ a b Catalyst, Clint (2006). "The Future is Jeffree Star: Inside the cult-like following of the Internet's most popular queer icon". Frontiers. Retrieved 2007-07-20. [dead link‍] Cite error: The named reference "The Future Is Jeffree Star" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  11. ^ a b c d Star, Jeffree (2007-07-20). "Jeffree Star's MySpace profile". MySpace. Archived from the original on 2007-09-11. Retrieved 2010-05-28.
  12. ^ "LAist Interview: Jeffree Star". laist. March 10, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2010.
  13. ^ "SOME TRUTH FOR YOU...". Buzznet. Jeffree Star's Official Website.
  14. ^ Market News Publishing. (November 1, 2006) Kicks Off Retail Revolution.
  15. ^ a b Lecaro, Lina (April 4, 2007). "In the Kodak, in the Pink". LA Times. Archived from the original on 2007-07-10. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  16. ^ "Buzznet Lands $6 Million Round of Financing Led By Redpoint Ventures and Anthem Venture Partners Same Venture Capital Firm That Pioneered MySpace Backs Leading Next Generation Social Media Company". PR Newswire. May 24, 2007. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
  17. ^ 22 januari 2006 (2009-08-07). "Jeffree Star Interview - Part 1 (repost)". YouTube. Retrieved 2010-03-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Lecaro, Lina (October 25, 2006). "Dirty Sanchez: Local bands, man". LA Times. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  19. ^ "Rock Picks For the week of December 14 – 21". LA Times. December 13, 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-07-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ YouTube - Metro Station and Jeffree Star
  21. ^ Breathe Carolina Go From Jeffree Star Openers To Record Deal at The Insider
  22. ^ MY SPRING TOUR.. & WARPED TOUR DATES! so excited!!!! - Buzznet
  23. ^ MySpace.com - ULTRAVIOLET SOUND (@ Rockin Roots Fest TONIGHT!! ) - los angeles - Electrique / Pop Punk / New Wave - www.myspace.com/ultravioletsound
  24. ^ Star, Jeffree (2007-07-20). "Jeffree Star: Electro / Pop". MySpace. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  25. ^ Naff, Lycia (June 23, 2007). "Britney to Join Cyndi Lauper's Tour for Surprise Show". People. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  26. ^ "True Colors: Special Guests". TrueColorsConcerts LLC. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-07-13. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  27. ^ a b Spiro, Josh (2007-07-18). "Cyndi Lauper Releases 'True Colors' Comp". CMJ. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  28. ^ "Jeffree Star's Brand New Single 'Heart Surgery Isn't That Bad'". popdirt.com. 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2010-03-29.
  29. ^ "MPFree: Jeffree Star 'Starstruck'". BUZZNET.com. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
  30. ^ purevolume | We're Listening To You - JEFFREE STAR - NEW TRACK POSTED
  31. ^ YouTube - Jeffree Star Interview[dead link‍]
  32. ^ Perezhilton.com - Miley's Brother Is Tranny Hating?! And He's A Druggie Too???
  33. ^ YouTube - EXCLUSIVE: Trace Cyrus From Metro Station Responds To Jeffree Star
  34. ^ a b Amazon.com Cupcakes Taste Like Violence Jeffree Star
  35. ^ MTV Buzzworthy Blog >> Jeffree Star, On Recording 'Cupcakes Taste like Violence' In Nothing But Heels
  36. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  37. ^ [2][dead link‍]
  38. ^ Star, Jeffree (24 July 2009)"Jeffree Star Beauty Killer Out Sept. 22nd". Retrieved 2009-07-24.[dead link‍]
  39. ^ a b c "Jeffree Star to release debut "Beauty Killer" this summer". Hip Online. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
  40. ^ Jeffree Star announces his second single from 'Beauty Killer'.[dead link‍]
  41. ^ Billboard.com Beauty Killer - Jeffree Star(2009)
  42. ^ Jeffree Star announces debut music video release date[dead link‍] January 15, 2009
  43. ^ "Jeffree Star's Recording a New Album -- 2 New Song Titles So Far". Buzznet. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  44. ^ "the road to PRISONER". Blogs.MySpace.com. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
  45. ^ "JEFFREE STAR TAKES NO PRISONERS". 29-95.com. Retrieved 2009-07-23.
  46. ^ "Vans Warped Tour 2009". WarpedTour.com. Archived from the original on 2008-08-22.
  47. ^ Connecting to the iTunes Store
  48. ^ a b Spencer, Amy (November 9, 2006). "Jeffree Star - Queen of the Beautifuls". IN Utah This Week. Archived from the original on 2007-10-09. Retrieved 2007-07-24.
  49. ^ Immediato, Linda (March 21, 2007). "L.A. Fashion Week Smackdown". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  50. ^ YouTube - Good Charlotte - The River
  51. ^ YouTube - Metro Station - Shake It
  52. ^ YouTube - Ke$ha - "Take It Off" (K$ n' Friends version)
  53. ^ Entertainment: Orange Pop: The unstoppable Jeffree Star
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