badtaste is a project by singer-songwriter and dancer Anna Kristina, originally from Prague, now living in Paris, France.
Anna Kristina started writing her own music age 13, after taking singing lessons for a few years. In 2022, she released her first singles, “Soonermoon” and “Zeitwandel,” which were recorded in one take with very minimal production. In 2023, she started working with Samuel Ackah, releasing the singles, “Mambo” and “Teletubbies.” These two singles were also featured on her debut album, BOARDING TIME. She worked with cameraman Rustam Rashydov on several music videos for the album, such as “THRILLS” and “SEXY BUG.” Her more recent releases include “MY EGO,” “Gentlemen snore,” and “Youth.”
With “Youth” out now, we took some time to hear from badtaste. Read below to learn more about badtaste, the story behind “Youth,” and what’s to come.
Hi badtaste! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Hi! It all started a few years ago in a thrift shop. I noticed a sticker on the wall that said “bad taste forever,” and it really resonated with me since aesthetics that are deemed kitsch or overdone are something I gravitate towards. I changed my Instagram username to “badtasteforev3r.” When I started releasing music, I kept “badtaste” as my artist name. As time went by, I noticed that the name often sparks conversation. What is bad taste? What is good taste? What is taste, and how is it determined?
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I didn’t decide overnight. I was writing songs, then started sharing them, and with time, I found myself world-building something truly special to me.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Some people would say it’s Pop music.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I have always perceived there to be five ways of expressing myself that I want to continue developing.
I have been dancing since childhood – ballet, modern, and jazz, as well as experimenting with other dance styles. I actually came to Paris to be a part of a professional training program, and I now do freelancing.
I’m obsessed with video making. I went to a high school specialized in film, and even though I don’t work in the industry, what I learned enabled me to direct and edit my own music videos today.
I may have bad taste, but my passion for fashion remains. I don’t make clothes, I buy them. I have been shopping second-hand for about six years now, and I love styling myself, my friends, and doing little photo shoots and lookbooks.
I have an on-and-off relationship with literature, but I can’t imagine my life without it. I read and write mainly in German.
Music is what drives me at the moment. It is the heart of the badtaste project – dance, video, fashion, and literature are like pillars that surround it.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I grew up listening to Princess Chelsea, Shelley Duvall, and unreleased Lana Del Rey. Gwen Stefani’s “Love. Angel. Music. Baby” era marked me a lot. My recent favorite has been Jaxon Demme. But, I would say my biggest inspiration will forever be M.I.A.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I always feel so good when I’m on stage performing. It’s my favorite. But, feeling proud comes in waves. When I’m walking in the city or in the metro listening to a new MP3 fresh out of a studio session, I get butterflies in my stomach like, yeah, this is good, and I know it and can’t wait for the day that I will share it with the world.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
The biggest luxury in life is time — life itself.
Now onto your release, “Youth.” What inspired this song? What is “Youth” about?
It was a time of deep confusion. I had just graduated and went to the United States for a month. Traveling alone made me feel closed off instead of wild, young and free as I had imagined. Like a butterfly stuck in the body of a caterpillar. Stuck in a jail of my own discomfort. Like a European in America. That’s when “Youth” came to life.
What was the creative process like when making “Youth?” and how long did it take?
Usually, when I start writing a new song, it’s just me and my keyboard. I expected to suffer a period of frustrating keyboard abstinence when traveling, but to my own relief, I ended up finding one almost anywhere I wound up. Next to the couch I was sleeping on, in my friend’s basement…a few weeks later, I found myself with a new song. Then, it was just a question of rewriting and editing throughout the next months. For recording and production, I worked with Andy Čermák. It took us about three days.
How did the music video for “Youth” come about? What was your vision for the video?
Because of the song’s outlandish feel, I imagined a sort of city girl version of an Alice in Wonderland type of story. And, my dancers embodied that creature-like demeanor with excellence. In general, the shoot was such a fun process. We captured some of it in a little time capsule.
What is your favorite lyric in “Youth” and why?
Finally, an easy question!
My favorite one is “I’m not alcoholic, I’m just European.” People see themselves in it and laugh, which makes it a really fun song to perform.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from “Youth” and your music in general?
Interpretation can make any intended message ambiguous. I simply hope it makes them feel something.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Wow, what a great opportunity to tease my upcoming two singles: “Hedonism” and “Sobriety!” Two sides of the same coin. Opposites attract. Be ready.
As for upcoming shows, I will be performing “Youth” at La Bellevilloise in Paris on Friday, November 14th.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Before you go, let’s ask you something off topic. What is your dream?
To be on a podcast.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
