Meet ZE! [pictured right], a Malaysian electro-pop artist who redefines glam with the release of her new album I Am Glam. This loud and brash disco rebel is hugely influenced by Madonna and her style has drawn comparisons to Lady Gaga, The Ting Tings, M.I.A. and Santigold.

From the day she began gigging back in, ZE! has always been known for her passion for trashion; she has modelled for designers Charles of London, Criminal Damage and headlined fashion events by Reebok, adidas and Vice Magazine. She styles herself and designs her own outfits, making every one of her shows a little catwalk of her own.

During her previous tours, ZE! has opened for Chicks On Speed, Don Rimini, Mickey Moonlight & Afrikan Boy – and is currently working on a tour with French DJ/Producer, Joachim Garraud, following his upcoming Dim Mak Australian Tour this June.

Ahead of her appearance at the One Movement Music Festival in October 2010, One Movement Word caught up with ZE!

What’s your favourite song of all time, ZE?

‘Material Girl‘ by Madonna [audio embedded below]. It’s the first song I recall singing to with a hairbrush for a microphone.

You’re a musician. Why? What compels you?

I’m a musician because I express myself best through music. Music is there when I am happy and it’s there when I’m lonely and sad – music never disappoints me and it listens. I love being on stage, I love being a little weirdo, I love putting together my own outfits, I love playing with words, I love writing, I love travelling, I love partying, I love being around crazy people, I love not having to do the same thing everyday – music has allowed me to do all this and more!

What’s more important to you: living comfortably from your art (financially), or artistic integrity? Is it possible to have both?

I believe it is possible to have both. I believe that if I’m not living comfortably from my art, then something is wrong with my “artistic integrity”. I think being able to be financially comfortable is a sign that I’m doing something right. It shows that people value my work and there isn’t a better way for them to show me that than voting with their dollar.

Favourite song of 2010 so far?

‘Born Free‘ by M.I.A. because it’s a perfect song to riot to right now! [music video embedded below] I saw her live for the first time last week and was completely blown away.

You’ll see why here [live footage embedded below]

Favourite musical moment of 2010 so far?

Touching M.I.A.’s ass in Belgium (see above) because I think I managed to absorb some of her charisma in those few glorious seconds.

Social media for musicians: friend or foe?

Friend, definitely. Yes, I believe in updating your followers but I don’t believe in sharing nonsense just because you feel you have to say something. It brings the artist closer to fans, and fans feel more attached to artists – almost like a ‘friend’. And because people hardly watch TV any longer, Youtube is killing MTV stars!

Favourite music video of all time?

‘Bad‘ by Michael Jackson [music video embedded below]. I watched it a million times as a kid and I’m pretty sure everybody my age did the same.

Potentially controversial statement: your recorded music is an advertisement for your live show. You should not expect that people will buy your music. Agree/disagree?

You’re saying artists should be giving out songs for free, right? I agree that the recorded music can be an advertisement for the live show but I disagree that you have to give them away for free because people aren’t normally bothered to even download a song anyway unless they know the song already. It really depends on the goal of the artist and how they plan to go about it.

What do you know about Perth, Australia? Got any plans for your Australian trip, aside from playing One Movement?

I lived in Byron Bay for a year, studying in music in SAE and been to all other major cities of Australia but not yet Perth! I don’t know much about Perth, except that it’s only 4 hours away from my hometown – which is great news for me. I plan to attend the conference, meet some friends and enjoy the beautiful Australian weather… maybe get me a boyfriend while I’m at it!

What do you hope to achieve as a result of playing at One Movement?

I want to get my song on Triple J!

Finally, please recommend our readers an amazing band/artist from your hometown, and tell us why you love their music.

I like One Buck Short! They’re so fun to watch live, I love fun bands as opposed to emo / depressed ones, also cause they’re my friends… haha! P.s: I think they performed at One Movement last year, I’m pretty sure they must’ve rocked Perth real good. Thank you, OM!!! xoxo

Thanks for your time, ZE!

ZE! is appearing in Perth at the One Movement Music Festival in October 2010. For more details on the festival, including artist and ticketing details, click here.

Visit ZE! on MySpace here. The music video for ‘I Am Glam‘ is embedded below.