If you’ve been around the St. Louis hip-hop scene, Bates needs no introduction. She’s an award-winning hip-hop artist whose most recent album, “The Terrible Tales of Mother Goose” was named Album of the Year in St. Louis Magazine’s A-List awards. Bates officially joined the KAF team in December 2022 as a bartender at Sophie’s Artist Lounge and quickly immersed herself in the foundation culture, also performing with her band at Music at the Intersection in 2023. “I find KAF extremely resourceful and appreciate the ability to grow within the organization, not just behind the bar but as a community member and artist as well,” she says.
Bates has an Associate of Arts degree in Music from St. Louis Community College and has over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including 18 years behind the bar.
What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?
I appreciate being one of many members working toward a particular vision that enhances what St. Louis is so great at – all things art. Every time I step into the district, I’m extremely proud to be a part of KAF’s many initiatives – whether that be a new art exhibit, the fine-tuned residencies or the spectacular array of creativity put into our spaces. Even from the outside looking in, you can tell that KAF cares about the people. The sense of community that I feel working for the organization doesn’t suddenly cede at the doors or the walkways, but that same energy is felt in the district’s surrounding neighborhoods and many arts-based activities. I have a job with a purpose. The people feel appreciated and seen. That’s really important to me. It also doesn’t hurt that I have an awesome team that understands the assignment.
How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?
Being an artist and community activist makes other artists and movers and shakers understand that they’re in the right place. Some may hear “art gallery” and think it’s too fancy or too upscale for them to participate. People see me and see themselves. They know that if Bates is behind the bar or anywhere near, that they’ll be treated with respect and that the integrity is in the room. I manage the bar, but I also manage the vibe, so expect welcoming, concise and intentional motion wherever you find me. Everything is well-thought out and executed because I genuinely care about each patron’s experience.
What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?
I love the connection the arts make with our actual realities. I love that raw, purposeful brush stroke; that rhythm that releases dopamine and the words that hit different when you know the person pushing the pen actually lived it because you saw it for yourself. Give me the real no matter how controversial or unpopular. I believe St. Louis is the best at all things art and live through the innovators who paint or vocalize the future. We don’t get the credit we deserve but the lack of it doesn’t stop us from striving to be the best city to ever do it.
What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?
I’ve spent most of my life on a stage, microphone in hand, dishing out realness. I’ve recorded five studio albums, treated and directed music videos, produced my entire music career. I also am the founder of Femfest – the largest all female concert in the nation, if not the entire planet. I actively mentor women in the arts and often act as a liaison or a connection-maker. I’ve coached aspiring musicians on showmanship. My band, Bates & The Strangers, has played some of the hottest festivals and packed houses. I’m also an avid local music supporter who you might catch at any random live show as a spectator. There’s a lot more to this but “engaging” is a bit of an understatement given that I’m heavily involved in the arts scene.
Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?
For R&B, check out Valencia Rush and G the Singer. 18andcounting is an amazing visual artist along with being a great DJ. T-Dubb-O is about the realest, rawest hip-hop artist the city is blessed to have. Go to Tef Poe for the lyrical, political, heartfelt joints. Kimiaya Hall is an amazing choreographer. Kris Blackmon has been curating art shows that feature live acts for over a decade. Mz Tigga and G.A. Barz are my sisters in this hip-hop melting pot. They’ve been creating a way for women and the underrated to shine for over a decade, too. STL has a world-renown battle rap culture and DJs. There are so many to name because I actively listen and attend events. But make sure ya’ll check out my latest album, “The Terrible Tales of Mother Goose” produced almost entirely by Thr3d. Long story short, check them all out. There are gems ERRWRR!
