We know the blonde stereotypes: the "bimbo", the "dummy", the "promiscuous running-down-the-beach-in-a-red-bikini" blonde. Similarly, the music industry demands that young blonde singers define themselves instantly: "Is Kerli a 'Spears', a 'Simpson', or an 'Aguilera'?" Admittedly, to Kerli’s credit, at first glance I knew she was none of the above; but, what she was, I had no idea. As a girl whose first single proclaims that "Love is Dead", a viewer could suspect some sort of melodramatic "Emo" brooding with black dresses and countless middle fingers. But, don’t go there just yet.

Contrasting her black-clad band, Kerli allowed them to play several bars before she strode onto LA’s Knitting Factory stage in a white corset and marshmallowy white tutu, bleach blonde locks falling past her derriere. With the exception of a black army hat and matching veil, she looked quite angelic. As a matter of fact, she seemed uncomfortable during the early parts of "Creepshow" and quickly shed the headgear - for a girl who performs before an audience barefoot, this reveal seemed far more her style. She continued confidently into her reminiscence of "secret Estonia" and how "nobody knows where it’s at." Inches away from being a rap song, "Creepshow" would prove to be her most playful song as her performance continued.

Photo By: Drew King

One earful of Kerli’s lyrics begs to question whether or not this Estonian is bipolar - but, then again, aren't we all?. Is love dead or is she "Walking on Air"? Does she adore glitter or Goth? Describing her own music as "21 years of sadness and happiness," it seems she would welcome each. After all, when music is written to journey through so many moments, it would, of course, contain countless contradictions; likes and dislikes; hopes and skepticisms. However, peruse Kerli’s Myspace blogs and you will discover a stable, healthy, and calming woman that humbly admits flaw. Drawing me in, she types, "I know that I am not doing music so I could pamper my ego with all the fake sh*t in the world. Like fame and money and admiration. These are dead values."

Photo By: Drew King

So, perhaps Kerli’s sincerity is what’s so captivating? The show began with the audience standing 15 feet back from the stage, only a few gyrations of her hips and men feigned casual struts closer to the object of their affection. Belting out a sound close to Bjork and modern Madonna’s lovechild with a handful of Goth and rock to boot , she would stop to put her hand’s over her appreciative heart and say, “I have many friends here and I am honored to stand here and sing what I have written for 4 years.”

To Kerli, I would say I was honored to be there as well. In a time when all the other industry blondes leave much earnestness to be desired, it was refreshing to have Kerli’s confident heart and arresting performance on the Knitting Factory stage.

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