Hiya Vianne, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
Hey, RGM! My name is Vianne, and I am a singer-songwriter based in London. I am Bulgarian-American, and I spent most of my life traveling between those two places. I got into music from a very early age, listening to all kinds of genres with my family—from Sting to the Black Eyed Peas, all the way to Foster The People. My sister would always drive us to school in the mornings and play any new music she’d found, like Glass Animals and The Black Keys. I would always sneak a glance at the song names so I could play them again later. She’s the reason I started thinking about music in a different way and really began finding what I truly loved to listen to.
What’s the live music scene like in London right now?
London is a great place for anything to do with live music; that is one of the main reasons I moved here in the first place. Everything you could possibly want to listen to is right at your doorstep. Even without making plans, you can walk out and find a small jazz band in Soho or a jam night in Camden. It’s one of the reasons I love this city so much—you never know where you’ll find your next favourite artist.”
Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Since Cross The Tracks is happening this month, I’m really looking forward to seeing some of my friends play with Don West. I’m sure quite a few people know of him already, but if you haven’t heard his stuff yet, you definitely need to check him out. His band is incredibly talented, and watching them play together is the kind of experience that stays with you for a long time.
Another artist I’ve had on repeat is Tig3r Lewis. Even though he’s LA-based, he is well worth a listen. Both of these artists bring a classic soul feel to a very modern sound, and they’re basically what I’m listening to daily right now.
Do you think it’s easy to become a victim of our surroundings sometimes?
I definitely think so. With London being the definition of ‘hustle and bustle,’ there is always a hint of feeling like you’re missing out on something. Even when you’re working hard, taking a break here and there can sometimes feel like a crime. It’s also intimidating seeing what your peers are doing and falling into the trap of comparing yourself to them. Every artist is different, so putting that kind of pressure on yourself is unnecessary—but often it feels inevitable.
What are your ambitions for yourself as an artist?
I say this often, and no matter how much time passes, I still believe it to be true: fame and success are two very different things. You can be successful without ever being famous. To me, success means making a living out of the thing you love—your passion, in other words. My goal for myself and my band is to gig regularly, see the world, and be able to support my loved ones while making music for a consistent community of people who truly connect with what I have to say.
What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
I personally prefer Instagram over other platforms. Part of it might be that I grew up with it, but it’s also where I’ve managed to connect with a wider audience most effectively. To be honest, before I started posting consistently, I wasn’t really a fan of social media at all. I think these platforms often don’t portray us in our most authentic light; there’s this pressure to be someone else just to gain likes or followers. It’s nobody’s fault, it’s just the nature of the landscape right now. Now that I’m more active, I try my absolute best to show who I truly am through my content, and I really hope that authenticity comes across to people.
We believe its essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to all the different types of audiences out there, what’s your thoughts on that?
I completely agree. When it comes to music, there isn’t a more powerful tool than these platforms right now. The ability to reach a global audience with a simple video and the click of a button is an advantage that previous generations of artists never had. Because of that, I think we should lean into it as much as possible. There is no shame in showing the world that you want to do this for a living; in fact, I believe it’s quite admirable to put yourself out there and show people that you’re truly hungry for it.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
I think the music industry is changing dramatically every single day. It’s finally learning to respect artists more, and there are now so many paths that an independent artist can take. Success and signing your life away to a label used to be one and the same, but now there are countless ways to retain your master rights without having to go through that. I’ve seen many friends struggle with this in the past, and you can see more and more major artists taking matters into their own hands. In a way, the industry right now is defined by independent, confident artists working hard to ‘make it’ without unnecessary deals. It’s all about believing in yourself enough to find the right team who will push you toward where you want to be.
What are your thoughts on AI generated music?
I have to agree with most of the artists I know on this: I’m not exactly happy about where some of this is heading. I’ve seen so many situations where an artist posts a 15-second clip on socials, only to find a few days later that someone has generated an AI persona on streaming platforms, stolen the snippet, finished the song with AI, and released it as their own. Putting myself in their shoes, I can only imagine the hurt and anger that comes with that. Writing a song is a vulnerable process as it is, but to share that piece of yourself only to have it stolen and exploited is something that shouldn’t be happening. I truly believe we need more regulations around AI and music, and I hope we see that change soon.
On a more positive note, I do think using AI as a tool for songwriting or production can be incredibly helpful to an extent. As a songwriter, I’ve found that when I hit a wall with writer’s block, these tools can help me envision where an idea might go. Sometimes it just gives you that spark of inspiration back—and since I know how great that feeling is, I can definitely understand artists using it as a creative ‘assistant’ at times.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
I’ve learned that there is no shame in doing things yourself, chasing opportunities, and fighting for what you believe in. Although it can sometimes feel like you’re coming across as a little ‘bold,’ it’s actually the opposite; you’re just doing it because you truly believe in what you have to say. If someone takes just a few minutes out of their day to hear you out, you’re doing a good job. No one will ever believe in your music as much as you do, and no one can do the work for you quite like you can. So, keep being ‘annoying,’ keep working hard, and don’t be afraid of ‘making a fool of yourself’—in time, it will all work out for the better.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
As I mentioned, I’m listening to lots of pop and classic soul—Ray Charles, Etta James, Olivia Dean, and Raye. But I’ve also been rotating some great alternative tracks lately; I’m really enjoying Sombr’s latest, like ‘Potential,’ and Balu Brigada’s ‘Designer.’ My keys player, Pierre, also recently reminded me of Metronomy, who were a huge favorite of mine years ago. It’s quite a blend of different sounds, but they’ve all been on repeat lately.
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
I think every artist has had those slightly embarrassing or funny moments, like forgetting the lyrics to your own song (which I’ve definitely done), or looking over at your band when a song is dragging on and you aren’t quite sure how to end it properly. Honestly, if I had a dime for every time I couldn’t hear myself in the monitors, I’d probably be living in Chelsea by now! But it’s those exact moments that make the live experience so memorable. I actually love when things like that happen, because it shows the audience that you’re a real person with just as many flaws and ‘human’ moments as anyone else.
Got any fun, funny stories from life on the road?
I think what’s really funny in London is the reality of rehearsal spaces, and I’m sure any local band can relate to this. Having to drag a keyboard or guitar to the shadiest Pirate Studios, seeing rats the size of a dog, and then doing it all over again the next day is definitely memorable.
My saxophonist, Hugo, is actually graduating this year, so we’ve been using the university studios to rehearse lately. Every time I walk in and see the staff, I get this weird sense of déjà vu. It feels like I’m still a student there myself again, even though I graduated last summer. Rehearsing in this city is definitely a journey, but it keeps things interesting.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes! I just released my song ‘Finally,’ which is part of my upcoming EP, ‘Time Passes.’ I’m very happy to say the EP will also be out later this month! ‘Finally’ is a song very dear to me because it’s the first ballad I have ever released. Even though it’s the first one the world is hearing, it’s a style I’ve been living with for a long time. When I started composing at the age of fourteen, I mainly wrote emotional, dark ballads for years before I met Jacob Lobo, who produced this project. It is so nice to see this song out in the open, and I just hope it resonates with everyone who listens.
What was the recording process like?
If I had to sum up the recording process with Jacob in one word, it would be laughter. I discovered his group, Geejay, a few months before our sessions and reached out to see if he’d be open to collaborating. We instantly clicked and had such a great time bringing this project to life. We actually recorded it right before I moved to London, so whenever I listen to it now, it reminds me of that ‘fresh’ feeling of starting a new chapter. It captures the moments I was yet to discover and that feeling of the city being mine to explore.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I am a firm believer that once a project is finished, it’s usually a mistake to go back and change things months later. You risk losing the authenticity and the raw emotion that the songs had when they were first created. That’s why I wouldn’t change a single thing. Those tracks capture exactly how I was feeling at the time, the emotions I had while writing, and the specific energy Jacob and I created in the studio. That’s something that simply can’t be replaced or recreated.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I’d just like to thank everyone for tuning in and hearing what I have to say! I say this to my listeners often, but it’s truly because of them that I’m able to do this every day. I hope that my music can, in some way, help you with whatever you might be going through. And I hope that wherever you are, you’re singing along to these songs without a care in the world.
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