Hiya Vianne, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
There wasn’t really a moment in my life where I wasn’t surrounded by music, even if I wasn’t making it myself. I started writing songs when I was fourteen, so my whole childhood before that was spent listening to a wide range of different genres and styles. This could be on the way to school or back, during road trips with my family, or by watching all the music videos on MTV. I’ve always known music would play a big role in my life, and I’m thankful for my family; their different preferences and the songs they liked to listen to really shaped me as a person and an artist.
What’s the live music scene like in London right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The main reason I moved to London was because of its incredibly dynamic music scene and the wealth of artists here. What truly drew me to this city is how supported artists can feel, even those making very niche music. There is genuinely a fanbase for everyone, which gives you the feeling that you truly have a place in the world as an artist and musician.
We’ve seen so many artists achieve huge and brilliant success stories recently, like Olivia Dean, RAYE, and Ezra Collective, among others. They have really shaped my sound over the past couple of years, and I’m so happy to see their hard work paying off and that they are getting the recognition they deserve.
If I had to pick one UK group that I believe deserves all the success it can get, it would be Gotts Street Park. I’ve been a fan of theirs for years, and I had the pleasure of watching them at the Barbican last year—it was one of the best concerts I’d been to in a long time. Go check them out if you don’t know them already!
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
I used to be very strongly opinionated when it came to social media mixing with being an artist, but I have recently changed my perspective. I believe social media has become my biggest tool for reaching more people who genuinely enjoy my music and want to see more of what I do.
I used to fight against the current and wouldn’t post at all, either because I was shy, or because I felt like it was taking away from the essential creative process of being a musician. But I’ve come to realize that becoming a “social media curator” involves a significant amount of its own creativity.
At the end of the day, you have all of these free platforms that are yours to use, so why not take advantage of that opportunity?
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
My goal is simple: consistency. I try my very best to post regularly, whenever and wherever I can. I manage engagement by posting things that I know resonate with my audience, but which are also a true reflection of myself.
I’ve seen lots of growth over the past few months, which I can directly credit to regularly posting about my new song, “Time Passes”. Using a clear, structured content plan has been really helpful to deliver my message and connect with people effectively.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
I think the music industry has changed a lot, for both the worse and the better. To me, it all comes down to the independent artist.
I believe we receive a lot less support nowadays, primarily because it’s so difficult to find yourself a reliable team of people to help you—be it a label, a manager, or even just a close friend who truly believes in you.
I will say, the experience of being signed used to be much different than what it is today. If labels are now selecting artists based on their social media following rather than, for example, their talent and ability to convey emotion through songwriting, then there might be no need for them at all.
The upside is that independent artists now have so many more opportunities to choose what is best for them. They get to be their own boss and decide the way that they want to work. Most importantly, they get to own their music, which is a big enough reason to embrace this model for the future.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I feel I am currently in the early, crucial stage—one of the many artists actively fighting their way into the established music scene. Right now, my main goal is to build a core fanbase of people who deeply connect with my music and find themselves in the stories told through my lyrics.
I have immense respect for all the talented creators out there working just as hard to achieve the same thing; sticking to this path and showing up every day is not easy. I especially admire the musicians who know that this is their life’s purpose. I’d like to surround myself with more of that focused and determined energy.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that nothing is supposed to be perfect—but if it feels right to you, then it’s pretty damn close. In past projects, I struggled with overthinking every little detail, and I’ve come to realize that, most often, the pressure was all in my head.
I used to wait for the “right moment” to release my music, only to realize that there is no such thing. Therefore, my new commitment is to share as much of my music as possible with the world from now on, rather than letting it gather dust on my computer.
What was your best experience on stage?
The best experience I’ve ever had on stage was my very first concert here in London. The moment I walked up onto that stage and sat down in front of my piano, the whole audience went absolutely quiet; you could almost hear a pin drop. They listened so carefully and showed such warm appreciation after every single song. That was the moment I truly understood what it means for people to connect with and appreciate an artist. Although I had been on many different stages before that night, I have to say it felt like the first time I was truly appreciated and seen.
What was your worst experience on stage?
I think I’m lucky to say nothing truly disastrous comes to mind immediately. I’ve always been surrounded by amazing musicians on stage and a great team and friends off stage, so I’ve consistently felt supported. For me, each performance has been a learning opportunity that helped me grow. I wouldn’t even classify moments where we had to start a song over, or times when I forgot the lyrics to my own songs, as bad experiences. They were just part of the process.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I think people are often surprised when I tell them I write nearly all of my own songs. To me, songwriting has always been a form of therapy that has helped me process all of my moments, both good and bad. It’s always a pleasure whenever I hear that someone has resonated with my music, because that truly is my main goal as a musician. I want to help people feel heard and seen through my music, and if I can achieve that by writing openly about my personal experiences, it brings me immense joy.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes, I do! I just released a new single called “Time Passes,” which is the first track from my upcoming second EP.
I’m incredibly fond of this song, and I’m so happy it’s finally out. I had the pleasure of working on it with Jacob Lobo (from the group Geejay), and its core theme is about letting go of the past and embracing the present moment.
Its meaning resonates deeply with me, so I wanted to create a song that acts almost like a helping hand for listeners—guiding them and assuring them that they can get through anything.
What was the recording process like?
Jacob and I met up often at his studio in London to work on this EP, and I have so many favorite memories of us writing and creating music together. There was always a very warm and positive energy in the room whenever we got to work.
Our typical day started by grabbing a coffee in the mornings. Then we’d chat for a few hours to figure out a clear idea of the song’s theme by looking at our personal experiences, and most often, the rest would just flow out. Whenever I hear “Time Passes,” the verses always bring me back to the first time J and I listened to the finished version together.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
For me, the biggest learning curve was vulnerability in collaboration. It was learning how to tell people my story and accepting that their different perspectives and fresh ideas could make the songs truly come to life. Collaboration is essential when creating music, and sometimes you just lack the necessary insight until someone else steps in to help.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I don’t think I would change anything, no. I’m a strong believer that the music was meant to be written and composed exactly the way it was in that moment, and I wouldn’t change a thing now that it’s out in the world. What we felt in that specific moment was precisely right for the song itself, and that emotional connection is what gave it so much depth. If I had waited longer for some kind of external sign before finishing this song, I don’t believe it would have turned out this emotional, authentic, and real.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I just want to say that I am deeply thankful for all the support I have been receiving and for the incredible kindness of people. Every single message, listen, and form of support means the world to me, and it is truly because of these “helping hands” that I get to do what I love. Please keep listening, sharing, and enjoying the music. I am so excited to share the rest of this project with you soon!
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