Sweet Imperfections – Ignorance is Violence

By starrymag | November 29, 2023

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) What inspired you to name your music project Sweet Imperfections?

A) I believe our imperfections are what make us unique and extraordinary. Sweet Imperfections is an expression of what it means to be a human being, an underlying theme in my songs.

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

A) Thought provoking, honest, inspiring cinematic melodies that make you want to hold someone close and go on an adventure together.

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

A) Tracy Chapman, Coldplay, The Cranberries

Q) Tell us the story behind your current single “Ignorance is Violence.”

A) During a summer road trip in 2021, temperatures reached an all-time high. My partner and co-writer of this song, Brandon Sudweeks, and I were experiencing firsthand the effects of climate change as smoke from the fires in Oregon and California followed us across the country, all the way to South Dakota. We did not see blue skies for three months. As lovers of nature, this beautiful earth, we were devastated by the effects of our ignorance and the violence it had caused. We wanted to bring awareness and what better way to deliver a message than through Art. So, we wrote this song.

Q) What is it about climate change that makes it such a passionate cause for you?

A) Nature is in our DNA, we are nature. It is disappointing that we have lost touch with the wisdom of our interconnectedness with nature, the harm we are causing is harming ourselves. I know we can do better.

Q) You also shot a music video for “Ignorance is Violence.” How did you come up with the concept for the music video?

A) I had the pleasure of working with one of my favorite photographers here in San Diego, Christopher Hoffee. The song lyrics create such vivid imagery on their own, so it was important to me that the images I chose enhanced the song rather than distract or over complicate. I also wanted to have an intimate conversation with the audience, raw and personal.  Chris captured this feeling brilliantly with the concept of filming me singing against a white wall. This was one of my favorite videos to make and I couldn’t be prouder of how it all came together to reflect the song’s message.

Q) Since its release, what has been the overall reaction to “Ignorance is Violence” from fans and listeners?

A) I’ve had a lot of positive feedback and shares.

Q) What message do you hope listeners take away from the song?

A) A greater awareness of the role we play as an individual in our everyday lives here on earth. What small changes can you make in your life that contribute to nurturing a more compassionate and caring future.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can come up with lyrics or the other way around?

A) I am definitely melody driven. I usually find a melody while noodling on guitar or piano and begin mumbling whatever words flow through me. I always record the process and then listen back to the mumble of lyrics to find a few gems in the words or a full sentence. I write it out and start building the song around the main theme. I find I often formulate the chorus first and then write the verses to drive the chorus home. It really is an adventure and I love the places music has taken me to

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production side of the music that you make?

A) I have both hands in the production process while working with my producer Chad Shlosser, whom I trust my 100% because he understands me, my process and has the ability to elevate my vision for the songs to their fullest expression. Pre-production on the songs is the key to production and my favorite part of the process of recording. I send Chad over the songs with the production ideas and style I imagine, he listens and from there we start building the instrumentation until we feel the “hell yes!” After recording, it’s a similar process, listening to the recordings, adding, subtracting instrumentation until the song vibe arrives. I am grateful to work in collaboration with such a brilliant producer who gives me great respect and say throughout the process.

Q) You have released quite a few singles in 2023, such as “Step Into Love”, “No Words”, “Be Here”, and “Pacific Northwest.” With all these singles, is there a full-length album or an EP in the works?

A) I am so glad you asked. Yes, I released a full album, Soul Riders, on November 17th, with all the songs I recorded with my producer Chad – “Wings,” “Step into Love,” “Choose You,” “Be Here,” “Pacific Northwest,” “Be Brave” and “Ignorance is Violence.”

Q) Which song(s) is your favorite to perform at live shows?

A) “Be Brave” and “Be Here.” The message in both songs are like little soul vitamins for me and I hope for others.

Q) Just as you hope that your music helps and heals others, what music is the most healing to you?

A) Atmospheric piano music (Stephan Moccio, Max Richter, Philip Glass) along with ambient folk music especially with violin melodies (Message to Bears, Phoria) is my medicine.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you for hugging my little sound babies and being a part of my musical journey. I would not be where I am today without you, my music-loving superheroes!