VeeAlwaysHere – ego: playlist I

By starrymag | October 21, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

A) My sound is definitely all over the place. I genuinely love making music I would listen to myself, and I just happen to really enjoy many different genres of music. With each release, you just never know what to expect from me. And it applies to me as well, when I start a session, I have no idea what’s going to come out of it.

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

A) I’ve always looked up to artists who write and produce their own music because that’s what my approach is. Even though I thoroughly enjoy working with other writers and producers, there is something really special about building a song from the ground up on my own. This way a hundred percent of a song is all me, with my personal touch and my vision. So, my musical influences come from my day-to-day life. I get inspired by everything around me. A song could come from a billboard I read on the freeway, or a show that I watch – I always have to be prepared for when it strikes me.

Q) While you were born in Siberian Russia, you were heavily influenced musically by American Pop. What was it about that style of music that helped you in crafting your own sound?

A) I did not speak English at all growing up. So, my first introduction to American Music was a huge moment for me. Even though I couldn’t understand a single word, I fell in love with the way it sounded. That’s how I knew I wanted to make music in English. That desire changed my life completely. I went through hell trying to learn English to a native speaker level to communicate and write music without any problems, moved across the globe and I am so grateful for all the opportunities it has given me.

Q) Tell us the story behind the first single off your EP “other side.”

A) “other side” was actually inspired by an anime I watched. I normally wouldn’t admit it, but I don’t care anymore. [laughs] The main character was a typical “outcast” type. He was the unpopular kid and somehow by a strange twist of fate he ended up crossing paths and working closely with the most popular girl at school. They both developed feelings for each other, but the guy had doubts about it because, as he put it, “She lives in a completely different world.” This line is what inspired “other side.” She is on the other side, and I am working really hard to be able to go over there and be with her.

Q) Since its release, what has been the overall reaction to the song from fans and listeners?

A) I was so nervous to put it out. It’s just so different from everything else I’ve done before but seeing this overwhelming amount of positive feedback and support I knew I did the right thing. I knew it was time for me to open up the vault of my “uncomfortable songs” and let the world hear them.

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from “other side?”

A) I wanted people who can relate to this to feel seen and heard, but on a “feel good” type of track and be hopeful that it could work out. This song can also be interpreted as a long-distance relationship story, which… been there, done that. It can be so many things if you read between the lines. Fear of failure or rejection is one of the most common reasons people don’t pursue what they want and my job on this song was to help them see it in a more positive light.

Q) “other side” is part of your EP ego: playlist I, which recently dropped. What are some themes you explore on the new EP?

A) ego: playlist I is a collection of various love stories. From being too stubborn to admit your feelings to someone to being so in love that you’re willing to sacrifice everything to be with that person – from encouraging your partner to finally let their guard down and assure them to driving home at night hoping that “the one that got away” is somehow magically waiting there. It’s a wide range of different love stories at different stages captured either at or right before their peak, either good or bad. Every song on the project was a personal challenge to me as a producer, writer and an artist.

Q) Which song(s) off of ego: playlist I were your favorite to write and record?

A) I had so much fun making “right now (feat. jujuland).” This song was so scary to make. Given that I am Korean, I wasn’t fortunate enough to grow up with a lot of the language or the culture, so my challenge for this song was to sing in Korean. I was so nervous to put this one out! But I’m obsessed with this song and maybe it’s because I was so nervous about it.

Q) What tracks challenged you the most creatively?

A) Single. One. As an artist you can make two different types of songs: “comfortable songs” – the ones that just come out effortlessly. You stick to your usual routines and put it out without even questioning it. And there are “uncomfortable songs” – songs no one is supposed to hear. You make them to get better, you take risks, and you experiment without holding back. ego: playlist I is an eight song project with eight “uncomfortable songs” in it.

Q) For ego: playlist I you not only wrote the EP, you recorded and produced it as well. To you, what is the benefit of being able to be that hands-on in the production of your work?

A) To me it’s all about building a little world with every song I make. I am fully responsible for every single thing that goes into building this world and it’s my fingerprint top to bottom. The feeling of making something out of nothing with your own two hands is the type of satisfaction nothing can beat.

Q) With the release of ego: playlist I, are there any plans for an upcoming tour or listening parties?

A) I had a big listening party the night of release and it was MAGICAL! This was my first time doing something like this and I definitely want to do more now. The energy was so incredible, and it was amazing to premiere this project in front of my industry peers.

In terms of a tour… dear readers, I’m coming to your city in the near future!

Q) Who are you currently listening to now?

A) I was afraid of this question because I’m only listening to ego: playlist I right now. [laughs] I’m just so proud of this project and so proud of myself for putting it all together and releasing it for the world to hear. While making “ego: playlist I” I’ve grown so much as a writer, producer and artist – and me listening to it is my way of celebrating this fact.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I have a whole list of people I would love to collaborate with. The names include (but are not limited to): T-Pain, Ed Sheeran, Tate McRae, BTS and Post Malone. I’m working on crossing those names off my list soon!

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

A) I just want to express my gratitude to every single one of you. Without you, none of this would be possible and I’m just so happy to continue living my childhood dream and take it to another level every time. If you enjoyed ego: playlist I, wait until you hear the second playlist. [smiles]