VV Brown is the electic new rising star to hit the music scene. Already helmed as England’s new “It girl,” Northampton born Vanessa Brown has heated up the charts worldwide and is now ready to capture our hearts here in the U.S. with the release of her debut album “Traveling Like The Light.” A mixture of all genres wrapped up into one, this songbird is definitely what the industry needs. VV stopped by the cafe to discuss life lessons learned, and how her journey has been since being named BBC sound of 2009.
H.Q. First song at the age of 5, Rock band at age 11, Funk band at age 15 what would be your fondest memory?
V.V. London, 2000 people singing the song to an album track. My headline tour. The beauty was in the fact that they were singing to a ballad on the album. Every word. It showed me that love had been invested into the album. The whole creation, the artist rather than a song plugged the hell out. Tears of joy, thankful to God and a collective energy that flowed so much goodness.
H.Q. Since being named BBC sound of 2009, describe how your journey has been?
V.V. Its been such a train ride of option and interaction. Doors been opened and experiences I will never ever forget. From sitting in a garden in Africa with Flea from The Red Hot Chili Peppers,to Japanese shows and new cultures, to British Vogue photo shoots, so much opportunity. I’ve learned so much as a human being, a creative person, a business person and a spirit.
H.Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since entering the music industry?
V.V. To be honest with yourself, to be honest with others, respect the game and to the value in listening to those you respect, however, listening, but not listening so hard you’re tossed like a salad. To be patient and humble, to pray, to believe in your art and to work hard. When it goes down its only you going down. Everyone keeps there jobs. This is your grand children’s prosperity as well as your own so don’t be afraid to fight for it.
H.Q. I read that labels in the states wanted to transform you into an R&B clone, any truth to that?
V.V. Yes. They wanted to make me what I just wasn’t. I had to be what I was. A connection cannot be truthfully made on a bed of lies.
H.Q. Are you content with having your own since of style and the freedom to be who you are musically?
V.V. Totally, peace because there is order. My walk matches my dress, which matches my shoes, which matches my Ao8 beat, which matched my vocal, which matches the snare I use, which matches my goofy jokes and personality. The freedom brings unity and it feels great and balanced. I feel I can evolve right because of it.
H.Q. When not musically inclined, what social issues are you passionate about?
V.V. The care of children and education and the absolute virus of the concept of “obsession with celebrity culture” our children are growing up in an age where they are becoming intrigued by the notion of “fame” rather than the notion of “skill”. The whole world being more pre occupied with entertainment news rather than the actual news. The obsession of documenting your present status of “having a cup of coffee now” on Twitter resulting in sun conscious self obsession. Are we becoming anti social robots controlled by the media and how is this affecting our children and how they are being educated.
H.Q. I’ve heard you’re a huge Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday fan, if they were alive today sitting front row at one of your shows, what song would you dedicate to them?
V.V. For Ella Fitzgerald I’d play a classical piece by a composer called Ryiatchi Sakamoto, ” endless flight.”
For Billie holiday I would sing a song I wrote called ” I Love You.”
H.Q. You’ve covered a variety of artist and my favorite from you would have to be “I Miss You” by the Rolling Stones. Which cover makes V.V. smile every time it’s performed?
V.V. Drake “The Best I’ve Ever Had” cause I finally get to rap and its a secret that most people don’t know I do. Its something I’ll explore on second record. Singing style rapping.
H.Q. Where do you see the contemporary music scene going in 2010? Any artists you’re excited about?
V.V. Even more fresher, innovative and interesting. Digital media has made it possible. The people can make more of a decision by the infinite choice rather than the selected choice. Yes, A band from Sweden called little dragon.
H.Q. Album release in the U.S. on February 9th, what can we expect during your live shows?
V.V. Megaphones, xylophones, visuals, good live music and a credible experience.
H.Q. Speaking of shows, Visa issues affected your CMJ appearance, can we expect to see you at this years event?
V.V. Absolutely. I’m djing at the EMI Grammy party and performing at a show by Ajran Writes somewhere in LA. Come down it should be fun! Djing music styles of Dillah to La Roux to Black Eyed Peas to Nirvana.
H.Q. Lastly, give us one thing you’d love to learn more about before the twelve months are up?
V.V. The art of separating thoughts better, being patient and more spiritual, to perfect my craft, how to be a better business person, to trust my instincts better and to push my understanding of production by investing my intelligence into technology. I just bought a studio back home in London so that’s a start !
For more on this artist visit her official website
