VV’s the Light That Never Goes Out
VV Brown
With a BBC Sound of 2009 nomination under her belt, a powerful voice à la Amy Winehouse and catchy retro songs with a modern twist, VV Brown (Vanessa by her real name), a pretty 24-year-old of Caribbean origins hailing from Northampton, is definitely one to watch for a whole lot of music fans – be they pop, indie, rock or soul lovers.
Her debut album Travelling Like the Light – for which she sang, composed and performed – may not have been released yet, but VV is no stranger in the world of pop music: she has written for The Sugababes and The Pussycat Dolls, and she also used to be one of Madonna’s backing singers! VV is now giving the music scene a good kick with her two lively and witty singles ‘I’m Crying Blood’ and ‘LEAVE!’ Not only because of the explosive mixture of genres that she’s offering, but also because she likes creating a contrast between the lyrics and melodies. Yet VV really isn’t just about the music: find out more about her as she tells Catch a Vibe about her album and future projects.
Catch a Vibe: What sort of songs should people expect to hear on your forthcoming album?
VV Brown: The 50s style is a constant on the album but it also features some reggae and samples of African music. And just like on the singles, the lyrics are important. I want them to be witty, and they’re going to be mainly about relationships.
You’re quite versatile. What do you think best describes your style?
VV Brown: I usually call it “50s synthetised madness”. About the album itself, I’d say that 70% of the songs are upbeat and it’s got ballads as well, but it’s definitely got a rhythmic base to it.
You did a cover of ‘This Charming Man’ by The Smiths. Why did you choose this song?
VV Brown: Someone suggested it to me but it feels like it’s something I would have done at some point anyway. I think the Smiths do genius music and I love that song. It made sense, so I said “of course I’ll do it!”
CAV: You’ve been touring with The Ting Tings and Ladyhawke, and took part in an Africa Express gig with other artists. What’s it like singing on the same stage as well-known singers?
VV Brown: It’s brilliant. I don’t tend to think about these singers as celebrities. People are people. But it was great to be surrounded by such inspiring artists. Ladyhawke’s a friend of mine, and because of the tour it feels like we’re one big family now. I love being on the road; it’s all about making friends really.
CAV: Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
VV Brown: I’d love to do something with Vampire Weekend and Imogen Heap. I’m a big fan of their work and I don’t want to be working necessarily with artists similar to me. It’s not just about the 50s for me! It’s more interesting to make something different and create some sort of fusion between styles. Experimental stuff makes the best music.
CAV: How does it feel to be becoming famous?
VV Brown: I try not to think about the celebrity culture. I know it can be a disillusion, so I don’t pay too much attention and I don’t really know what’s going on. I’d like to keep it the way it is now and always give priority to the music.
CAV: You’re very much into fashion. Can you tell us a bit about VV Vintage, the shop you’re planning to open?
VV Brown: The idea is to save people time and allow them to buy vintage clothes online. I love vintage stuff like clothes and cars, but I’m only doing this as a hobby. There’s currently no plan to open a shop or sell other items – it depends how successful the website is.
CAV: You’ve been making a comic book with a friend. Can you tell us what it’s about?
VV Brown: I’ve been working with my friend David Allen on a graphic novel, but we want to keep the story secret for now as it’s still in the making. It’s going to be called The City of Abacus. We’d like to release several episodes and then publish the entire book by the end of the year maybe. We’re trying to see if we can release the first episode as part of the album, but we’ll see how it goes.
CAV: Have you got any other artistic projects in mind?
VV Brown: I’d really like to do a film! But maybe later, after say two or three albums. I’d love to do a really weird independent movie and be experimental. Then my true madness would be completely released!
