INTERVIEW: VITALIA: POP WITH A PURPOSE
Since our last interview, you started learning how to play bass and got into DJing. What motivated you to do so? Can we expect you to join a band in the future?
Around the last time we saw each other, I was still in school. That was my focus. I had to finish all of my final projects. I also had to release my EP. It was also my birthday. April was a huge month. Technically, I started playing bass in January 2025. It was just me messing around. I used to date a bass player. Bass is the kind of instrument that defines a groove. When you listen to a song and it doesn't have bass, it doesn't have the richness or fullness it could have. It adds so much to any song. I fell in love with bass throughout my time at school and that relationship. I always gravitated towards bass. However, when I was a kid, I played piano. I didn't have the best experience. I came from every single lesson crying, feeling like I wasn’t up to the standards of my teacher. I wanted to start being an instrumentalist again on my own terms.
I hired a DJ for my EP release party (April 2025). I told him all of the songs I wanted. After that happened, I contacted that DJ and told him I was curious about DJing and was wondering if I should get a deck myself. I asked him to show me a few things. I asked more of my DJ friends for some help and mentoring. They all said yes and were friendly about it. I just love early 2000s music so much. That's what I have been focused on playing. I have always been the one making playlists at parties. I haven’t been doing sessions in a while. I have been focussing on my own gigs. or residenties where I sing covers. It's about making time for all of my projects.
2025 was packed with all kinds of awesome moments for (releasing your EP and having a release show for it, doing a photoshoot with Alice Hirsch, releasing two new songs). What are you the most proud of?
Definitely my EP release show! I was at the top of my game. I felt very confident even though I was nervous obviously. That was the most rehearsals I did for a show. For me, it meant that it was more professional. We took the time to look into the details of things. My sister's boyfriend did the visuals. I hired a DJ. A lot of people whom I didn't expect to show up showed up. Some people brought a bunch of people who didn't know me. That was super heartwarming. It was proof that this career is growing compared to where I started. When I think about the show I did in April 2023 (probably one of my first shows) versus this one, I can tell how much I have grown as a musician. My EP release show was a moment that defined me as an artist and kind of solidified knowing for me that no matter what my definition of success is, I will make it. I was so happy after that show, happy that I provided others with such joy. It's weird because there is this balance of I'm inviting people and sometimes, I feel like I'm begging people to come to my show. However, I know that once they're there, they're going to love it. They see the value in taking the time to come. Eventually, it will be the other way around, they will beg for tickets. I will remember the people who did show up to every show. I'm also definitely proud of starting to play bass and getting into DJing. It puts me out of my comfort zone.
The first time we spoke, you mentioned Hayley Williams, Florence and the Machine, and Abba as inspirations. Who has particularly inspired you this past year whether it's on a musical or personal level?
The first person that came to mind was Willow even though this year, I didn't listen to her as much as I did last year. Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Willow released their albums in May 2024. I was only listening to these three albums that month. Willow's last album was very experimental-jazzy in a weird way. Coming from a Jazz background and being a student in Jazz at that time, I was super excited even though she had super Rock-Grungey (which I'm looking to recreate, not in my "hot summer girl" era but the one after) before that. Lady Gaga has always been an inspiration and probably the artist I listened to the most in the 2010s. I would also have to say Raye, Addison Rae, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, and Hayley Williams with her new album. Weirdly enough, after being done with school, I started becoming more curious. Reneé Rapp, I love her music. Kaytranada, especially for my "hot girl summer" era, I kind of wanted Kaytranada to be a staple of the beats. As soon as a Pop icon released an album, I listened to it to analyze it and see what I like and don't like, what I would like to recreate. I also analyze their interviews. I think I have a better idea of how people perceive me with my music. I'm learning to be even more vulnerable.
Are there any artists you listened to in the past year that would surprise people?
If you know me personally, you know how much I love latino music. Some people don't know that. Bad Bunny was my top artist. I would love to collaborate on a song where I get to sing in Spanish. I wrote a song in Spanish which I was going to release on this EP but I wasn't sure it was good enough lyrically and musically to release. Some people would be surprised that I listen to Chris Lake. He does Electro music. Leon Thomas! He does R&B but not in a basic way. Everytime I listen to one of his songs, I find a new element in it.
In a recent Instagram post, you briefly explained how your upcoming EP is about "sex, women asking for what they want, liberating themselves from generational trauma, not being afraid to be bold in a misogynistic world". What made you want/inspired you to write about these topics?
Like I said once I was done with school, I had more time. For me having more time meant I can actually investigate and be curious. I was always interested in psychology and understanding why we act the way we do as a society. I had been listening to a lot of podcasts and feminist podcasts in which the history of women's rights was explained. I simultaneously went through a break up, started working with a new producer, and started listening to a lot more podcasts about feminism. I was reevaluating my identity in a relationship, outside of a relationship. That was a turning point to love myself in a bigger way. I think I was already taking baby steps. At the same time, I started working with this producer whose style is a lot more bouncy, fun, and electroesque. As I was listening to podcasts, one channel stood out to me. For example, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were pinned against each other in the 90s. Britney was the epitome of the virgin. Christina was the slut, the whore. Both of them felt like they were never enough. When Britney dressed a bit sexier, she was criticized for being not enough of a virgin. When Christina wore less provocative clothes, she wasn't showing enough skin. Historically, no matter what they do, women aren't enough. We are never skinny enough. At parties, I would often have conversations with random people that I met or friends whom I have known for a while. "When I have sex, I never come." It's crazy to me that women don't feel safe enough or feel ashamed that they don't want to explore their own body. Because they don't explore their own body, they aren't able to communicate with their partner. You need to give yourself love. Women' s rights have evolved so much yet it still feels like we are so far. With this EP, I was doing something I'm not comfortable with by putting my money where my mouth is. I enjoy wearing something a bit more provocative sometimes. I'm sure some people have a problem with that. I'm sure I will get more harassing comments or DMs. A lot of people see some posts as an invitation. I think it's important for women to talk more about their sexuality, take time to know themselves and their bodies, and give themselves enough love.
How do you deal with the harassing comments and messages?
I try not to take it personally. It obviously depends on the day. At the end of the day, it stems from a lack of education. They never put themselves in a position to understand a woman's perspective or been in a relationship long enough to understand a woman's perspective. I think the best relationships in life are the ones that make you grow and challenge each other.
To go back to this upcoming project, (musically) can we expect something similar to "Rebound Sex" and Eat Me Out"?
I think I will have two more songs or three if I get the courage to release it. It has some words in Spanish. I wrote it after a trip to Mexico. "I'm going to write about that person I met there." It will sonically be similar. Kaytranada vibes with empowering, sexual lyrics.
We talked about all of the amazing things you have accomplished this year. Have you thought about the kind of goals you want to accomplish next year (2026)?
Yes and no, I have not written down exactly what I want to accomplish in 2026. I do have a lot of plans that are up in the air. Right now, I'm in my "hot girl summer". After that, I'm planning my Emo Pop, Pop Rock project. I have written a bunch of songs but now, it's about producing them in a way that makes sense. I don't want to force a vision. I need to find a producer that would do my vision justice. I have two songs that are very much in that realm. I do keep at the back of my mind that these deadlines are malleable in case something happens. I don't know what life will bring to me. I don't want to force things but if something happens naturally… I wrote a song with Theo Day. The way it happened was so natural. "This needs to come out at some point." Whenever it's a good moment in both of our careers to release it, we will release it. We have such different genres. In general, my goals are to improve as a bass player, do more gigs as a DJ and keep on going with my spiritual journey. I'm trying to make an income with things that I love instead of doing things that don't serve me at all.
You played shows in different venues and in different contexts (your own show, opening for other artists, cover nights with your band). Was there a crowd reaction that was particularly memorable to you?
I played three shows showcasing my original music this year. That is a lot less than I used to do. At the beginning, I was like: "Am I taking a step back by doing less shows?" I wanted to create this hype. Also, my concerts will be better because I will have more time to rehearse beforehand.
During my those three shows, the reactions were all different. The EP release show was memorable in the sense that I could tell everybody was involved in singing when I asked them to. That's why it was so special. During my third show, I felt insecure because of the the technical difficulties I experienced at the beginning. That show was a break through moment. I opened for someone but still took the space I needed to take. However, because of the technical issues, I was so unhappy with my performance. I got myself back into it. I received so many positive messages that evening. I remember a specific DM from someone who was there to see the headliner Jenna Wheeler. It was a family friend of Jenna. "You really gave yourself on that stage and you deserve millions of fans who are going to be there eventually." I cannot remember if there was a number but he was insinuating that I'm going to get the crowd that reflects the space I'm taking. For a show that I thought I didn't do well, to be receiving so many compliments afterwards was really mindbafflling. I remember crying the next morning. People don't perceive me the same way I perceive myself. I have to accept I won't always be perfect.
For the cover shows, I try to select songs I know people will love. Deep down, I know people want to dance but they're shy. It's about being myself and putting on that show, being able to be silly myself so they are able to trust me.
We talked how you can be hard on yourself during our first interview. More than a year later, would you say you are still as hard on yourself?
I think there has been improvement. I give myself a lot grace. When it comes to doing new things, I just expect myself to be amazing right away. I don't know why. I think it's very vulnerable to be filming myself (and posting it) as I'm learning something new. Sometimes, I post stuff I'm not super proud of. It's about constantly reminding myself that it's not about me. There are so many reasons why something can work or not work. That's an exercise for 2026, making more videos where I'm speaking to the camera and editing them less.
As a queer woman yourself, do you advice for women, gender non-conforming individuals and queer people in general who want get started in the business (music, acting) but are too afraid to do so?
I know it's cheesy but it's about being yourself and finding what makes you unique. Give yourself time and patience to find what makes you special. It could be the way you dress, a signature makeup look, the fact that you make your own costumes. I know Jenna makes her own costumes. It could also be a personality trait. As I was doing shows, I realized I wanted to do crowd interaction. That's going to be my thing! It came from my theater background. My other advice would be baby steps. Nothing is going to happen overnight. It's about taking baby steps towards things that are challenging to you. If you are scared to be seen by other people, maybe you won't organize a show right away. Sing in your shower, then in your mirror looking at yourself. You can start dancing a little while you look at yourself in the mirror. After that, maybe sing for one trusted friend, 3 trusted friends, 5 trusted friends, some family members. Maybe you can go to an open mic now. It's a whole process. You can do at least a whole week of all these things. It could take years. You could do certain things simultaneously. Emphasize on that special thing that makes you unique in marketing. Like it or not, it's part of the game to a certain extent.
I remember you enjoying doing a mash up of "Too Naive" (original song) and "American Boy" (Estelle) and covering songs like 'Good 4 You" (Olivia Rodrigo) and "The Sweet Escape" (Gwen Stefani). I was wondering if there are any covers you performed this year that you particularly enjoyed?
The one that comes to mind is "Locked out of Heaven" by Bruno Mars. Every single time I perform it at one of my cover gigs, everyone is dancing and singing the words. I find such joy in singing it myself. When I do covers, the theater part of me comes out. I go super dramatic. "I Will Survive" as well. I let myself express that sass more this year. I'm not being scared of how I will be perceived. I'm confident in who I am. I would also say "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. I really feel myself singing these songs. I like doing "Toxic". It's very theatrical. I love singing instrumental lines. "Poker Face", I separate the crowd in two teams and make people participate. There is always a side that is way more involved in the competition. I was able to sing and play bass on "Seven Nation Army".
Are there any song you are scared to cover?
"Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. I do the voice and it feels like I'm playing a character. I'm not being myself. It's not authentic to me. "Careless Whisper" was one I think I was insecure about because of the fact that the tempo is slow. My goal is to really entertain the crowd and get them involved so when we are doing a song that isn't as fast paced I'm wondering if people are going to enjoy it. There need to be those lows to create that roller coaster. This whole thing is about building trust with your audience. I think the cover gigs have made me a better vocalist. I didn't sound good singing some of these songs at first. I had to perform certain techniques that I wouldn't practice otherwise. It requires a lot of breath work. "Domino" by Jessie J is hard because off all of the riffs and runs.
Your favourite interviewer who is progressively less hard on herself,
Ariane
LINKS TO FURTHER DISCOVER AND SUPPORT VITALIA
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