After being featured on EDM Joy, The Electricity Club, Discovering Bands, Radio Wigwam, and Fresh on the Net for her Music Video Serotonin and single Circle Square, Violent Vickie returns with her sophomore LP “Division“.
Her first full length release since “Monster Alley” in 2013, Division is composed of songs that were started in 2014-16 and finished in 2019-20 after completing a Masters in Social Work and a stint working at a drug rehab. “Division” dabbles in a wide range of genres including witchhouse, dark wave, synth pop, synth punk, electro and experimental.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Violent Vickie about the music, the technology, the challenges and more.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I live in Long Beach, CA and I my music covers a wide range of styles like darkwave, post-punk, synthpop and even ambient. I like to call it Dark SynthRiot, but it really depends on the song.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I grew up singing in choirs & after being inspired by some artist housemates that like experimental electronic music, I took some electronic music courses in college. From there I got a cheap drum machine and started recording on my mom’s 4 track with her keyboard and my sister’s guitar chorus pedal on my vocals. Songwriting has been healing for me and I enjoy connecting with other’s through music.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This release is stronger overall, especially the vocals and the songwriting. I had put music aside for a while due to a busy life, but then I got the opportunity to finish my album. I went through all the songs I had started on my computer and chose my favorite ones to finish. It was pretty random.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Streaming services make it tough to make much of an income when you are a smaller artist, but they are good exposure. Social media also helps you get exposed to a wider audience.
What was the last song you listened to?
Dlina Volny- Whatever Happens Next
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Streaming TBH. It’s just so convenient, but for DJing I download mp3s and if I am at a show I will buy a CD or Vinyl.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp is amazing! There is an option to pay more and often times people do that. People are very generous. Spotify is great for discovering new artists and convenience.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Listen to “Division” here: https://ffm.to/violentvickiedivision
https://violentvickie.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/violentvickie/
Anything else before we sign off?
Love love love!
