Your voice is absolutely stunning and seems well trained – did you have a professional education or is it just natural talent?
Vérité: Thank you! I’ve recently started taking voice lessons to learn to control my voice better, but other than that I’ve figured out how to sing on my own.
Your debut album ‚Somewhere In Between‘ will be released on June 23rd – What may we expect of it and what are you most excited about?
Vérité: My goal was to make a cohesive statement, where each song has the ability to stand on it’s own. I wanted it to be emotional and distant at the same time. I’m really excited to have it exist outside of my head. I will let people experience it how they will.
When you create a song, what comes first – lyrics or melody?
Vérité: They usually come at the same time. Sometimes an idea will have a stronger melody than lyrics and vice versa. They tend to play off each other as I develop an idea.
What does music mean to you?
Vérité: Music is kinetic energy. I love writing, building something up then releasing and performing. It’s this constant ebb and flow of commotion to me.
Your new Single ‚When You’re Gone‘ is out now and has a very dark but interesting video. Did you have influence on the script and presentation?
Vérité: Yes. Everything I do comes from me and gets my stamp of approval. I found a director and producer that I trust and developed the treatment with them. We definitely pushed ourselves creatively.
Spotify chose your photo for their ‚Left Of Center‘ playlist. How does that feel?
Vérité: Amazing. It’s a very appropriate playlist to be the face of. I appreciate the support from Spotify in rolling out this next chapter.
Speaking about Spotify, how important are those platforms for modern musicians these days to reach their audience and is there maybe a bitter price to pay compared to times past?
Vérité: DSP’s are indispensable to releasing music. I believe music should be completely accessible, even free. I believe that if you create the right experience for people, you will be able to make a living as a musician. Your people will take care of you. If you don’t allow people time and a platform to discover you, it’s impossible to have a sustainable career.
As a woman in music business I think it’s not always that easy. What is the hardest part of it and what are your suggestions to all musical women around the world? We’d like to give you the opportunity to shout it out, so feel free if you like.
Vérité: There are definitely aspects of being a woman in the music industry that aren’t ideal. For me, I see it in the way certain people speak to me, make assumptions on how I work, how much control I have, or what I am capable of. In general, I keep my head down and ignore the bullshit. I don’t comment on and judge other women. I try to work harder than other people around me and own my accomplishments.
Your sound reminds me a bit of the phenomenal BANKS. Is she maybe an inspiration particularly as she is also a strong and powerful woman of today’s music industry?
Vérité: BANKS is badass. I love her cohesion and vision. Also, I love how dark everything she does is.
This is your first European tour, isn’t it? What are your most interesting and weirdest experiences so far?
Vérité: I’ve been to Europe a few times, but this was my first show in Berlin. Honestly, I have no crazy, weird stories. We did get into an argument with a venue owner who wouldn’t let me bring a baguette into my show.
What do you miss the most when being so far away from home?
Vérité: Sleep.
We’re huge fans of mix tapes and playlists. Please tell us your favourite songs for…
…midnight at the dancefloor?
Vérité: Robyn – ‚Hang With Me‘
…overthinking life?
Vérité: Lucius – ‚Gone Insane‘
…summer cruising?
Vérité: Anderson.Paak – ‚Come Down‘
…break-ups?
Vérité: The 1975 – ‚Somebody Else‘
…a shower on a sunny morning?
Vérité: Childish Gambino – ‚Me and Your Mama‘
Interview conducted by Maria