Meet The Magnetic Dark-Pop Newcomer… Viia

Viia is a Darlington based emerging artist that’s ready to make her mark in the music sphere. At an early age, the songstress was drawn to the art of singing. Her passion for the craft morphed over the years as she gained interest in creating her own songs. To help give perspective on her unique experiences, the young artist looked to poetry as inspiration for her songwriting skills. Viia’s music journey led her to temporarily join a local band before she realized she preferred writing and performing her own songs. When she was 12-years-old, the pop-rock artist performed a sensational rendition of The Cranberries hit, ‘Zombie’. The performance garnered praise from a fellow musician who introduced her to her now manager. 

With her debut track ‘Falling’ officially making the rounds, Viia has her eyes set on showcasing her distinctive and hard-hitting material. We were able to chat with the songstress about her new single, music inspirations, and her upcoming record. Read the full interview below. 

Heya Viia!  You doing alright? 

Hiya!! Yeah, I’m good thank you! I’ve just had a photoshoot around Darlo with my incredibly talented friend Ruby Gray. We did a few shots in the Forum, a local music venue, and it’s made me even more desperate to get back to performing again. Hopefully, it’s not long now!!

Can you believe summer is right around the corner? Any fun plans? 

Eeeee I know, this year has gone so fast. I’m just glad I won’t have to wear massive jumpers all the time to be honest! But yes, I’m excited to get back into the studio with people again and hopefully go to all the festivals I have tickets for – I’ve missed live music so much.

Summer plans aside, let’s dive into the music. Taking it back a bit when did you realize you wanted to pursue music? 

I’ve always known I wanted to do music. I was probably singing in the womb tbh! When I was younger, I always wanted the main parts in school plays, just so I could be a little attention seeker and get the solos haha. I sang in a few bands when I was like 10 and then realised I wanted to be a solo singer and do my own thing. Years later – here we are!

When you think of music idols which five come to mind? 

I’d say my music is influenced by every bit of music I listen to, but especially Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys and Florence and The Machine. At the moment, I’m obsessed with The Mysterines and Black Honey too.

We got to talk about your debut track ‘Falling’ absolutely fantastic! Can you take us through the creative process for the record? What goals did you have for the tracks production? 

Awww thanks so much! I’m very glad you like it! I wanted to create a massive anthemic song with electric guitars, huge drums and a few ‘Bond’ elements to it. Falling was the song that made it all make sense. It was the song that made me realise – this is MY sound. The song starts with a spoken text message of a rejection from a guy I thought liked me, but clearly he didn’t. There’s a lot of built up anger in this song haha.

The lyrics are so relatable! What message do you want music fans to take away after listening to the record? 

That if someone rejects you, or breaks your heart, turn it into art. It’ll also hopefully make you money one day – the perfect revenge if you ask me.

What’s your favourite aspect of writing music? Do you a have specific process when creating new music? 

My favourite aspect of writing music is definitely using it to vent about a situation. I looove bouncing off the other writers in the room and turning a sad situation into a sassy rock song. I also love adding subtle hints into the lyrics about who the song is really about!

We hear that you collaborated with a lot of your friends from Darlington on your new music. How has it been working on your art with them? 

I have, yes!! It’s been really great to be involved with other Northern talent! Ethan Fenton, also from Darlington, shot my music video and artwork. He’s amazing. I think it’s really important that Northern talent is recognised more as there’s a lot of phenomenal talent up here.

Will we be getting an EP or album soon? 

YES. That’s the plan!! The EP is actually finished and it’s sounding lush… lots of bangers and a couple of heartbreaking ballads on there. You can cry in the shower or scream them in the face of an ex – you choose.

Looking ahead, what goals do you want to accomplish over the next few years?

It may sound a bit far fetched, but the dream is to be selling out stadiums. I want crowds to be singing every lyric back at me. Headlining festivals would be sick too. I’m just very excited to be releasing music and for everyone to hear it. It gets bigger and better.

Make sure to listen to Viia’s debut track ‘Falling’ below.