My first music interview of 2022 is with female American artist Vanilla Sugar who shares her love of writing, creating and performing her unique style of music that other people can relate to.
Artist’s Name: Vanilla Sugar
Genre: Horror Pop
Founded: 2019
Originated From: Los Angeles, CA
Discography: SHE (Album, 2020)
How would you describe your music?
Vanilla Sugar is made of alternative/electronic music, a pop vocal sensibility, mixed with a metal influence.
What is your musical creative process like?
It usually starts with the music. Typically, a synth melody. The vocals are added last. Life experiences inspire me. That’s where I get all of my lyrical content from.
I know an upsetting situation could make for some great song lyrics that other people could also connect to. Sometimes I freestyle what I am singing, sometimes full lines make the cut and sometimes it’s just a phrase that turns the track into a completely different song.
How did you start out as a musician?
I originally started writing music on a midi keyboard and iMac in Houston, TX. I wanted to get the songs in my head out and into my car speakers.
How did you come up with your stage name?
The PG13 version is that Vanilla Sugar seems like a cute, fun name – when the music is in your face and powerful.
I love throwing off new audience members. They never know what to expect. The R rated (and completely true) version is this…I wanted a name for this that somehow had my name tied in all at once and not at all.
My nickname is JP Vanilla. Hence the “Vanilla” in Vanilla Sugar. The “Sugar” comes from the term “Kitty sugar” (NSFW). Put those two together and you’ll see what Vanilla Sugar means!
Who influenced you within the music industry?
I grew up listening to a lot of metal, hard rock and nu metal. I was also really into 90’s techno!
There are a lot of those influences in my music. I find a lot of inspiration in Sleigh Bells, Grimes, KoRn, and The Prodigy.
KoRn and The Prodigy definitely influenced my darker/creepier side, along with Vanilla Sugar’s looped beats and metal undertones. Sleigh Bells and Grimes influenced the pop side of the tracks.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
I love performing! I haven’t been able to do it in a year and a half because of Covid. That’s the longest I’ve gone without performing in my life!!
My favourite gig was my album release show. I felt so much love in the room and the show was AWESOME. Everything was perfect from lights, sound, to how the whole night went.
So many months were spent in the studio and a lot of blood, sweat, and glitter went into the album…it felt so good to be able to share it with everyone that night together.
What is the best thing about being a musician?
I love being able to wake up in a new city every day, knowing that I get to do what I love every night! I enjoy meeting new fans and getting to connect with them. I also love driving!
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician?
A big challenge was getting out of my own head. I have a tendency to be kind of self-destructive when it comes to things I create.
Part of my brain tells me it’s not good enough, the other says to stop being so hard on myself. I actually like the way the song sounds, so why do I have this weird self-doubt?
It took years, but I am now at a point where I feel happy with things, and have learned to not treat myself so badly mentally.
What plans have you got coming up this year?
I plan to start shooting a couple of music videos in the next coming months. I am really excited to see how they come out!
I am also working on booking a tour for March 2022 in Germany. I am scheduled to tour the UK with The Birthday Massacre in November 2022. I am looking forward to being on the road again!
What is your ultimate dream as a musician?
My dream would be to continue touring often and releasing new albums everyyear.
It’s a lot of work, but I’ve been pushing for this since I was a kid, and I don’t know what I would do if I had to stop!
You can find out more about Vanilla Sugar by visiting her website.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
