In-Depth Interview with American Producer & Singer

In-Depth Interview with American Producer & Singer - Vlush

6/10/2019

We've had the chance to talk with one of the rising talents out of Los Angeles, Vlush. Her music reflects the remarkable story behind her and is worthy of a spot on anyone's playlist. The latest song, "Anybody Else But You" is available now!

Since starting your musical journey at age twelve, tell us about the steps you've taken to improve your craft and creative vision.
I was twelve was when I first realized I wanted to create music forever on. I still remember downloading a free trial version of FL Studio creating my first beats. It wasn't until I turned eighteen when a mentor of mine persuaded me to purchasing a new laptop, use a new DAW (Logic Pro X) and start my real journey into the music world. I have such passion and dedication for all of this. Mentality is my best ally in all of this. A strong mentality gives me the ability to work day and night on my personal music, school, and work.

What was it like for you going through school and having to balance school work with music?
Honestly, it's super hard to maintain that balance and I'm still learning how to properly manage that. It's a struggle but I'm learning so much along the way. A lot of challenges I faced shaped and molded me into who I am today as a friend, daughter, student, and musician.

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A post shared by VLUSH (@vlush_la) on Feb 12, 2019 at 5:22pm PST

Growing up, I was often mistaught on how to express my feelings whether it was anger, sadness, or even happiness. I survived situations, and overcame many mental struggles on my own. I've always been independent, it's what I'm used to. But I think all of this greatly contributes to my dedication for my music and vision. The main vision I want to broadcast through both music and life is how to find peace in the pain. I was brought up thinking that it was not okay to feel anything other than happiness. That led me to withhold all emotions eventually leading to internal damage of my mental health. I want to be a role model for anyone who is struggling. Sometimes it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want to reassure everyone the light is there, and that dark tunnel isn't something we have to face alone. "It's okay not to be okay".

Could you talk about some of the challenges you've faced to get to where you are and how those obstacles have manifested themselves in your music?
The real reason behind pursuing music goes so much deeper than I think anyone can imagine. Not to get super into it, but the death of a few friends, rejection from family/friends, abuse, and pain, are all reasons I pursue music. As difficult as it is for me, I want to pursue music and push through my life in the hopes that I may be a living example for others to do so as well. Eventually I would like to share specific stories as time goes on. The most important thing to know is that our mind is limitless. We do have the ability to control our own lives/situations even when it may seem like we just aren't strong enough. I can guarantee you that the horrible anxiety, depression, and the ugly feeling that feels like it'll last forever, will not last forever. I won't ever be able to understand anyone to the full capacity, but I'll always be able to spread love, comfort, positivity, and good energy.

How would you describe your latest song to someone who hasn't heard it yet? Can you also shed some light on what went into making it?
The process of creating a song starts off differently for me each time. I play many instruments and a lot of my music is electronic based. I was looking at my guitar and I wanted to create a summer vibe. Immediately, I recorded the guitar part and I started to think about someone that I missed very much. A tension of love and uncertainty brought me to the lyrics of "I want to see you, to feel you, to be with you". A lot of my lyrics, if not all of them, are extremely repetitive. My intentions behind this is for the lyrics to really sink into the listeners emotions.

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A post shared by VLUSH (@vlush_la) on Jun 5, 2019 at 2:15pm PDT

Repeating the same lyrics gives the listener time to soak in the meaning and interpret that into their own lives. I think most of us can relate to the pain of not being able to be with someone. "Anybody Else But You" refers to wanting the struggle of being with anybody else but that special person. Because I wish I didn't have to not be with them.

You've planned for five more music videos before the year is over. What was your experience like filming the one for "Anybody Else But You" and what lessons will you be taking into the next production?
Filming for "Anybody Else But You" was such a great experience. I worked with a new videographer from Chicago. Jonathan Garcia, owner of JAG Films, was a professional, fun spirited, welcoming soul, who made it very easy for me to get work done quickly and professionally. We came across a few obstacles such as weather for the beach was scheduled for heavy rainfall. Thankfully, we were able to make things work with the time we had. I also had extras, which included personal friends, and that was a new feel for me. It was great to show a side of me that most people don't often get to see. The support from everyone was real, and that feeling was extremely rewarding for me. Next productions, I will be working with Jonathan Garcia again and we have exciting content planned for the future.

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A post shared by VLUSH (@vlush_la) on Jun 4, 2019 at 3:29pm PDT

Aside from music, what other responsibilities do you have in your life?
I work two jobs and attend school at Los Angeles Film School. In about a year, I should obtain my Associates of Science in Music Production. I produce for different artists each month, creating personalized beats for their unique sound. I absolutely love working with new and different people. Creating new music and vibes with other artists is such a beautiful thing. I also volunteer for a local church where I play keys for Sunday service. Being involved with your community and also giving back whenever you can is something I strongly believe in. Playing for my church helped me learn a lot about music performance. Although worship leading is never a performance but an invitation, I was able to learn a lot from, setting up wires, playing live tracks on Ableton, recognizing audience engagement, lyricism, monitoring/mixing, lighting, and so forth.

What personal goals have you set for yourself to start on to of your game and mental health moving forward?
I think the most important step to moving forward in anything you do is to believe in yourself. It all starts off with you. Anything you wanna do, only you can achieve that. I learned I can't wait or rely on anyone to get me to reaching my goals and dreams. I believe self care is so important and we should never neglect ourselves. We all have a purpose on this earth but the evil in the world tries to set us apart from that vision. We are meant to do so much and we are all so very special. Keeping yourself healthy and living a healthy life will benefit in the long run. I first set SMALL goals before reaching the BIG goals. Focusing on the smaller more achievable goals first makes it easier to get to the final big goal. I always set dates and im very strict with myself to reaching those deadlines. Find people who support your vision and start now with what you want to achieve.

This summer I will be coming out with summer Vlush Merchandise including summer tank tops, and hats. I do my best to release a music video with each single. I plan on releasing five more singles and videos in the coming months. After this I will focus on releasing my first official EP & playing a lot of live shows in the Los Angeles area.

A huge thank you to VLush for taking the time to answer our questions! Be sure to follow her using the links below!