Photo by Crila
We had the wonderful opportunity to chat with VAN, Check out the interview below.
You’re at the beginning of your career. How has the journey been, thus far?
It’s been nothing but fun and I’m in such a learning phase every day that it keeps me on my toes… I love it! I’ve been singing pretty much all my life but now it’s in public so I’m more conscious of everything. With each performance I become more comfortable and try new techniques, little things to change things up for me. I’ve learned that practice really does make perfect (or almost)! I’m also very lucky to have a wonderful supporting family and amazing friends who are with me all the way. Without them, it would be much tougher!
Are there any artists you draw inspiration from?
I have a lot of love for Canadian artists since I am from Canada and am now just starting to understand how tough it is out there. I’m a huge fan of the Weekend, I literally love everything he puts out. On the international scene, someone who really has been an inspiration to me this last year has been Ariana Grande. She really has an amazing soul.
You’re looking forward to releasing your album in 2018. Could you tell us about the development?
Tino Izzo (the producer for my upcoming album), and I have put a lot of time and effort into the album. I worked on the songs literally 24/7 until I was able to give them my personal touch, which is my favorite thing about singing. Both of us are fascinated with music and all the different styles so when we’re in the studio, it’s always a great time exploring and trying new stuff. There’s nothing more I could say other than pure it’s fun. I’m really quite excited about introducing the new songs on my album – each one has a different story but they all mean so much to me. I’m hoping people will love them. Vocally I’ve also tried to explore different facets of my voice textures. Many people have told me I sound like Rihanna, which is such a huge compliment having my name in the same sentence as hers as I have so much respect for her!
When you’re writing, tell us what experiences you draw on for your lyrics.
When I was 10 years old, I wrote my first song… it was about my dog that passed away, and I still remember it by heart to this day. It sometimes stays in my head, it’s crazy! I’ve started to write a few things recently which has been exciting but for the moment I’m still not where I want to be with it so I work with the writers on my record and give them my inspiration and ideas. I like to deal with things I’ve been through – whether it be about life as a young woman, boys, lessons learned, or even just a bad day. It’s finding an avenue to display it that makes it such a great challenge. I have to be alone if I want to write though like locked up in my room completely by myself to focus on my craft.
Tell us how your dreams and aspirations have paid off.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of hearing my voice on the radio alongside all the artists that I admire. Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Rihanna… it was a fantasy of mine as a little girl to think I’d someday be on the radio alongside them! Now that I’m on the radio, it’s still surreal. Sometimes I get into my car and my song “Lock My Love Down” starts playing. It doesn’t even feel like it’s me. It’s so incredible! I also feel honored to have won the iHeart Radio Future Star award in September 2017 (my birth month), which was an incredible experience. I got to travel across Canada, perform my single live on the radio with my guitar player and co-producer Max Izzo and meet so many cool people along the way. I got to go to places that I never thought I would see and I’m looking forward to seeing what else the future holds. Canada is such a beautiful country and I am very proud to be Canadian. I can’t wait to continue my travels around the world and share my music.
Thus far, what has been the best experience working in the industry?
Even though I’m only eighteen, I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences growing up in the business, especially since I was also a child actor and model. The combination of experiences has been amazing. I’ve traveled to South Africa for of all things, a Canadian Tire spot (a Canadian store chain), did commercials for restaurants, and video clips. But in all honesty, my favorite part of working in the industry is when I’m cocooned in the recording studio with my producer and developing new songs. I’m living my dream and get to express myself in ways that I could never imagine possible as an artist. I always feel so fulfilled and relaxed in the studio I could be there every day.
What do you like to do between productions?
I’m someone who likes having my own alone time. I like to go shopping, watch movies, and start watching new series’ on Netflix. That’s the kind of simple stuff that’s most fun for me when I’m between productions. If not, I’m with my best friend and we pretty much do all of the same stuff together.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
I’m starting to do more live shows with my band which I’m really excited about. I’m working so hard with them on coming up with our own approach and can’t wait to start touring. I do have several shows coming up and you can always visit my website www.vanpiunno.com for all updates. Right now the main focus is on my album and so we’re in and out of the studio a lot.
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
What I love to do, which is to be an artist and sing. That’s it. I am looking forward to introducing my music to the world and to continue to express myself through it. I look forward to getting to meet and know as many people as possible and hopefully touch people’s hearts with my music and my voice. Nothing is more important in life than doing what you love to do. Thank you for your time and I look forward to meeting you on my Instagram, FaceBook, Youtube or Twitter.
VIDEO
“Lock my love down” official lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq5vHWqi3AQ
“Lock my love down” official acoustic video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-uqvAKKD2s
“Lock My Love Down” – (Lucky Rose Remix): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzXjENrcZzo
SOCIAL
Instagram: @vanpiunno
Facebook: @vanpiunno
Twitter: @vanpiunno
Website: vanpiunno.com
PICTURES: Photos by Crila (www.crilaphoto.com)
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