Composed of Keyboards, Samples, Live Guitar and Drums, Vanilla Sugar is definitely one of a kind. Vanilla Sugar is a fresh new band looking to change the way the public perceives music.
We had an opportunity to chat with Vanilla Sugar about their latest projects. We also reviewed their song Be OK!
Hi, Vanilla Sugar! We reviewed one of your songs, Be OK. You created a beautiful fusion of different genres. Tell us what inspired the song?
Thank you so much! This song was written based on past experiences JP had with someone who made her feel that their relationship would be much more than what it turned out to be.
Tell us about the writing process for Be OK.
The writing process for Be OK was a long one! This was a collaborative effort. We usually start any song idea with a synth riff, and then add guitar, and layers of sound. The lyrics and vocals typically come last. Once the song itself was mostly complete, JP sits down with the band and we vibe off of the initial lyric concept she writes, to complete the lyrics and finalize the track.
Do you agree your music is a fusion of different genres?
Absolutely! If you ever hear our music – not one song sounds exactly the same or has the same vibe. We have so many musical influences that we include any genre that might work for a particular song idea we have in mind.
You bring a high-energy stage performance. How do you maintain that level for each performance?
Playing live shows is what we love doing the most. Anytime we jump on stage there’s always a natural energy. That combined with the right amount of alcohol always makes for a pretty entertaining and standard Vanilla Sugar performance.
Tell us how the band formed.
The band originally started with JP. She started writing music alone, and then decided that for live shows; she wanted it to be more than just her on stage. Vanesa and JP met through a mutual friend, and immediately connected on a musical level. With Vanesa joining the group, a new level of sound emerged, leading to what we are today.
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Growing up, what songs inspired you?
Vanesa: I listened to so much music growing up; my family always had something playing in the house from salsa to classic rock. The kind of song that always captured my attention were the ones with unforgettable melodies and hooks that you found yourself humming or dancing to throughout the day.
JP: My dad is a musician, so I was always exposed to all different types of music. The main bands that inspired me would be Korn, Mindless Self Indulgence and Mudvayne.
Do you draw from personal experiences to create your music?
Yes. Music, just like any kind of art is expressive – and for us it always comes from our personal experiences. We all go through so many emotions/experiences at any given moment – capturing and expressing it into song is why we love creating music.
Your lyrics make people think! What is the most important aspect of songwriting?
JP usually tries to keep lyrics not so direct – letting listeners relate and apply the songs to something they are going through. Lyric writing is also a type of therapy for JP. It lets her spill her emotions on paper through metaphors.
What is the biggest misconception about being an all-female band?
The biggest misconception is that because we are all female that we might not get the same level of respect, when it’s actually the opposite. When you give literally everything you have to something you believe in people can tell right away that you are serious and have drive and passion-who wouldn’t respect that?
What is your most favorite performance in your career to date?
Our favorite performance so far was Warped Tour Alaska in 2016. The crowd had so much energy; we were all having a great time. The merchandise line was 2 hours long after the show – such an incredible experience. It was awesome meeting everyone and having a chance to get to know the people that support us so much.
List the 5 things you need to have with you on a stage.
- A nice, strong cocktail!
- Ice Cream Cone Props
- A good monitor!
- Vanilla Sugar koozies to throw out to the crowd
- GLITTER
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
We will be heading out on a Mid-West America tour at the end of May into early June, and will be releasing a new music video for our single, “Satellites” around the same time.
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to change anything, I would change ___________.
Vanesa: trash into pizza.
JP: all water into sparkling water.
Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to check out the 4 star review of their song Be OK!
Connect with Vanilla Sugar:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanillasugarhtx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanillasugarmusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/vanillasugarmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRi87XJLSPbpAFsskEgBag
Reverbnation: https://reverbnation.coml/vanillasugar
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/vanillasugarmusic
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