02 September 2019 - 0 Comments
Ukrainian born kiwi, New Zealand songstress VïKÆ (Veronika Bell), has been lurking in the shadows working with Dunedin born female producer Abigail Knudson (Missy). Being described as a 'diamond in the rough', VïKÆ’s haunting vocals tell a story of self-discovery via escapism. Truth tackles living with trauma and physical limitations where a chilling subtext is symbolised by sampling medicine bottles, tapping on glass and ripping paper. In a country where the topic of mental health is still taboo, Veronika took the opportunity to write a track outlining her personal battle with mental and physical health. She addresses recognising internalised toxicity and overcoming demons and describes writing this track 'as a form of healing'. Truth is a compelling work as it picks you up sweeping through a kaleidoscope of emotions. Provocative lyrics which seemingly floating above a noir storyline and weave between spicy baselines; this track is as much melancholic as it is a subtle nod to the dance floor. VïKÆ’s songwriting is unique in structure and Truth showcases her effortless ability to conjure up an intoxicating blend of emotive lyricism and delicately crafted melodies.
Introduced to the beauty of classical music from an early age, Veronika began studying the piano, joined ballet school and later enrolled in a drama programme. Finding a niche within the performing arts gave Veronika a sense of purpose. Awarded a choral scholarship, Veronika was accepted into the Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice Performance, University of Otago). Half way through her degree, she switched to a contemporary voice major and completed her honours year with a dissertation on the vocal techniques of Ella Fitzgerald. She became a resident vocalist of The Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra and released a drum and bass track, Hindsight (prod by Kristin Nielson and 4ORT.NIGHT Records). Later, she met Dunedin Guitarist Latham Hunt and together they formed a rock duo VTMNK (Vitamin K). Whilst working towards an EP with local producer Tim Greenslade, VTMNK were heavily praised for their songwriting techniques and musicianship from renown New Zealand producers Clint Murphy and Greg Haver. Now living in Auckland, Veronika is quietly chipping away at her debut album and is an itinerant vocal teacher at a high school as well as teaching singing and music theory privately from her home studio.
VïKÆ, who has done a peculiar 360 dance around the music-sphere, feels she is finally landing where she describes as feeling ‘most at home’. Truth is part pop-ballad and part dance floor anthem, only creating an excited buzz for what is next in store for this new kid on the block. VïKÆ has entered the music scene as she intends to continue: strong, sassy and spellbinding with a confronting story to tell through song.
TRUTH
Due for release September 27
Performed by: VÏKÆ
Music and lyrics by: Veronika Bell co. Abigail Knudson (MISSY)
Produced by: Abigail Knudson
Vocal producer: Maude Morris
Mix Engineer: Rich Bryan
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