Interview / Viana
Photo by Eastern Native
Viana has been singing ever since she can remember. She was born in the summer of 1993. Raised on church gospel, classic rock and a touch of jazz , Viana’s vocals have morphed through the years into a sound uniquely hers. A decade of fronting pop-punk bands, starring in local musical productions and dabbling in some moderate witchcraft have been integral in the formation of the ethereal melody-machine that is Viana.
Viana’s mission through music is to connect with all people and remember that self expression should be about going with your gut and listening to your own instincts. Growing up in a female fronted band always striving to be the next big thing brings an unnecessary pressure. These days, she creates what she wants and what feels most comfortable for her, and wants to help her listeners do the same. After ten years of collaborative work, Viana’s fierce independence has led to the shedding of her past skin and the incubation of this unapologetically Viana project: new, strange, and no-fucks-given.
Could you explain who you are and what you do?
Oh hey, I’m Viana. I’ve always been and always will be a singer. I’ve been in bands for over a decade, releasing a shit ton of music and touring around the country, and now I’m branching off into my first solo venture! Excited can’t begin to cover how I’m feeling.
Let's start with the beginning, what made you interested in music?
I come from a musical family. I’ve always sang ever since I was little, so I guess it was just always a part of who I was. As soon as I was old enough to think about what I wanted to do, I always wanted to be a singer.
How do you think your gospel roots have shaped your music today?
All of my different musical roots have made me the singer I am today for sure. I’ve learned to love my vocal style, and the fact that I have so many different places I’ve grabbed inspiration from. Singing in church as a kid made me comfortable on stage in general and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
How do you deal with negative feedback directed to you or your music?
Unfortunately, when you put yourself out there in any way, you have to be ready for the haters. It’s never something you totally get used to. One thing I’ve learned over the years is to try to not give a shit what other people say. Make yourself happy, and create what you want, and if people want to be negative, then let them. Making yourself proud is the most important.
What are you most looking forward to with the Wine & Roses release?
I’m just so excited to have my first solo song out and to start this new chapter in my music. No one knows what exactly to expect from me after being in bands for so many years, so the anticipation is fun.
Do you have any goals for your upcoming releases
Right now, the goal is for my music to land on as many ears as possible!
I'm told you love the outdoors, what's a perfect day off for you?
A perfect day off includes wandering around either the woods or the beach, whether it’s cold or warm outside. I love getting lost in nature. Camping is also the shit. Disconnecting from society sometimes is so important so that I can recharge.
Do you have any advice to any musicians just starting out? What's one of the most valuable things you've learned?
Always stay true to yourself. It really isn’t easy, and people will always try to sway you in different directions, but you have to always go with your gut and do what makes you happy.