A new single release from Vanessa Lio brings out a character-riddled and gothic edge cross between alternative rock and pop complete with soulful and passionately performed vocals, crunchy guitars, and a refreshing and crisp beat that all come together to create a particular atmosphere that you end up getting wrapped in.
"Enter The Darkness" shows signs of an artist that has a true Obsession for her craft and puts together these songs that take you to her world all the while underneath the surface, the song is completely lyrically honest.
So, because of this you get the best of two different worlds, and it's done with such a unique approach that you end up listening to the song again as soon as it ends.
Songs that you can escape into for a moment in time are wonderful and this is definitely one of those because again, she is able to create this sort of world that you can almost see in your head because the song does have this massively cinematic feel to it as well.
Everything about this track comes through with a certain level of color but also is seemingly slightly dark or as I said earlier, gothic even.
The track does an outstanding job of showing her ability as an artist to show a huge presence and this song will engulf you in all the best ways possible.
The builds all come to these almost anthemic climaxes and those hooks and choruses stick with you for days.
It's great to hear a song that you think about after it's over and have to play it again just to sort of satiate that state of thought.
Vanessa pulls off gorgeous vocal delivery and harmonies that are combined with these heavier open chord guitar sections and together those two have quite an impact.
There is something about the song that really makes you feel like it came from someplace authentic or genuine like it's a chapter in her life that she's able to get out with the song and if that's the case, it was probably cathartic for her to let this one out.
The production here is spot on and you can tell that this is coming from a songwriter that maybe tends to be a little bit of a perfectionist as there's a lot of attention to detail going on because there's a lot of different layers happening at the same time, but everything flows so seamlessly that it doesn't feel like it.
This was such a well-balanced track in terms of having that edginess but also having that soul and hard attached to it.
Her ability to hang on to that emotional drive that probably helped create the song in the first place is outstanding.
This is definitely a rocker, but it's got a bit more going on than the standard, which is very refreshing and with its release, we wanted to have a sit-down with Vanessa to find out exactly where the song actually came from and what might be coming up next for her.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with " Enter the Darkness" ! This track had a great gothic edginess to it with soulful and passionate vocals! How did this single come about?
I really appreciate your observations. It is often difficult for me to explain what genre of music I fit into, and you basically explained it here. The song started out as a short melody that I couldn't get out of my head. I just kept hearing. "Enter the Darkness, I'm your goddess" in my head, over and over, so I recorded it into my phone. I sang it a bit softer and rhythmically slower than what it turned into. A few days later, a fairly emotional event occurred and I began writing more lyrics, until I had the full song written out. I contacted my producer, Atom, and we set up a date to put the song together. I had my partial melody and chord ideas, brought it to him, and we put our minds together to create what eventually became the final song.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you really get into making music?
I really was born with this need to sing. There are home videos of me singing and little notes, "when I grow up I want to be a singer", found in my old school work. As a young girl I was always very interested in writing stories, and I used to force my family to listen to me read them out loud. As I became a teenager and began playing instruments and meeting other musicians, I started turning my writing into songs. I would say around the age 13-14 is when I really became obsessed with music and just soaking it all up like a sponge. It took many years of confidence building and self-esteem work to believe in myself, and now I am all in with music.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
I typically get inspired by emotional events that happen in my life or around my sphere. It has proven to be a form of therapy that is truly priceless, so a lot of my writing comes across as 'sad'. Lately, I have been writing about sad moments that created empowerment, motivation and realization. I have challenged myself to try to write a happy song this year, so we will see what happens, ha-ha!
Buzz Slayers: This song has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
My musical influences are truly all over the map. I listen to mostly rock music, classic and heavy metal, but then I am heavily influenced by Motown and some R&B, pop music and some country. I like anything with groove and soul and feeling. The most important thing to me is how I feel. Specific artists that have influenced me are Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, CCR, Patsy Cline, Alabama Shakes, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Chris Cornell, Lady Gaga, Alanis Morissette, Tool... the list honestly does not end.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I am not working on music, you can find me at my day job working at a local museum. I enjoy being outside a lot, whether it's walking my dog, out for a hike, anything outdoors. I am with my friends and family often as well. The simple things in life.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
I listen to a lot of podcasts. This morning was Sword and Scale. Also Armchair expert. But I have been listening to a lot of Teddy Swims lately.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I am performing a lot right now. All the gigs are listed on my website at www.vanessalio.ca. Each gig for now is within Ontario.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
This song was recorded and produced at Cuginihub in Woodbridge, Ontario. I worked with my producer Atom.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
We are just finishing up another single (expected to be released at the beginning of Fall maybe?). I am performing a lot with the band. Hopefully I will make another music video :)
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you for joining me on this journey. It is such a thrill to chase your dreams and have people that support you along the way.
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