Victoria Ivy Embers Drops A Vintage Pop Single
A new single release from Victoria Ivy Embers just dropped, and this track gives me loads of bouts of nostalgia simply because it's produced with such a thick '80s pop approach and soundscape. From the synthesizers, bells, guitars, and even the beat, the whole thing feels like it could have been released in 1989.
I really dig this, not just because I'm a child of the '80s, but because it's done well. There was an aesthetic that she was going for, and it was completely nailed. Not a mark was missed, and that's part of what makes the song thrive the way it does.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are elements of current pop influence here as well. That classic, vintage pop tonality is coming back around in mainstream pop anyway, but I think Victoria has really put the nail in the coffin in terms of showing how it's done right.
The track opens up with sort of twinkling synths and keys, little guitar riffs, and this sort of vast undertone that gives a little bit of spaciousness.
I think that's important as well because it adds layers to the track. So, right from the get-go, you have these great elements that come together and form an aesthetic, and that atmosphere is really colorful, fun, and gives off the right kind of energy.
The beat of the track is excellent. The kick drum cuts through everything, as it should, and the snare has this great reverb effect on it, which was a classic move in the '80s and '90s in terms of pop and dance-pop music in general.
The whole thing is packed to the brim with pop sensibility, but it also has character, and I think that is a big part of what you get attached to right from the start.
When you listen to Victoria perform, you feel like she's got that sort of personal approach. The lyrics display a lot of personality, as the song feels like it's about wanting to rewind and go back to certain situations you would have played out differently if you had the chance.
It's about looking back and realizing certain mistakes that you may have made, having a bit of regret about them, but still being able to move forward at the same time.
It's not about dwelling on the past at all. It's about looking back and sort of realizing what you would have done differently the first time around. This is an important lesson to be learned in life. All of us deal with these kinds of things, and I think it's important to have a song that touches base on this.
It's got this great sentiment to it, and just to be clear, this is how I interpreted it all. Others may listen to it and soak it in a little differently, but for me, the sentiment was pretty loud and clear.
I feel like there is certainly an element of vulnerability when it comes to a track like this one. She had to open up and be honest about things. It's not over the top either. It's sort of lighthearted, and that comes from her performance as well.
During certain verses, she's got a bit of an animated approach in her vocals. I like this a lot because it helps push that character a little further, and it gives the song a little bit more flavor as well.
The track also has a bit of smoothness going on. There is a sort of sultry, silky sound that's happening throughout it. It's calm, not super high-energy, but instead, damn near perfectly dynamically balanced.
What's more, her vocals really match the energy of the instrumentation.
This is a single that absolutely showcases someone who puts little pieces of herself into our music, doesn't go over the top with it, doesn't take it all too seriously, but is still unafraid to be a little bit vulnerable when she wants to be.
Most importantly, she never strays far from that pop sensibility. She knows how to write a hook, has a great voice for melodic drive, and is completely able to utilize her voice to help build out that atmosphere I mentioned earlier.
It's not just about the instruments and how they portray this sort of classic '80s and '90s pop vibe, but it's also how she performs on it vocally. She matches that vibe, and that's what's really important here.
Everything lines up super well, and it just feels like it's completely natural. The whole thing has this forward-moving flow, and that fluency is something that helps the smoothness of the song.
The single comes with a music video that also exemplifies that classic '80s approach, and this really solidified everything. It's colorful, fun, and bright; it's got great little graphics, and it showcases Victoria and how she's got this charisma on camera.
I would highly suggest watching the video the first time you listen to the track. It just adds another layer to the already lush outlook of the song itself and, again, portrays some of the artist's presence on camera, which lines up with the song.
Of course, we've taken the liberty of embedding that video below for your viewing pleasure.
Now, listening to this single, I wanted to have a sit-down with Victoria to find out exactly where this came from, what may be coming up next for her, and more.
So, while you listen to this single, have a read-through of our interview with Victoria Ivy Embers below.
Remember where you heard it first.
Where did this song come from, and what is it about to you?
I wrote this song to cope during a breakup after finally walking away from a 3-year-long toxic relationship. 'Rewind' to me is about wishing you could go back in time, choose yourself, and save yourself by learning to walk away from harmful people and situations instead of wasting your time with someone/something that's harming you.
Do you often pull from aspects of your life to write songs?
So funny enough, I'm a writer (currently writing 4 novels), and I oftentimes use my writing to build fictional worlds and escape my own life. However, when it comes to writing music, everything I write comes from a place of personal experience. I often write music to cope with things in my life, to say what's on my mind, or to convey a message that I don't often talk about with just words alone.
Did you produce the single also, or did you work with an outside producer on this one?
As a beginner producer, I often produce my own songs, however, I used an outside producer for this one!
Did you record this at a bigger studio, or a home DAW setup?
I recorded this with some of my music friends at Woodhaven Mastering Studios up in Washington my last semester of college!
I am hearing some classic approaches here. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Currently, I'm inspired by lots of '80s-'90s pop/R&B as well as modern-day K-pop. Some of my biggest musical influences are: Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, NewJeans, Michael Jackson, Whitesnake, Wonder Girls, Brandy, SHINee, Sade, and Whitney Houston.
What are you performing on this track?
Vocals!
When it comes to a song like this one, do you write lyrics first?
My process is like this: I'll have an idea and a story I want to convey. I'll either produce or find an instrumental that feels right, and then I'll put the lyrics in to fit the message and the track. It's almost like finding the right puzzle piece.
Are you performing live at all?
To be determined, but that's the future plan!
Now that this is out, what's next for you as an artist?
Another single which will be released soon, and then my debut EP, which will be released sometime next year!
Are you already working on new material?
Always am!
Before we go, is there anything you'd like to express to fans and listeners?
I am so grateful for your time and support. Thank you so much to anyone who's taken the time to listen and connect!
Thank you guys so much!
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