Q+A: VITA

Rising Australian multidimensional artist VITA is pushing boundaries sonically and visually with her mammoth debut EP, LIBRE. This project is an offering for a generation of people who are completely in tune with their emotions. The compact six-track EP is the perfect introduction to who VITA is as an artist; each track showcases her versatility as she leaps from different genres and styles with ease. Every song on the project can be viewed as a battle cry for those who are in search of freedom, for those who are dissatisfied with the current state of our society and are ready to stand up and make a difference for not only themselves but for everyone around them. 

We had the opportunity to connect with VITA over email to discuss the importance of LIBRE along with what we can expect from her next. 

Hey Vita! How are you feeling today? 

Mate I am feeling fantastic. I have my brother and my best friend staying with me at the moment while we finish the next project. Getting to wake up every day and have a piece of home with me makes everything more special. 

I want to congratulate you on the release of LIBRE. How are you feeling after releasing your debut EP? 

Thank you so much! LIBRE to me is so incredibly special. It marks a moment in my life where I really found my voice. I made this project about 2 years ago now. I was my most vulnerable, my most hurt, and the angriest I had ever been. Having a former version of myself presented to the world is daunting yet deeply inspiring to the woman I’ve grown into. I think that’s why I never felt anything but pride when we released it. 

The project sounds like it has influences from a ton of places. What was the creative process like when making it? 

My producer Naz who executive produced this entire project, is one of my best mates in the world. We work so well together because we challenge each other but also trust one another wholeheartedly. In making LIBRE I came to him with a playlist first. It was a huge mix of N.E.R.D, Rihanna, Rage Against the Machine, Jack White and heaps of Aussie Punk and Psych Rock. It was totally new waters for me, I’d always been a ballad singer. We pushed each other to mix new sounds and make something truly authentic to me. Honestly, the writing process was fairly easy. I was so heartbroken at the time I had so much to say. Arguably too much to say. So most of the songs you hear on the project I had down solid within the first few vocal takes. Being uncomfortable sometimes forces you to express yourself in ways you could have never imagined. '

What were some of the things that kept you inspired while making LIBRE? 

I was so raw emotionally at the time that my expression of that pain really became the driving force of this project. I was inspired because I was struggling to stay afloat. The only way I knew how to survive was to say how I felt. Finding freedom in losing all inhibitions in the process. I’ve always been deeply private in my suffering. Independent to a fault. This was the first moment where I realized that in order to find my authentic self, I had to embrace the messy and chaotic parts of myself wholly. 

Which track resonates with you the most? 

I would have to say “FREEDOM” resonates with me the most now. Especially with my Mum saying the poem at the end of the song. Whenever I feel like I’m losing myself, I listen to it on repeat. It’s an anthem of strength and resilience but also love and compassion. It’s the perfect ending to a pain ridden chapter of my life. Finding internal Freedom is predicated on how much you trust yourself. How much you love and respect yourself. Beyond anything its about knowing what you deserve and putting your foot down to anyone who tries to cross that line. It’s easier to lay down your weapon when you’re already covered in the most impenetrable armor. That is what I live by now. I implore anyone who listens to do the same. 

What’s next for VITA? What can fans expect later this year? 

I have A LOT of music coming out this year. It’s deeply gratifying to make a project and think, “wow this is the best music I’ve ever made” and then make another one and have the same thought. Especially with all the self-doubt that usually accompanies any creative endeavor. I want anyone who listens to my music to let go of expectation when it comes to my sound. I am always evolving naturally. My music is a reflection of my current truth. The one thing you can always expect, is that I will always push the boundaries. I will always genre bend and make something unique to who I am. That will never change. 

What are you currently listening to?

At the moment it's heaps of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Skegss, The Chats and Dune Rats. Aussie Punk is very much the cornerstone of all my music. The new Dijon album is on REPEAT. Every time I listen to “Many Times” I wish that I wrote it cause damn that shit is a flawless victory. Lots of the new Rosalia album as well, she’s just such a beast visually and sonically I’m a huge fan. “Saoko” is my banger for the summer. Give me a little “Str8 Outta Mumbai” by Jai Paul and I’m in there like swimwear mate. Forever a Jai Paul stan.