Vera Blue dropped her debut album ‘Perennial’ yesterday (Friday 21stJuly) as well as playing an incredible set on day one at Splendour In The Grass! Vera is also heading on tour throughout July, August and September in support of her album so we had a chat to find out what she has been up to in the lead up to all this amazing news!
Explain who Vera Blue is with 5 adjectives.
Melodic, Romantic, Colourful , Animated
Honest.
Your debut album ‘Perennial’ is set for release on July 21st, how are you feeling right now?
I’m feeling so many emotions, excited, nervous, impatient, ecstatic, and VERY vulnerable, but that’s not a bad thing for me.
What themes musically and lyrically did you try to tackle with this album?
We didn’t really “try” too hard at messages or themes over the writing period of Perennial. These songs were just written one by one with honesty documenting the moments and phases that I went through to overcome heartbreak and figure out who I was. Once the album was finished, Thom, my close friend and co-writer structured the album into three chapters that represent the phases of heartbreak, frustration and vulnerability to new thoughts, feelings, ideas and strengths then to reminiscence, recognition of vulnerability and acceptance. So I guess subconsciously we build a theme of self-development and discovery as a person and the music shaped around the lyrical content enhanced the emotion of what the songs and the record as a whole signifies.
How was the writing and recording process for this album?
It was incredible. The people that I work with are such amazing friends of mine now and we share so many special memories from making the Vera Blue music together.
If you had the chance would you go back and change anything?
I wouldn’t change a thing. I don’t like to live in a regret.
During the writing process do you create alone or do you have someone you use to bounce ideas off of?
I work very closely with Thom, my close friend and co-writer. Occasionally Andy my producer who is also Thom’s older brother will sit with us and write, but most of the time it is just Thom and I sharing stories and moments to draw song writing inspiration from to write a folk song. After that, we show Andy the song and we start the production process as a team. It’s such a safe creative environment with us.
Why did you choose ‘Private’ as the single to release prior to your albums release?
It was so fresh and different and full over energy. It was such an exciting song and we just couldn’t wait to get it out.
You usually play with a live band, but as a solo artist taking in majority of the crowds focus do you feel vulnerable when performing live?
Of course, always but I’ve learnt that to be vulnerable and comfortable with being exposed emotionally is a really beautiful thing and people can connect with that. It’s okay to be vulnerable, that’s what this album is all about,
You’re playing Splendour In The Grass on July 21 before heading on a mammoth 15 date album tour. What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m looking forward to everything! I love festivals everyone is there to have so much fun and the vibes are just so positive. I can’t wait to take the stage at my own tour shows though too, they’re different to festivals because everyone is there purely to see your show, which is really special.
Because your album ‘Perennial’ is released the day you play Splendour, does that mean fans will be treated with a bunch of the new tracks live? Yes, they will! But only a few because they will want to hear the songs they know already too!
Do you have a particular single of yours that you enjoy playing live the most?
We’ve started to play my latest single Regular Touch live. It is so much fun and just makes me want to boogie!
For those who haven’t seen you perform live before what can they expect?
I think it’s quite an energetic and exciting performance yet at times very intimate and emotional. The set can have so many different moments which is what I love about performing live! It’s so rewarding for me performing and connecting with my audiences.
When you are relaxing, what music to you listen to in the background?
I like to listen to chill bangers, like Jack Garrett, Asgier, Alt J, Angus and Julia stone. But it’s always changing I like to listen to a bunch of different music.
What is the worst piece of life advice you have every received?
“If you forget the words, just make them up” – I just sound like I’m singing gibberish if I do that!! I normally just tell the crowds awkwardly “Oops I forgot my words hehe”. It feels better than to sound like I’m speaking another language haha!
VERA BLUE ‘MENDED’ TOUR
With special guests
Tickets On Sale Now at www.verablue.com/tour
FRI 21 JULY – SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS – BYRON BAY, NSW
FRI 28 JULY – THE ACADEMY – CANBERRA, ACT
SAT 29 JULY – METRO THEATRE – SYDNEY, NSW
FRI 4 AUG – THE GOV – ADELAIDE, SA
SAT 5 AUG – METROPOLIS – FREMANTLE, WA
TUE 8 AUG – TAP HOUSE – BENDIGO, VIC
WED 9 AUG – GRAND HOTEL – MORNINGTON, VIC
FRI 11 AUG – 170 RUSSELL – MELBOURNE, VIC
SAT 12 AUG – THE WOOL EXCHANGE – GEELONG, VIC
FRI 25 AUG – THE TRIFFID – BRISBANE, QLD
SAT 26 AUG – THE MILLS PRECINCT – TOOWOOMBA, QLD
SUN 27 AUG – MIAMI MARKETTA – GOLD COAST, QLD
THURS 31 AUG – UOW UNI BAR – WOLLONGONG, NSW
FRI 1 SEP – THE BEERY – TERRIGAL, NSW
FRI 8 SEP – BAR ON THE HILL – NEWCASTLE, NSW
SAT 9 SEP – ODEON THEATRE – HOBART, TAS
