Pop just got a new prince, and his name is Vinesto. At the tender age of 18, the talent on the rise proved himself to be a musical force to be reckoned with thanks to his warmly received cut, “Wish That We”. And now, in a bid to continue on with his quest for industry domination ahead of the release of his debut album, the artist unveils his soul-baring song, “Both Ways”.
“‘Wish That We’ is definitely more lighthearted in comparison to ‘Both Ways’. Personally, ‘Both Ways’ speaks a lot more to me on its meaning and the idea of being unsure and confused. I am really happy that I released ‘Wish That We’, it helped me move on from the past and focus on the future.” explains the artist when speaking on the two tracks.
Upon the release of “Both Ways”, the artist sat down with Wonderland to discuss how he first discovered his passion for music and who he cites as his biggest inspirations. Head below to enjoy our interview with Vinesto…
Hey Vinesto! How are you? How has this year been for you?
Hello! I am pretty good; this year has been an incredible experience. I have been studying, working on my music and loving life in the big city. Of course, there have been ups and downs, good days and bad, but so far it’s all pretty good.
With everything that happened last year, has your creativity been affected?
Not creativity as such, I think a creative person can find ways to be creative regardless of where they are and what’s going on. But, COVID has definitely made it harder for me, and all new artists out there, because of how much of the industry is based on interaction with people. For me, my goal has always been to bring people together with my music. To go out there, talk about things I am feeling and connect with people around the world. But, I have to say, COVID has allowed me to take a little break from school and focus on my music. I had more time to work on myself and develop my sound. The recording process, however, had to be really quick because I could only stay in LA for three weeks, and with all the quarantines it was incredibly difficult to travel.
How did you first get into music, what sparked the interest?
I was in my second or third year of boarding school in London, and I wasn’t really fitting in, so I had to find my own things to do. I would get home from school and watch hours of singing YouTube videos; I would learn how to use recording software. I did that every day, and it became a huge part of my life, and it really helped me through my boarding school experience.
You’re from Ukraine but moved to the UK at 11, did this change affect your creativity?
I was so young when I left; I didn’t really know who I was at that point. Being away from home allowed me to develop into the person I am today. I understood what was important to me and what I wanted to do with my life. I would like to think that my creativity only improved with my age and will continue to improve.
And now you’ve dropped your new single, “Both Ways’, talk us through the production process?
We had to record the song really quickly because of COVID, I could only stay in LA for 3 weeks, and I had to finish my whole album. It was a nerve-wracking experience working in a studio for the first time with such talented people, like Nicholas Cooper. It was also amazing to me that I had people like Tommy Brown, who has produced for Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato, also working on the album. I am very grateful for the experience, and it taught me a lot about the ins and outs of the production process. I spent hours everyday recording and developing the songs into what I envisioned them to be.
You describe your previous single “Wish That We” as an open letter, was it cathartic being so open and raw?
“Wish That We” is definitely more lighthearted in comparison to “Both Ways”. Personally, “Both Ways” speaks a lot more to me on its meaning and the idea of being unsure and confused. I am really happy that I released “Wish That We”, it helped me move on from the past and focus on the future.
What can you tell us about your debut album?
My album is a combination of everything I felt growing up away from home, there are happy and not so happy emotions attached to it. Some of the songs were very emotional to record, my parents were actually with me in the studio, and it was difficult to sing about what I was going through while they were completely unaware of it. In their eyes, I haven’t changed since I left, but I think this album shows that I have.
What do you want people to take away from your music?
First and foremost, I just want people to enjoy my music in a way that feels right for them. I think each person’s experience with music is unique, and I want my audience to find what it is they need most at the time.
Who inspires you?
Ariana Grande, Troy Sivan and Demi Lovato have always been the people I look up to when I make music. They sparked this interest in me and helped me go through so many key moments when I felt like I had no one.
What is next for you? What are you most excited for?
I am really excited to start performing in front of people. It’s exciting to feel the music industry slowly go back to the way it was, and the interactions between artists and fans can return. I am incredibly excited to release this album and start working on new projects next year.