2022 is bringing with it many things. From the prospect of new beginnings to hotly-anticipated movie releases and, according to the news, plenty more hype-worthy fashion collaboration. But, above all, the one thing we are most excited about is the revamp our Spotify playlists are going to receive as some of the UK’s fastest rising musical talents set out to treat to the world to a slice of their incomparable sound. With this in mind, we could not think of a better way to kick off the new year than by introducing you to the artists set to dominate the music industry in 2022. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Wonderland’s Ones to Watch round-up.
While crafting heartfelt lyrics and spitting rapid bars is a skill worthy of the name, it is fair to say that the words themselves would be far less impactful without the instrumentation sitting underneath them. Enter, Venna. A saxophonist by trade, the London-based artist has been redefining the Jazz sphere one sweet-sounding track at a time, a crusade that has warranted him recognition from the Grammys and collaborations with the likes of Wizkid, Burna Boy, Snoh Aalegra, J Hus and AJ Tracey. Taking some time to sit down with Wonderland, Venna discussed the best advice he received and the industry he is operating in. Head below to enjoy…
I AM Venna
BORN AND RAISED IN Forest Hill, South London.
THE FIRST RECORD I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WAS “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” – Joe Zawinul.
NOW IT REMINDS ME OF my journey with Jazz music.
VISUALLY, I’M INSPIRED BY vintage film camera footage.
MY MOST PERSONAL LYRIC IS I haven’t written any of the lyrics on my riddims but a song that means a lot to me is “The Last Poets”.
I HOPE MY MUSIC MAKES PEOPLE FEEL, regardless of the emotion. I just want the people to feel.
MY SUPERPOWER IS I take cold pictures.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT’S STUCK WITH ME IS patience is a virtue, acquire it and your time will come.
THE BEST GIG I’VE EVER SEEN WAS Solange at Lovebox 2019 – absolute madting.
THE BEST CROWD I’VE EVER PLAYED WAS at Alexandra Palace on the Yussef Dayes Experience Tour 2021.
THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ME IS ‘Are you a rapper?’ not anymore though.
MY BIGGEST LEARNING CURVE THIS YEAR WAS act on how you feel.
THIS YEAR I’M PROUD OF releasing my 1st body of music, “Venology”.
I’M EVOLVING INTO the musician I’m meant to be.
I WON’T COMPROMISE ON music.
THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS the new renaissance.
AS AN INDUSTRY, WE NEED TO listen to the creators of the music.
BRING BACK timeless music, that ages well.
GEN Z IS full of free spirits.
SONG I’VE HAD ON REPEAT IN 2021 “Party Life” – Jay-Z.
SONG I’M BRINGING INTO 2022 – Marvin Gaye – “I Want You”
BEING INCLUDED AS ONE OF WONDERLAND’S ONES TO WATCH MAKES ME FEEL prepped and ready for the new year.
MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS to make beautiful music.
NEXT YEAR I WILL run a great Venology show.
NEXT YEAR YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO my next project.
NEXT YEAR I HOPE WE CAN ALL be blessed in an abundance.