After nearly a decade break from the music industry, VV Brown is back with music that is more powerful than ever. The Grammy-nominated artist, arguably best known for her infectious single “Shark In The Water”, not only works in the music industry, but also as an author, activist, lecturer, and mother. Spending eight years away from the public eye to raise her children and focus on her mental health has gifted her a fresh perspective — and we are so lucky she is sharing what she’s learned with us.
Off of her forthcoming album, Am I British Yet?, VV Brown shares a second single. Following the success of “Black British”, “Twisted” offers another glimpse into the meaningful project. The track reflects the artist’s multitude of mediums, weaving together research, journalistic styles, and sociology studies to paint a comprehensive, emotional, and empowering picture. Inspired by James Baldwin’s I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, as well as Erykah Badu’s music, VV Brown tackles the complex subject of cultural appropriation in a clear, direct manner. Touching on the implications of the offence and what it truly means to steal from black culture, she brings awareness to the magnitude of the threat.
We had the honour of speaking with VV Brown about her time away from the industry and what this new body of work means to her.
Watch “Twisted”…
Now for the interview…
Congratulations on your forthcoming album, Am I British Yet?! The last time you released new music was around 10 years ago, what provoked your hiatus and what has it been like re-entering the industry?
Yes, I released GLITCH 8 years ago which was an album inspired by the vogueing movement and the documentary Paris is Burning. I love that album and we had plans to do a voguing ball but things dramatically changed and we didn’t tour in the end. Wow…. how 8 years have whizzed by so fast. My hiatus was triggered by being pregnant. Motherhood induced a wonderful stillness. Motherhood grounded and challenged me in new ways and it was nice to be surrounded by wholesome feelings and things.
I was incredibly nervous to come back into the industry. It has changed so much. I was releasing records independently from 2013 and everyone thought I was mad when I chose to distribute alone and now the landscape is one where everyone is releasing independently. It is a powerful time which moves between music being like water, incredibly accessible and almost too available, yet propelling a strong freedom and a democracy which can only be a good thing for art and culture in some way.
How would you say the industry has changed in the past 10 years?
Artists are releasing independently and unafraid to know their worth. Black artists are being heard a lot more and given more space to express their creative visions. Music is fragmented so you can be more successful in your own world and connect with your fans. Despite this, music has become more hybrid. This is cool but it can make it feel a little lost at times as young artists make music that doesn’t feel as authentic. Gosh, I may be turning into the person who says…”Oh I remember in my day…”
What were some key reflections of your career as an artist during your time away?
Life is short.
Fame is delusional
There is nothing better than laughing with my kids
There is more to life than music
I am proud to be black and will never compromise my blackness or identity ever again.
You define your happiness
Invest your money
Respect each season
Always be kind
I can’t believe I had a number 1 album in France
We really did well in America
Why was I so worried and desperate to be validated by cool taste makers? They are only people.
Geez I didn’t stay present. I was always worried about the future.
Damn “Shark In The Water” is a good pop song and when I hear it in Tesco’s I always feel proud how long it has lived.
How has your sound developed since first starting out?
Each album is a photograph of my life. I used to be ashamed of my messy catalogue which is plagued with many different genres but I have come to love my catalogue. It represents a conviction that I won’t ever be boxed. My development is a representation of me evolving and changing and being true to that change unafraid of commercial strategy. This album is looking deep into the child like Vanessa who fell in love with music because of gospel, Hip Hop and Neo Soul. This album is about my Black British identity.
What is the key message behind the single “Twisted”?
It is all about cultural appropriation and how white culture can sometimes take from black culture, monetize it and hypocritically not give anything back.
What change do you hope to see from the industry?
Streaming rights for artists need to be deeply looked into. There is a whole load of information we need to discuss and dismantle when it comes to artists/songwriters rights.. I am on the board of PRS and it is my mission to fight for more equalities and find balance and be a voice for writers.
What is one piece of advice you would tell someone starting out in the industry?
Don’t do it….. Just joking. Stay true to yourself, be authentic, be patient, listen to your own voice, don’t do it for fame, do it for love, invest your money, be smart, get a lawyer, own your masters, play the industry like a game of chess and remember it’s all relative.
What is the plan for the rest of 2023 for you?
Who knows…. Spending time with my kids, going on holiday, running my other businesses, finishing my novel and releasing music and taking my time. Album comes out towards the end of the year. Black British culture is the theme. I feel we need to know more about it and I want to celebrate it.