Artist Vandi Lynnae’s Interview on Kiss FM 102.5
1- Can you please tell us how did you start your music career?
My mom says that I sang before I walked. I’ve been making up songs for as long as I can remember. I used to create little stories with my Barbie dolls and have them sing songs about whatever was happening in the story, like an old Hollywood musical where the characters burst spontaneously into song. I started piano lessons at 5, began playing trumpet at 11, started voice lessons at 12, and also wrote my first “official” song when I was 12 called “Just Around the Corner”. I’ve tried playing several other instruments over the years, but piano and singing are the ones that stuck. I began my undergraduate studies as a voice and piano performance major and later got a masters in vocal performance. I’ve been performing professionally in musical theatre, opera, with orchestras, in jazz and big band groups, and gigging for the past decade. I was always nervous about sharing my own songs. It felt too personal to allow someone else to know what was in my heart. Songwriting was my version of journaling and processing what was happening in my life, so I kept my songs secret for a long time. About a year prior to releasing my first song publicly, I started posting songs I had written to Facebook. My friends and colleagues responded so kindly. I also did some reflecting and realized that if I could do anything, if I had no fear, the thing I wanted to do more than anything else was to share my songs, to sing my own songs rather than someone else’s. A friend of mine from grad school, Philip Logan, said he liked my songs and would love to collaborate. My first single, “Ramblin’ Man”, was actually written with Philip’s talents in mind. He is such a fabulous guitarist and producer. He put a lot into that song, and I am so thankful for his contributions to getting it out of brain and into the world. From there, I threw myself into learning all that I could about songwriting and music production. I had several theatrical and operatic Young Artist programs scheduled throughout this past year, but when Covid happened, those were cancelled. I spent that time learning and putting out more music. I was devastated at first to have put so much effort into auditioning only to have those productions shut down. It turned out to be a time of growth, and I am thankful for what I have learned and accomplished this past year.
2- What are your achievements so far and main targets please?
I have shifted focus here recently. Previously, I was focused more on the classical music world. I have won singing and piano competitions and received awards in the past, primarily during my studies. Currently, I am focused more on contemporary music, songwriting, and developing my music production skills. In the past year and a half, I have been working on the album, The Beginning, which came out recently on May 23rd, 2021. You can really hear my progression as an artist throughout the varying tracks. I am also planning to release a remix album later in the fall and have a handful of Christmas songs coming out in November later this year. I plan to do a certification program in music production this year too as I want to keep improving my production skills.
3- What are your near future plans and projects including your new upcoming release?
Scheduled Upcoming Releases:
June 1st, 2021: Two Stars Collide (Future Bass Remix)
June 15th, 2021: When I’m Gone
June 29th, 2021: I Keep on Moving (Synthwave Remix)
July 13th, 2021: Marinate
July 27th, 2021: Time Hurts (Remixed)
August 10th, 2021: Hope in the Hurt (Remixed)
August 24th, 2021: Just One Look (House Remix)
September 7th, 2021: Power Rise
September 21st, 2021: Lie to Me
October 1st, 2021: Lie to Me (Remix)
October 15th, 2021: Happier Today (Dancing Through the Rain Remix)
October 22nd, 2021: The Beginning (Remixed)
November 2nd, 2021: My Gift is You
November 10th, 2021: Party Like it’s Christmas Day
November 18th, 2021: Home this Christmas
4- Are you opened to work on multiple music genres or just one?
I am absolutely open to working in multiple genres! I have already released folk, country, pop, and songs with retro 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s vibes. I have a song coming out later this year that is more along the lines of R&B/Hip Hop. I love experimenting with different styles and also collaborating with other artists. Currently, I’m working on a song that has a doowappy 50’s girl group feel.
5- What do you like to tell to your supporters out there now?
If people want to know more information or connect further, they can visit https://linktr.ee/VandiLynnae. From there, they can find links to Facebook, Instagram, Patreon, etc. I love to hear from my listeners. Your support and encouragement means the world to me.
