Vertel is the artist that everyone should be looking out for.
Having just recently performed at EDC, we were lucky enough to get a chance to chat with the singer who is taking her career into her own hands.
Check out our exclusive interview with Vertel and read all about her opinion on labelling her music by genre, and what it was like to make the move to Los Angeles.
1. How has social media affected you as an artist? Do you find it easier to get yourself out there and heard because of it?
I’ve always looked at social media as a platform. As far as taking control of your content and releasing it via these platforms, I would say it has definitely impacted my ability to be seen and heard. But is it easier? No. I still have to fight to be heard and nobody is really interested in clicking a “link” these days as much as they are interested in seeing who you know or what you have.
2. People often call music the great equalizer because it can be used as inspiration for anyone. Where do you find your own inspiration in creating your music?
I’ve always found inspiration in struggle. I think we all have personal mountains to climb, and while it can seem like the road doesn’t end, eventually we look back and say, oh I get it lol. There’s a reason and relatability to my music that I purposely try to hone. It can be very healing.
3. You’re playing at EDC, which much be a huge moment for you. Do you consider yourself an EDM artist, or would you rather not fit into a genre?
While I’ve been told that my production has a slight electronic feel, I definitely stay away from the genre game. I just try to make good music. EDM is a world I stumbled upon [while] meeting and working with Firebeatz last summer. They’re rockstars and the whole EDM world is one big music community that loves a good bass drop. My sound is a variation of cinematic melodies and big drums.
4. How does playing a show as big as EDC differ from playing smaller venues?
Absolutely nothing compares! EDC was surreal! I have never experienced anything like it. You can feel the energy of the crowd and it makes you realize just how small we really are. To be surrounded by 80,000+ people that love music as much as you, priceless. Every show I do is special, but so far, EDC takes the cake!
5. How did signing to Pulse change your career trajectory?
Pulse is awesome. They’re my co-publishers and they’ve been amazing at allowing me to grow not only as an artist, but as a producer, songwriter and engineer. There aren’t too many people that can go to the studio and come out with a 100% record of their own, and I owe alot of my growth to them. They allowed me the freedom to be myself and make music the way I wanted to. They taught me to trust myself.
6. How did you first get started in music? What was it like relocating to LA from your hometown?
I’ve been involved in music as long as I can remember. I started playing piano by ear at five and writing by 11. Moving to LA was a no-brainer for me. I love my hometown (Minneapolis, Minnesota) but it was important for me to expand and at least try to get to a place in which I could kick down doors instead of waiting for them to open. People don’t get anything handed to them where I’m from. So moving to LA was of course a transition, but something I felt needed to happen.
7. Social media is almost like a living breathing entity in and of itself. How has it been interacting with fans through your own accounts? How do you deal with haters?
Hahaha to be honest, I don’t think I’m poppin enough to have haters yet! Most of my fans have been longtime supporters and I love them for following my crazy journey. It’s nice to know there are people out there who can relate to my music and can connect. That’s the only reason I do what I do.
8. How do you define being an artist? Do you think it is more about reaching an audience, or creating something that you personally love?
An artist to me is somebody who can emote struggle through creativity. If we weren’t human, and we were all just robots walking around living by society’s standards, I would have absolutely nothing to sing/write about. I don’t look at myself as an artist, I am a vessel. A person who loves, lives, and thrives off of creation. I make music because it’s something I naturally love to do. Reaching an audience is simply a bonus.
9. What’s next for you? Are you working on another album? What direction do you see your music taking?
I’m currently working on my next EP in which I’ll be producing, writing and engineering every track. I’ve also been preparing for the release of my single with Firebeatz. It’s gonna be a great summer!
10. Is there anything you feel the need to keep private from fans or the public? If so, how do you go about avoiding certain topics?
I don’t necessarily think I need to keep anything private, but I do think everyone deserves to have their own life outside of social media. I grew up with no internet or cellphones, and while I’m definitely not old fashioned, I still believe in protecting your livelihood and day to day life.
11. What has been the most defining moment of your life to have made you become the person you are today?
I think in general moving to Los Angeles was the most defining point of my life. Had I chose to stay in Minneapolis, I would have never had the opportunity to do 90% of the things that I have done today. While it was uncomfortable, I knew it was the best decision to make if I wanted to seriously consider music and acting as a career. I want to be able to tell my story one day and inspire others who feel stuck in their situations. We all have paths, and no, not just one [path]. While some of us may choose bumpy roads, as long as you make it clear to the universe where you want to end up, you will get there eventually.
