V
In the wake of the highly anticipated release of THE JUICE: VOL. II, we sit down with V of Emotional Oranges to talk influences, collaboration, world domination & her bunny Lucky Luciano
At what age did you start singing and playing music?
My parents were both musicians and composers. I wrote my first song on the piano when I was 2.. but before that I believe I wrote an Italian opera in my mother’s belly called “Lasciami uscire”
You started out as a classical & jazz conductor, how has that influenced the music you make now?
I did? Now it all makes sense
Who are some female artists that have influenced and helped shape you, your style & your songwriting?
I grew up in theatre, so my influences have always been on the live stage. From top pop entertainers to Broadway theatre and chorus girls I’ve always been fascinated with the art of live music, dance and art. One of my biggest inspirations now is my industry mother and coach Laurieann Gibson. She pushes me in ways no one ever has!
Where do you feel most comfortable and creative? Do you have a special place you go to write lyrics or music?
I like to sit on a large rock on the top of Mulholland drive in the Hollywood hills. Sometimes I bring my bunny rabbit Lucky Luciano up there with me. He helps me write my music… it’s our special time together 🐰
Collaboration is a vital part of creating, how does this work in your artistic process?
I’ve collaborated with many artists- it’s actually something I love to do. It comes natural to me to be honest. It could be the fact that I’m a Libra, Libra’s are usually good team players and can execute things with a partner or group setting very well.
Can we expect more visuals like ‘motion’ to accompany your music with Emotional Oranges in future? Do you have particular visuals in mind when writing songs?
Motion was just the beginning, the tip of the iceberg. A and I are constantly creating and evolving so our visuals will be evolving, too. I pull from experiences when I write music. Sometimes my own, sometimes someone else’s. Ideas are always floating in my head like little hummingbirds gently sucking the sweet juices from Mother Nature.
What is ‘Your Best Friend is a Hater’ about?
Have you ever been with a guy and his best friend is tryna get with you too? Don’t lie. You know exactly what I’m sayin. need I say more??
Most of us as women have faced challenges relating to sexism in the creative industries, have you had any experience with this, and what advice would you give to young creative women facing this?
I think being a woman in this industry can be challenging but it can also be the best outlet to express and empower each other through art and music. STAY confident. It can be hard through social media where we’re trained to compare and judge others including ourselves. So confidence is key when creating art. Speak out and express yourself no matter what! Support your fellow females and empower them. Someone is always going through something worse than you.
And what can we expect from EO in 2020?
2019 has been a pretty great year for us. We now have 2 EPs, just finished our world tour and we’re hitting Art Basel in a month. I think the rest of the year we might move back to Tokyo or Bali with Kanye to start the Juice Vol 3. We want to have 74 EPs by 2025. So we got work to do! Let’s just say WORLD DOMINATION.
You can listen to THE JUICE: VOL. II & more Emotional Oranges here & here.
MORE LIKE THIS
