In less than a week, bubbly bright VV Brown re-turns darker, edgier and more somber than you may remember.
Following her critically acclaimed break through debut, Traveling Like The Light her long awaited comeback album, Samson & Delilah, available on October 8th, immediately dispends any and all preconceived notions about VV's sound and style.
From the start, Samson & Delilah is spellbinding. The first of the 11 track album, "Substitute for Love" is a richly complex compilation of layered deep percussion, twinkling yet heavy electronic beats and strong hypnotic tones from VV. This heart aching illustrative invitation to a satisfy a sot after lust ballad shocks and surprises as it introduces us to and prepares us for this very "new" VV Brown sound.
Androgynous, orchestral, velvety vocals evoke a Grace Jones ambiance throughout Samson & Delilah predominately heard on: "Substitute for Love", "Nothing Really Matters", "The Apple" "Igenous" and "Looking for Love" while an equally vibrant Annie Lenox vibe pops up during the emotion wrenching piano driven "Knife".
Shining with textured dance beats dominated by self righteous lyrics, this summer's "The Apple" stands out as the album's catchiest number: with it's intense pulsating techno rhythm and piercing synthesizer chorus making it the only real danceable track and a true contender for air play.
synthesizer chorus making it the only really danceable track in the album and a true contender for some air play.
With it's drum circle essence and slow lyric delivery "Samson" carries a very mature sound as VV Brown sings the Samson & Delilah story in her new-found dark soulful experimental way.
The mellow yet up-beat tempo "Faith", the eight track on the album instantly won me over.
Though this might be seen (and heard) as a sad song it's actually quite up beat with a lovely melody. The duet featured on this track is simplistic and the pitches of the two voices compliment each other and the song well.
Samson & Delilah is a far cry from 2010's bubble-gum pop retro Travelling Like The Light with it's use of industrial synthesizers instead of a horn section and heavy with acute androgynous tones, VV's still got the soul and jazz quality that fans know as her own.
So though it may take a little getting use to, fans of the Traveling will learn to love and appreciate Samson & Delilah.
Along with her triumphant return to music the young Brit is also a now a record label owner now!
I got a chance to shoot the delightful VV Brown some questions about her music, her hiatus, fashion and everything in between!
Q: Your first name is Vanessa, last name Brown, so where does the second V come from?
A: Hip hop battles in the playground. It became a nickname after that and stuck. x
Q: Is it true that you decided to pursue piano and trumpet rather than the violin at the age of 8? If so, Why?
Q: Is it true that you decided to pursue piano and trumpet rather than the violin at the age of 8? If so, Why?
A:I love the violin but was terrible at. I didn't have the patience to push through the years of screech noises that are inevitable when learning. I connected with the piano.
Q: have you played any violin since then?
A:I can play twinkle little star really really well.
Q: I read that you grew up listening to jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie and that you're a long time fan of hip hop artists J Dilla and Q-Tip, how has this wide spectrum influenced your own music?
A: The voice. The jazz developed my vocal ability alongside going to church. Hip hop, back packer hip hop just is cool and I just love it still to this day.
Q: I understand that Q Tip is featured on your upcoming album, Samson and Delilah, how exciting! Was this your first time working with him? (If so did you find yourself starstruck at all?)
A: He is not on this album unfortunately. We wanted to work with him but we didn't have the budget. It was a dream working with him in the studio. He is incredible. The 2 days of jamming and writing was a pinch moment.
Q: What have you been up to in the last 4 years since the release of your sunny debut, Travelling Like the Light?
A:Running my own business, writing music, falling in love, settling down, finding new sounds, learning photo shop and final cut and editing and enjoying life from a new perspective.
Q: After listening to "The Apple" I get the sense that this album will be gritty and more solemn than we remember you being on the last album. Is attributed to the tail-end of your twenties? Mending a broken heart? Would you say you've completely reinvented yourself/your sound?
A: Its the sound of my 30"s. It has a lot to do with my age and being 29. I am moving in to a near era of maturity and complete control of my life.
Q: There are 11 new tracks to look forward to on Samson and Delilah, what were the driving forces that led you to release the tracks "Samson" and "The Apple" first?
A: I think "Apple" is a great pop track and I wanted to stay in touch with that despite the drastic change. I released it for the fans and I love the song. "Samson" was a statement to show that this was going to be different this time.
Q: What are the top 5 artists on your playlist these days?
A: Bjork, Fever Rey, Kate Boy, Factory Floor and a band called Egyptology.
Q: You're a vey fashionable lady and just like your music your fashion sense doesn't conform to any one style. Would you say that what you wear is somehow a reflection of the music you're listening to/making or visa-versa?
A: These days its more about comfort but I guess the change in music has effected the change I'm fashion. I love clean lines, minimalism and a fresh simple look. I am obsessed with Cos and Issey Miyake.
Q: You're a singer, songwriter, model, producer and I understand you just added record label owner to your profile! WOW! Congratulations! What's the name of your label and what kind of artists will you (or have you) sign?
A: YOY means you own you. I would love to sign alternative acts. Something that is different. I love the ethos of XL recordings.
Q: Is there a VV Brown clothing line and/or perfume on the horizon?
A: I don't think so. Just vvvintage.com for me. Maybe a collection one day. A collab with Issey maybe or Yohji Yamamoto.
Q: Samson & Delilah is slated to be released October 8th followed by a US tour, is there a stop in San Francisco on your schedule?
A: Defo, it wouldn't be a tour without the lovely San Fran x
Q: I loved that you use a (purple) handheld megaphone live, it's so fun (I totally want one)! Will you be performing with it this time around?
A: Probably not but there are loads of new gadgets. The monotron is amazing.
Q: I review music and cupcakes on my blog Sweet Sound Bites so I got to ask: Chocolate, Vanilla, Red Velvet or other?
A: Vanilla. Simple classic.
Q: Do you mind if I call you VV B?
A: not at all. he he Hugs.
Keep an eye out for VV's North American tour announcement following the anticipated release of Samson & Delilah on her birthday, October 8th! Thanks VV B!
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