Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Venice Heath
THE RELEASE
Venice Heath is an emerging artist who has skillfully crafted a distinct sound within the indie and psych-pop landscape. Channeling the feel-good vibes of Tame Impala, Jungle, and Foals, their music creates a universe filled with summer nostalgia that leaves listeners captivated. With a keen sense of genre fusion and a talent for designing evocative melodies, Venice Heath is poised to make a lasting impression on the music scene. As the release of their debut EP, 'Summernight' (out 19th May), draws nearer, fans and critics alike are filled with anticipation for what this innovative artist will unveil.
Slated for release on April 18th, 2023, 'Different' is Venice Heath's latest single that radiates a magnetic energy that is hard to resist. This melancholic gem features dreamy verses that smoothly transition into an upbeat chorus, delving into the classic 'what if' of unspoken feelings with a hint of hope and yearning. Venice Heath demonstrates their artistic prowess through the dynamic use of analog synths and bright guitars, seamlessly blending these elements with a robust drumbeat and an enthralling multi-layered melody. According to the artist, "'Different' follows the overarching nostalgic theme of the EP, and it gives a second chance to the unspoken feelings I carry from my teenage years." As Venice Heath candidly reflects on the question, "Do I live with any regrets? Well, maybe!" we can't help but feel excited by this enticing auditory journey and eagerly look forward to the full release of 'Summernight.'
THE INTERVIEW
What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
When I was a kid, my father used to listen to a lot of The Police. That sound is part of me, of my childhood and my way of making music today, whether you can actually hear it on what I write as Venice Heath. My favorite song as a kid was ‘Message In A Bottle’, and ‘Regatta De Blanc’ was definitely my go to album. When I got my hands on a bass for the first time, I asked my music teacher to learn that song.
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
The first spot has to definitely go to The Police. Now the other three… The second face I would put up there would be Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), as the Venice Heath music project was heavily inspired by Tame Impala’s latest record, ‘The Slow Rush’. Next, I’m gonna go with Damon Albarn (Gorillaz) and The Beatles; besides all the obvious reasons (genius, creativity, etc.), I just love so much listening to everything they have done.
How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?
I usually work on every track only as instrumental first, adding vocals melody and lyrics at a later stage. I work alone for most of the production phase, but I receive a great deal of help from collaborators and dear friends, especially for drums, percussion, and lyrics at times.
As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?
I wrote and produced ‘Different’ mostly by myself. Once the song was ready I went to the 123 Studios in South London. Brett Shaw, the owner of the studio, is an incredible producer and engineer. During the recording phase he was able to elevate my production and ideas to another level. After finishing the recordings, the song was mixed by Jules Gulon. He not only did an incredible mixing job, he also made great choices in post-production, adding taste and colour to the track. ‘Different’ was then mastered by Felix Davis at Metropolis Studio in London.
When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?
‘Different’ is a melancholic and nostalgic song, despite its upbeat chorus. It speaks about the classic ‘what if’, the regret of not telling someone how you really feel. It gives a second chance to the unspoken feelings I carry from my teenage years.
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