EMQ’s with VANILLA SUGAR
Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with LA based Alternative artist Vanilla Sugar! Huge thanks to her for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am Vanilla Sugar. I play a combination of Electronic Metal influenced Horror Pop. Instrument wise, I play guitar, synths, and sing. I started the band a few years ago on a midi keyboard and an iMac.
How did you come up with your name?
There are two versions! The PG-13 version is that the name “Vanilla Sugar” sounds sweet and innocent, when the music is actually raw and in your face. The X rated version (the 100% honest version) is this! I wanted to create an alias that was me but not obviously my name. My nickname has always been “JPVanilla”, hence the first part of “Vanilla Sugar”. The second is a play on words for the term “Kitty Sugar”…feel free to google that when you’re not at work. Adding the two together created Vanilla Sugar!
What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
I am from the United States of America. The metal scene is thriving. There’s always a lot of support for local metal bands, and diehard fans are always going to touring shows and festivals.
What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)
I am about to release my debut album, “She” in early 2020. I’ve shot two music videos to go along with the first couple of singles, ‘ThisDarkPlace’ and ‘KeepASecret’.
Who have been your greatest influences?
I love The Prodigy, Grimes, Sleigh Bells, and Mindless Self Indulgence. They have all played a part in developing my sound. I like heavier music too, bands like Korn, Lamb of God, and Mudvayne. I get a lot of vocal influence from those singers.
What first got you into music?
My dad is a musician. He enrolled me in piano lessons when I was four years old – that pretty much started everything.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I would absolutely love to collaborate with Billie Eilish. I think we could do some cool things together!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I would love to play at Download Festival. I have always loved the line-ups ever since I was a kid, and dreamed to be on one!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I don’t think I’ve received any weird gifts from fans, but one of my favourite gifts was a hand sculpted ice cream cone made from iron. It was given to me in Alaska, it was sooo heavy! I love it, and have it on display in my living room.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you!!!! From the bottom of my heart! I would not be where I am without fans.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I would bring back Keith Flint from The Prodigy. I never got to see them live, and had tickets to their show in May of 2019. Unfortunately Keith passed away before that date. I would have loved to meet him and pick his brain about his music.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love being able to express myself through music. If I am going through something emotionally – be it happy, sad, angry – I can release it through the sound. Playing shows are my favourite thing – I love hearing the music so loud and just getting lost in it. It is freeing. I don’t really hate anything about being a musician. I love it!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
At this time, I don’t think I really would change anything – everything is a process, and I’m learning from it all.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“The End Of All Things To Come” by Mudvayne. I love listening to that album from start to finish.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I honestly prefer downloads! I can listen to the song across multiple products and don’t have to go looking for the CD!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
My favourite show was Warped Tour in Anchorage Alaska. There were thousands of people there, all of them were so into the music! My merch line was 2 hours long after the set – the longest it’s ever been. It was a pleasure to meet the fans that were there… in all, it was such a great experience!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I would probably be focusing solely on photography.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
If it were celebrities! Billie Eilish, Jonathan Davis, Grimes, Chad Gray, Ari Aster.
What is next for you?
I am releasing my debut album early 2020, and will be continuing to tour the US until the release! I do plan to tour internationally in 2020 as well.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://www.facebook.com/vanillasugarmusic/
https://twitter.com/VanillaSugarHTX
https://www.instagram.com/vanillasugarmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/user/VanillaSugarMusic
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I would say the chocolate makes it a cake!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I host a Facebook and Instagram Live AMA every Thursday night at 8pm PST. I love to get to know my fans! Please join me!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.