Urban Grandstand Digital Issue 11: Maleke O'ney, Stacy Rose, & Divine Brown | Page 74

Veronica: I think after experiencing writing sessions like that, honestly it took confidence and knowing what I really wanted. I had so many opinions in my ear, but honestly coming back to Toronto, I’ve been with my team for a year now. meeting them, and them being from here, they asked me what i wanted. Now, I have 100% control. It takes time for everyone. I started when I was 15, so my experiences were that of being a teenager coming into this adult world. Most of the people you work with were men. I had to go into these rooms with all guys, and I had to be confident. Accepting that I don’t like things, and changing who I worked with made the difference.

U.G. Digital Mag: I think its amazing. The work you have done and the precedent you’ve set in your career speaks volumes in terms of women and what they can accomplish. I don’t want to stress age because it doesn’t matter so much. You’ve worked hard, and a lot of people are in this for a while before they make it. You’re making it, and you’re 21. It’s great, and your music is good.

Veronica: I’m happy to be at this point. It takes ten years sometimes for people to break. Getting the experience at a younger age changed my view. If I started now, it would be a lot different. You have to create a platform for yourself. That’s how you grow and become more successful.

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s perfect that you started when you did. The window of opportunity is small. It’s not impossible at an older age, but it becomes more difficult. I know people who have been in it for far longer, and they still have not reached the level they strive for.

Veronica: Starting in Toronto, and gaining the Disney Channel fanbase, it’s like they grew up with me. Those fans I had when I was 15 and 16 are coming back. They think it’s great and they love the music.

U.G. Digital Mag: What was it like having that Disney following? It seems larger than life.

Veronica: When I was younger it was a dream come true. I wasn’t even prepared for it. I was playing crowds of 15,000, and it was nerve wrecking. I would forget everything that happened out of excitement. What I loved the most was seeing my younger fans singing along to my music. It puts you in the perspective of someone listening and liking what you did.

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s amazing and you’ve worked so hard. What do you want your image to represent?

Veronica: I wish my fans would see me being the realest I am right now. Before I was singing, I was figuring out what I wanted to do. I want them to see me as being real, standing up for what I believe, and talking about things that people may be scared to talk about. I don’t want to do this for money, and if that makes me different, I’m fine with it.

U.G. Digital Mag: It definitely does, but it’s good. I stand behind not doing it just for money. When you’re working hard, day in and out, you have to be doing it because you love it. The money will follow.

Veronica: You’re right. Positivity is important. Talking about things certain artists don’t want to talk about. I have faith in myself, so I’m not afraid to speak up.

U.G. Digital Mag: Talk about what comes after this single? Is there an album in the works?

Veronica: I’ve been writing a lot. I have a lot of songs that potentially could be singles. I’m putting together a plan for releasing music. It’s coming soon. I’m excited to write new music.

U.G. Digital Mag: In the meantime, what other things can everyone look out for?

Veronica: I’ll still be doing interviews and reaching out to my fans. There’s a few things I look forward to starting a journey with. I’m also passionate about charity work. With a large fanbase comes that responsibility. You can do a lot of good for other people, and that is something I have in the works. I want to be a part of bringing people together. Charity work is very important to me.

U.G. Digital Mag: What keeps you so grounded?