XIOX MAGAZINE Volume 3 Issue 3 Vassy | Page 24

Name: VASSY Who are you and what do you do? I am a multi-platinum recording artist, singer, and songwriter. I love to create and make music because it is my joy and brings others joy. Why do you do what you do? I do what I do because the music chose me. I have no idea why it chose me, but I am confident that it did and that this why this is my path. I did not grow up around music or the arts, but still, here I am. I grew up in a small remote town, so I have no idea how this magic crept into my soul. Around the age of 7 is when the realiza- tion ironically came to me. I literally was kicked out of the choir, because others said, “you don’t have what it takes.” From that moment on, I knew that music would be my life. What was the first step into your art format? When I felt the rejection of being kicked out of school choir, and I was told that I didn’t have any talent, I chose to use that as redirection. The rejection was my first step towards success! How did you feel when you began? I was confused and lost. I didn’t have a path, and I wondered, how on earth do I do this? I started with ZERO contacts, outlets or any experiences to lean on. I didn’t have anyone to show me the way, but I just decided to figure it out on my own, and I did. Describe a real-life situation that inspired you? When I lose my father, I had a real awakening on how short life really is. It is so important to do the things that make you feel good. What jobs have you done other than being a singer? Before music, I was an Architect. What wisdom can you give to beginners? Take on all of the rejection. Don’t push against it but use it to motivate you and to keep yourself moving. It’s imperative to believe in yourself and your PLAN A! Don’t give up, even in the crappy times because everyone has them and they are only a test of your focus. How do you work and describe the process? My process varies, but the basics are I think of an idea and go from there. I will flush out the song and then get into the studio to produce it. What are you most proud of? I am incredibly proud of having six number 1s and being a 2-time platinum recording artist worldwide. Clearly, this is not too shabby for a girl all the way from a small and remote area of Australia. What was the biggest challenge and how did you conquer? Sometimes my challenges felt endless and unforgiving, and they ranged from not fitting into the “box” of what was wanted and what labels needed me to be. Moving to America on my own, alone, without support while being broke was difficult and scary. I can’t even tell you of the times I was robbed, but I can tell you DON’T QUIT, KEEP PUSHING, and it will happen. Do you struggle with insecurity and what do you do to deal with it? Yes, don’t we all?! When I am in moments of insecurity, I take time to remember where I came from, who I am and what I stand for. I know that my music touches people all over the world and it allows them self-love and my voice has a purpose. Taking time to center allows me to become grounded again. This career can be full of pressure so how do you balance that? I am a very private person, and I separate business from personal. This is what works for me. I stay out of the clubs and drinking. I focus on living a normal life while making my art. What’s your childhood background look like? There was a lot of playing outside while running barefoot on the beach and jumping in the pool. I grew up in the tropics, so we had a large backyard. We have places to run and play without worry and lots of freedom. It was such a great childhood. What’s integral to the work of an artist? I can only speak for myself as an artist, and I have got to be true to myself. Sometimes we lose sight of things by outside pressures, but I work aggressively to come back in line with my values. What role does the artist have in society? My purpose as an artist is to entertain through my songs and with my voice. I want to motivate and empower others to believe in themselves. I want others to have faith in their path and to move forward, and if I can use my gifts to inspire, then my desires are fulfilled.