Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I’m Vicki Brittle! I was born and raised in a small-town of Arnprior, Ontario about an hour west of Ottawa. I’ve stayed close to home and now reside in a little village about 25 minutes from Arnprior. I’ve loved music since I can remember, and was raised with the privilege and freedom to be involved and expressive through music. The local hockey games, musicals, choirs, vocal lessons, local shows etc. I never really felt like there was a need for any other option for me other than music, and in all honesty it’s almost impossible to ignore a love this strong. With my parents being supportive of my commitment to music, I was able to explore and begin at a young age.
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: I have formal training, but was raised and grew up playing and singing by ear. I began Royal Conservatory at a young age and studied for a handful of years with a local teacher, until I knew it wasn’t for me, and then moved to more relaxed vocal lessons at Main Street School of Music, which is where I began to learn a much wider catalogue of music that to this day inspires me and influenced a lot of how I am as a musician.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: I can remember one of my first dominant influences was Carole King. The first time I heard “I Feel The Earth Move” I was too young to remember the physical moment, but I can remember the feeling. When I listen to Carole King even today, there is a familiarity and comfort that could never be replaced. Another one of my influences that has stuck with me is Sass Jordan. I remember watching Sass from a young age with Mom on Canadian Idol, and from there got to know her catalogue through my parents. Fast forward to the present day, and I still pinch myself thinking of when I opened for Sass in a hometown bar a few years ago.
Q: You have just released your new single, “20 Somethin’”. Is there a story behind it?
A: My 20’s have been a rollercoaster just like many. I’ve had some extreme highs, and rock bottom lows, and I’ve learned that we’re all just trying our best while we’re passing through. I went through a low period that inspired a lot of these words because it’s what I personally needed to hear from myself at the time. Like a lot of my songs, it was written in a very reflective way before being moulded into what it is, and went through a couple different bridges before finding the perfect fit, and that part of the process will always stick out to me as it replicated moments of rebuilding that i’ve experienced in life, not just in melody.
Q: What is the message of your music?
A: If I had to choose one overall message in my music I think it would be honesty. A lot of my writing comes from honest raw experiences, or journal entries moulded into melody. I aim to be honest with myself during the writing process, and in return it allows the listener an honest song to be a vessel for their emotions or a safe space for expression.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I think the biggest key element is emotion. Whether that comes from melody or lyrics or a phrasing space, I think the key element is to allow the music to do its work in being a safe space to feel. I would personally describe my sound as something different, but my biggest foundations are folk, acoustic and easy listening rock. I aim to keep these foundations close while balancing the flow of whatever needs to be released.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: I would say my music gives me more than I expect to be honest. The fulfillment of even creating music for my living feels like enough, let alone the release process, followed by a rebirth of purpose for every song. Almost every song I’ve written has come back full circle, to give me hope in my own journey and that is something I will always feel extremely grateful for.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: My creative process varies, but it more times than not begins with a personal experience that begins with a journal entry of personal expression and processing. With that in mind, a lot of the time I am reflecting and reading back through an experience, and putting that entry into melodic form. Other times, I like to sit down and simply write melody and lyrics at the same time through the flow of whatever I’m feeling or needs a space. I find both of these processes allow me to fully express myself, and also bring to other people a safe space to relate if it’s something they’ve also experienced.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I think one of the most difficult things in my life and music, is learning to step out of comfort when it is necessary. I wouldn’t have a lot of the experiences I’ve had, or the lessons I have learned if I did not step out of my comfort zone and let the wind do its work.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I personally feel the most in awe of my music journey when I get front row seats to peoples healing alongside or through my music. During my last couple releases, including “20 Somethin’” now, I have received some really personal, heart felt, honest messages about listeners own journeys and how my music has helped them to cope or feel. To know I am doing for someone, what songs have done for me is a very special experience and reminds me why music is so important and special.
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