Vicky Who?: The Italian Musician Carving Her Space into Melancholy Dance Music
Courtesy of Ilenia Tesoro
11th July 2024
By Shaznay Seka
After years of activity in London and Manchester, Vicky Who? is carving her own space in ‘melancholy dance’ music with the single “Eighty Six". The dynamic dance track has 90s dance inspirations and electro–house influences from the production of legendary DJ Benny Benassi. Based in southern Italy, Vicky Who? is set to have a busy summer flying to Manchester to record something new. Not Quite used to a jet-set lifestyle Vicky Who? discusses the new stage of her career with HOEZINE.
Courtesy of Gaetano Giordano
Vicky Who?: I think it's a cool part of this, of this journey. Travel is something that I didn't have in the past. But I think that I have to get used to it because it's something that I hope to do soon. To fly away, even if I'm super scared of flying. I'd like to share my music all over the world. So, I think it's finally time to spread the wings.
Shaz Seka: How would you describe your music to people who haven't listened to it before?
VW: Yeah, I think that I'd like to describe my music as "melancholic dance" music like you can dance to the melancholic vibes. I feel comfortable having a bit of melancholy in my feelings. I think that you can appreciate this vibe and even dance to it. I like that people can enjoy this kind of music. I love those kinds of melodies, a little bit dark, but you can dance to them too. It's more into melodic techno which I appreciate. I feel like I have a place in that music. It's something that I'm discovering now and it's pretty cool.
SS: What inspired the stage name of like, Vicki Who?
VW: Vicki Who? ..... It's a long story, but, long story short - I needed a name in 2022, I was in a hurry because I had to find a name for the release of a song that I wrote for two DJs here in Italy. I was absolutely CRAZY about it because I wanted a name that could describe myself. At the same time, a name that can be a little bit intriguing, because I don't like a 'basic name'. I was in this room, my manager’s room which is FULL of vinyl records. I got a bit drunk, but it's easy for me because I need just a sip of red wine and I'm done! A vinyl came across my hand, and it was 'The Who', the band. It was perfect for me because I am an ironic girl. I like to laugh about my bad situations in life. I was okay, Vicky Who? Like who is she? I've been here in the music industry for a long time now, but who is she now? I'm just discovering myself and just showing myself. So, I hope that the name could be a bit intriguing, you know?
Courtesy of Gaetano Giordano
SS: In an age where fans have unprecedented access to music artists through social media, do you feel like having a stage name like ‘Vicky Who?’ gives you some privacy?
VW: Who is not my last name? My last name is very difficult in Italian, even for Italians to pronounce my surname. So, I couldn’t use it. In terms of privacy, even nowadays, it's very difficult to be a private person. Yeah. I like to be private, but the world out there needs more social media presence from me. I try to express more of my life You know, but of course, yes. Maybe it could be very intriguing like, maybe people could be interested in trying to understand what is behind that they can be good.
SS: Do you find it difficult to put yourself out on social media because you are a private person?
VW: Absolutely! Yes! I have to create content. We’re in a TikTok era and I found out that the TikTok algorithm wants you to speak about yourself a lot. It's crazy. So, I put a lot of effort into that.
SS: I’ve listened to your single ‘Eighty Six’, how did it feel to have it remixed by a legendary DJ like Benny Benassi?
VW: Sometimes I even ask myself, Is it true? Has it happened? It’s a big honour. I think that this collaboration, let me face the truth about my way of writing music and pushed me to do better, because I think now, I can do something in this industry because someone like Benny Benassi appreciates my music. Oh, my gosh, this is such an important moment for my music career. It's amazing.
Courtesy of Ilenia Tesoro
SS: Who are some artists that are inspiring you right now?
VW: There are a lot of female artists right now who are inspiring me not only with their music production but also with their lifestyle and the way they are succeeding in their lives. Like, last night, I was listening to Becky Hill. She said that it had been 11 years of hard work before she got a huge moment and fame. I was like okay, she's given me the energy to push and to never give up. I love the freedom of the creation of Billie Eilish, you know, the last album. I love the crazy, crazy vibes of Fred Again... A lot of artists in different ways are inspiring to me. In an era of genres melting together, I think that I have a lot in terms of inspiration.
SS: Sometimes female artists can be forced to fit into a certain mould. Do you find that exploring and blending different music styles like dance, EDM and pop allows you to express your identity through your music?
VW: Yes, I think this sense of freedom I have. I feel free to create with a lot of different genres because I love EDM melodies, dark melodies, but at the same time, I love the power of a Pop chorus in Pop music. Yeah, of course, I love the fact that I can see people dancing to my music. So, I love dance music for that. I have a lot more influences, like Soul, I am really into that. It helped me to create my spirit, it's so important. It's difficult when you are stuck in something, I don't like it. I have grown a lot and now I'm free to blend different genres.
Courtesy of Gaetano Giordano
SS: Talk me through your creative process, how do you go about it? You’ve said you like melodies. Do you play with them first before putting the lyrics down?
VW: Usually, everything starts from a melody, which is stuck in my mind. I usually write beautiful songs just before I fall asleep. I fell asleep and the next day, I can't remember the song. Sometimes these melodies are in my mind for weeks. And then I stress my producers out. I say, 'Please, try to help me to put all of these ideas into songs!' I stress them out a lot! I am so picky. I am too picky. I know what I want. It's good but sometimes you have to allow yourself to trust people. Sometimes it happens like the producer came with my, you know, a melody and they ask, 'Can you check it out?' or 'What do you think about it?' I'll say 'Okay’, ‘this is good' or 'this is not'. Then we'll start collaborating.
SS: What’s your dream collaboration?
VW: Oh, I have a lot of dream collaborations! Where do I start? Like, Fred again.. , MEDUZA, Benny Benassi, again, why not? I'd like to collaborate with different artists in different ways and I think I'm ready for it.
SS: What’s in store for the rest of 2024?
VW: I will be at the studio soon to record something that I'd like to release in September or October and maybe some gigs.