I recently discovered a fantastic new artist from Berlin called Venior, producing catchy alt-pop songs with an edge that sound like nothing else available at the moment. I reviewed her song, Curtains Fall, wanting to share it with the world due to how great it is. You can stream the song at the end of this interview if you missed it first time round.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled Curtains Fall, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the track?
Curtains Fall is a song I wrote and produced in my studio in Berlin a few years ago. It’s a downtempo, emotional banger about letting down the curtain of the reality theatre of our times and see beyond our conditioning. Who are we really when our roles fall apart? What is left when everything we thought we knew crumbles?
How has the reception been so far, and where can Curtains Fall be purchased?
I got some really nice feedback. People seem to get some traditional Nordic vibes from my singing style, which kind of makes sense since I am from Finland, but that wasn’t something I thought of when I wrote it, I saw it more as an alt r&b tune, but it’s fun to see the way people connect with it. The song can be purchased on Bandcamp and on iTunes. And of course, it’s also available on all the streaming platforms.
You’ve also just released a new song titled Concrete Jungle. What can you tell us about that song?
Concrete Jungle is more up-tempo and full of energy. I wrote it in a cowrite session with Lucy Schroeder and Lucas Herzweg and we had a lot of fun writing it. It’s about reclaiming the city for the best interests of the people and not turning it into a corporate paradise where people serve as the servants of commercial interests. But it’s not just about the city, it’s about splashing colors on the world dominating monotonous system and reclaiming a life that is based on Earth values and what serves life, not capitalism.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes, I’ve got another one coming out on the 2nd of December called Forget I’m Human, which I’m really excited about.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album or an EP?
I released my debut EP in 2021 called Free-K. And my first full-length album is coming out in January! I’ve worked on it for many years, so I am very happy to finally release it.
Did the pandemic hinder your work much?
Yes, quite a lot unfortunately. Because the years before the pandemic I spent quite isolated in my studio writing and producing new music, and just when I was ready to get out and play, that’s when everything shut down. So, I just continued working in my studio and tried to make the best of it.
Your music has an alt-pop sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I’ve been influenced by quite a lot of different genres during the years. When I was a teenager, I listened to indie pop/rock like Florence and the Machine, Bon Iver and Coldplay. In the beginning of my 20s I was more into hip/hop and r&b, like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Angel Haze – to name a few. Recently I’ve listened mostly to African music and Nordic music. I love music with an intense energy and a lot of rhythms and melodies. Nature is my biggest inspiration, I feel like it can’t be separated from my music, it all comes from this deep creative
well that springs with life!
You’re based in Berlin. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
Berlin is such a diverse city with artists from all around the world. Of course, the electronic music scene is pretty dominating, but you can find music cultures from everywhere, so it’s very inspiring and that’s why I’ve lived here for the last six years.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not yet, but I am working on getting some dates for next year!
Any last words for the fans?
I just want to say a big thank you for listening and supporting what I do. It means a lot to me. I’m sending you lots of love and groovy Free-K vibes!