As an artist who thrives under stage lights and in front of a microphone, Ukrainian-born, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Vitalia pursues music as something that is equal parts artistic expression and therapeutic healing. Beginning her musical journey at just 6 years old, Vitalia has since experimented with a variety of genres including disco, pop and alt rock. To define is to limit, and Vitalia has proven her artistry is just that – limitless.
Now, the singer is adamant in moving towards a grungier route with her musicality. Along with the release of her newest disco-infused single “Maybe,” Vitalia admits she is yearning for something grittier.
“Though I’ve released a few singles already, the sound I’m going for with my upcoming singles in comparison to ‘Maybe’, is going to be more vulnerable and rawer,” Vitalia says. “I wanted to change into a rock era because any grungy song has been the perfect thing for me to listen to when I wanted to release some anger or sadness of my own. Doesn’t it help you knowing you’re not the only one going through a hard time?”
After traveling to Los Angeles at 16, Vitalia was inspired to pursue music after she saw her friends pursuing their own artistic ambitions and turning them into careers. Once she returned home, Vitalia knew she wanted to stay connected to her friends – and songwriting. The “My Way” singer began to hone in on her craft until she released her debut songs towards the end of 2022.
“Writing is such a vulnerable process in itself that I think that’s why I had put off showing my art to the world for so long,” she says. “I needed to build up the courage and the confidence to believe that the music I write will reach the right people who will need to hear it. I find that listening to music that speaks to you becomes a safe space for you to be vulnerable and subconsciously lift some weight off your shoulders.”
Her latest single “Maybe” tells a flirtatious story of two individuals dancing with one another. During the dance, one of them realizes that the time and energy they’ve invested in the relationship hasn’t been worth it – especially since the other person is still not over their ex.
“I’ve always loved disco and my song ‘Maybe’is a modern disco dance song which I wanted to make people dance their worries away to…The song is a reflection of the ‘what ifs’ and of what could have happened differently.”
Although heavily inspired by artists like ABBA and Dua Lipa, Vitalia is now moving toward more alternative influences with her new artistic era – think groups like Paramore, The Neighborhood and Måneskin.
Her upcoming single “what a shame,” slated for an August 16 release, digs into the rougher, grittier side of Vitalia. An indie pop rock anthem, “what a shame” is about reconnecting with an old flame and realizing the fire might no longer burn the same as it once did.
Regarding the upcoming single, Vitalia says, “Overall, these lyrics tell a story of revisiting a past relationship, recognizing the unchanged flaws, and ultimately choosing self-respect and distance over repeating old mistakes. It’s a poignant reflection on the pain of seeing someone stuck in their ways and the strength it takes to move on.”
“I knew I wanted ‘Maybe’ to be a more “Dua Lipa synthy disco pop” vibe and what a shame to be a classic alt pop tune with guitars taking a bit more space in it, transforming into the next genre I’ll be focusing more on in my upcoming releases,” Vitalia says.
