For Toronto’s VACAY, the momentum generating around his music is only getting stronger at them moment. With his single “The Other Side” bringing him acclaim from blogs, tastemakers and hungry new music fans online, the young artist is steadily building himself up as an artist to be watching. We find out more about ‘the male Taylor Swift’, how he got started in music and what to be expecting from his forthcoming EP
First off, tell Australia who you are and how you got this stage in your musical journey.
I’m Levi Randall and I write songs, sing and play guitar as VACAY. I started my journey in elementary school. I would tell people I played guitar just because I had one at my house. My friend Aaron asked me to join his band for a talent show because I had told him I played. I had no idea what I was doing but Aaron taught me “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana and we won the talent show. I’ve been playing in bands ever since.
What drove you to become a song writer? Has it been a life long passion or something more recent?
When I was a kid, I would see my Dad walk around the house singing into a mini voice recorder. He would be writing songs all the time and I believe that had a big influence on me. It’s been around me my whole life but writing music is a pretty new thing for me. I started writing music with one of my best friends when we were 18 and I’ve been hooked since then.
When did you discover you could sing like that?
I was in Year 11 and my music teacher had our whole class sing a solo for our final performance exam. I nervously got in front of the class, started singing and saw my peers eyes widen. After my performance my teacher came up to me and said, “I think there’s more of Levi we haven’t seen yet,” and encouraged me to join the choir. It took years to develop my voice and confidence but that was the time I discovered my love for singing.
There’s a genuine pop sensibility to this track. The first thing that popped into my head was ‘male Taylor Swift’ in regards the tone of your voice. Do you have any major influences?
That’s a really neat comparison. What I write about is influenced by the situations I’m going through and my relationships. Love inspires me the most. My Dad inspired me a lot too. He used to sing in a children’s music group and watching him perform had a huge influence on me. He’s a rock star.
Tell us more about when we’ll hear more music from you. Will the EP be in the same vein as this track, or do you entertain diversity in song writing?
The EP will be coming out in the next couple months! I strive for simplicity, intimacy and I didn’t use any synths or digital instruments in the production of the EP. It has a raw, natural, honest feel and I believe that mindset kept the whole thing cohesive. The diversity between songs happens with the instrumentation, groove and the content of the lyrics.
Why should people listen to VACAY?
People should listen to VACAY because the songs are relatable and honest. Most of us will experience being in love or the feeling of loss that comes with a failed relationship. I want people that are in a dark time to find comfort and understanding in my songs about heartbreak and I want my songs that are about the beautiful moments in life to paint that world around the listener and recreate that beautiful feeling for the listeners.
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