Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter VÉRITÉ introduces her brand-new single/music video, “He’s Not You.”
Talking about the genesis of “He’s Not You,” VÉRITÉ shares, “I wrote this song on a magical zoom call with a new friend Mathias Wang, who is an incredible producer who plays many instruments. This song is a bit of a different sonic direction for me, but the entire song and production literally fell into place. I knew it was a side of myself I wanted to put into the world. As an artist, it feels really amazing to not take myself so seriously and have some more fun.”
With more than 250 million streams, VÉRITÉ is the archetype for success as an independent artist. Ever the innovator, she perceives trends and possibilities, witnessed by her willingness to experiment musically, and her exploration of NFTs.
“He’s Not You” opens on a low-slung throbbing rhythm rippling with funky energy. VÉRITÉ’s deluxe voice, crystalline and sensuous, imbues the lyrics with exotic, erotic flavors as radiant harmonies give the tune aching yearning textures.
CelebMix spoke with VÉRITÉ, plying her with questions about the inspiration for “He’s Not You,” her writing process, and how she got started in music.
What three things can’t you live without?
Coffee, Water, Oxygen.
What inspired your new single/music video “He’s Not You?”
‘He’s Not You’ is a song for when you know you should be alone but ignore that instinct to fall into someone else. It was written mid-quarantine when I was having a lot of conflicting feelings about my relationships and my own independence.
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away from the video?
When in doubt, you can always have a moment of pure, badass self-confidence. When in doubt, follow that instinct.
What’s your songwriting process?
It’s so different for every song. My favorite songs start alone with a melody and some random mumbling. I try to let songs write themselves initially, and then develop the ideas with more intention and precision once the skeleton is built.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
It’s something I’ve always been innately driven to pursue. I had no context for what a career in music would look like and slowly built my project independently, learning as I went.
How would you describe your sound?
I always categorize it as left-of-center pop. It’s a broad stroke and allows for a lot of experimentation.
What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon about it?
I have a unique melodic sensibility that is very much my own. I have always leaned into what feels natural versus what I think is popular or trendy.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
There are SO MANY. I love Hiatus Kaiyote, St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers, and Olivia Rodrigo.
You’re an independent artist. Why do you choose to remain independent rather than signing with a label?
Ownership is power. It’s important to me to always have the option to move forward on my own terms.
You’re also investigating the use of NFTs. Why?
The music industry isn’t tailored towards artist longevity. I view NFTs and their utility as opening doors for artists to create more sustainable ecosystems for themselves and their fans without relying on a middleman for funding and distribution. We’re early, but it’s been extremely exciting to experiment in the space.
What are your plans for any future releases?
Currently, I’m writing and planning on crafting my third record. Everything is still in the early stages, but I’m excited to execute my vision.
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