Pop singer-songwriter Ventresca recently unveiled her new single/music video, “SINNER,” a song about acquiring the ability to see through the motivations of others, specifically her devious ex-lover.
Utilizing the story of Adam and Eve, Ventresca’s evocative lyrics tell the tale: “Here I lay our story, ‘bout evil and good.”
After studying dance at the Canadian Dance Unit, Ventresca attended The Royal Conservatory of Music, followed by releasing her debut single, “Craving,” which caught the attention of The Star Groomer, Cindy Valentine, who immediately signed Ventresca.
The video depicts Ventresca dressed in black, sitting on the floor with red candles around her. As the visuals unfold, her lover, played by Julian Mete, caparisoned in white, offers her an apple, a deft variation on the original story. Recognizing his evil intentions, she refuses the apple. Now dressed in black, he pursues her, but she knows the truth – he is “a sinner and a liar.”
“You’re a sinner and liar / You knew just how to set my heart on fire / Sinner and a liar / I learned to break away, fight every desire.”
CelebMix spoke with Ventresca to find out more about the person behind the music, her writing process, and the takeaway from the video.
What three things can’t you live without?
I definitely couldn’t live without books, music of course! And dancing – those are my favorite things
What inspired your new single/music video, “SINNER?”
‘SINNER’ was actually a collaboration with my producer/composer and co-writer Cindy Valentine. Our ideas came from my initial opening lyrics about Adam and Eve and that idea came from a book I was reading at the time. From there we decided it would be a cool idea to take the story of Adam and Eve and put a little twist on it!
Who directed the video and where was it shot?
Luke Camozzi of Zed Zed Productions with his team directed the music video along with the Executive Producer Cindy Valentine, of The Star Groomer. We shot the video in two locations. The first one was Hy Hope farm in Ashburn, Ontario which was beautiful. The second location was Phat Dog visuals in Toronto, Ontario.
What do you want people to take away from the video?
One element from the video I really want people to take away is that not everyone you meet or see has good intentions for your well-being, that’s why in the video when the man takes off his mask, he’s still trying to fool me but he’s the same person under the mask I really wanted to make that a prominent point and something that people should understand.
How did you get started in music?
When I was a little girl and attending my brother’s guitar recital, there was a group of girls singing on the stage when we arrived and I was so mesmerized and realized, I wanted to do the same. I started studying classical music at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and taking dance lessons. I eventually found my niche in the pop world and started writing lyrics and collaborating.
Where are you from?
I’m from Toronto, Ontario!
Did your hometown impact your sound?
I grew up in Nobleton, Ontario, which isn’t far from Toronto, and of course, Canada in itself with all the talent from here is a constant influence…The Weeknd, Alanis Morissette, and Drake just to name a few.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
I think collaborating with other writers has an influence of the ‘80s with a touch of The Weeknd, Twice, and a sprinkle of some Madison Beer.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
All of my work has been with collaborations, I think a little bit of my vision and their influence in composing, beats, and bouncing lyrical ideas creates a unique combo.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?
Reading great books that allow me to escape, and my everyday journey in life, good, bad, happy, or sad, helps inspire me.
What can you share about your writing process?
So, it varies every time, sometimes I start with a lyrical concept, a melody, or my co-writer Cindy Valentine might have a musical composition, a beat, or a melody or storyline that we can both vibe on and it becomes magical and so much fun!
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
I’m a huge fan of K-pop so, BLACKPINK is killing it right now and The Weeknd is absolutely amazing.
How do you define success?
If you are working towards your goal and you are happy with the outcome, then you’ve already succeeded. I also believe if you can make a difference by helping those in need along the way, that’s the ultimate success. Sharing is caring!
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs?
I have some new songs scheduled for 2023 with accompanying videos. In 2023, I’ll be in Los Angeles during Grammy Week for the Soiree Living Legend Awards, and just scheduling performances for my Canadian tour.