Vanessa White is back with another dose of pure R&B, in the form of ‘Low Key’ featuring Illa J.
Having released her debut EP Chapter One this year, Vanessa has already demonstrated her sultry and soulful vocals, a far cry from the pop sound we were used to hearing during her time in The Saturdays. ‘Low Key’ is another example of Vanessa carving out her own brand of future R&B vibes. With a killer verse from Illa J and stellar production from Chloe Martini, who previously worked with Vanessa on ‘Relationship Goals’, Vanessa is one step closer to showing the world who she really is as an artist.
Speaking to Complex UK, Vanessa said:
“I’m so happy that ‘Low Key’ is finally out! At some points it felt like it was never going to come. I’d originally planned for it to be out much sooner but it took a minute to get the right rapper on the track. When I came across Illa J, I knew he was the right person for the record – we immediately connected and he just understood the vibe of the song perfectly.
“I feel like ‘Low Key’ is a good representation of who I am as a person. I know a lot of people won’t believe it but I’m so ‘Low Key’ in life.
“This whole musical journey so far has been MAD!! This year has had its struggles for sure but it’s definitely one I won’t forget and have learnt loads from already. When you’re doing things as a solo artist and working quite independently you realise how people can let you down but more than anything I’ve realised, it just makes you stronger. You can’t let it get you down or keep you from what you want to achieve. When I launched my solo project I was really looking forward to people finally getting to see the real me, but even with that, people have their own ideas of what the ‘real me’ should be, especially coming from a pop band. I was only 16 when I started my career and in the last few years I’ve discovered who I am and the music I want to make. It’s been a challenge fighting industry perceptions but now I’m getting better at saying “fuck it this is the real me so you can take it or leave it”. At the end of the day, it’s about the music and I want to connect with people who love R&B and this sound.
“Over the past year, I’ve made big changes to my team as there were people before who didn’t get my direction. It’s so important for you to trust the people you work with and I’m so grateful I have found that now #DREAMTEAM!”
Vanessa has been busy grafting in the studio, working with talented producers and musicians such as PRGRSN, Snakehips and Wizzy Wow. She is gearing up for the release of her forthcoming second EP Chapter Two, which is due for release later this year.
What do you make of ‘Low Key’? Are you loving Vanessa White’s sound? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix.