Sapphira Vee
Interview conducted March 08, 2021
By Dan Locke
Sapphira Vee makes music with machines. Get over it.
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in Western NY in an Italian-American home that was filled with music. My parents listened to everything from Motown to Prog and have a deep love for both of those genres to this day. I still feel the influence of both in the music I write.
How did you discover music?
I definitely discovered music from my family to begin with, but I stumbled on alternative music as a young teen through a couple local collage and community stations. I was immediately hooked on bands like The Clash and The Pretenders, as well as all the gorgeous synth that came along with the new romantic movement and of course Depeche Mode. Industrial came later but hit equally as hard, I became obsessed with bands like Ministry, Nitzer Ebb and Front 242. Though from the very beginning, David Bowie has been my true love.
How did you start to write music?
I used to write a ton of lyrics as a child. But writing music came later, after I started playing guitar as a young teen. I grew to love writing music as much as playing it.
Describe your music.
Ha! Now that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?? It spans genres, influences, and all the decades that I’ve been alive. But it always starts from my gut and expands from there. I don’t necessarily attack my song writing with a specific genre or sound in mind, it’s very stream of consciousness. You might hear that in many is my very loose song structures – they aren’t intentional though it’s not unintentional either, lol.
What was your first performance at like?
Well, I’ve been performing since I was a child violin player….it always came sort of naturally to me. But as an adult in a band, for my first gig I played guitar for a dark “punkish” band called Blast Paris.
When I was asked to join the band (and everyone else the band was named “Paul” by the way, which was always a joke) they were already a local legend, and I was stepping in to take over guitar duties from the leader of the band who was moving from guitar to lead vocals. I worked super hard to learn all the songs and have them down cold…at our first rehearsal we went straight through set as we had an upcoming gig. Then there was a silence. Then Paj (Paul #1) said with shock and a smile, “You actually practice at home, don’t you?” LOL!!
So, the first gig, a couple weeks later, went realllllyyy well!!!
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
ASCAP
What makes a good songwriter?
It’s gotta come from the heart, first and foremost. But that isn’t all of course. I’m not into “formula” as you can probably tell, I’d never tell another songwriter “well, you really need to put a bridge right here…” but it does have to remain engaging and reflect your unique vibe. In my case, the songs sometimes take unexpected turns. Whatever your secret sauce, own it and keep it interesting.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
It was called “Witness”. I wrote it in an all-female band many years ago and it really never left the practice space, lol.
What is the process of writing your music?
Well, it’s a lot different now than it used to be. I took a 15+ year break when I had my kids and only got back into it 2 years ago. So, it used to start with a keyboard or guitar line, I use both, and usually a vocal idea as well. Then I’d develop the song, sometimes with another songwriter, and would not even some close to recording it until after we played onstage several times.
Now things are different. In regard to my solo work, it usually starts out the same, with a guitar or keyboard line, a vocal idea. But then I basically record as I write, in Cubase, and develop the song that way. I have a trusted circle I sometimes run things by.
And if I am collaborating, which a do A LOT, there is the usual transfer of ideas in the form of audio files back and forth, and some online conversation in between. A very different world today.
Tell me about your new EP “By My Hand”?
Last year, in late summer/fall, I decided to cover a couple songs as the mighty Jules Seifert was mixing and mastering The Mask, and I was getting some promo organized for the album as well.I decided to go with a couple of songs that I liked from artists within our scene, rather than “hits”, so I landed on PIG’s Sex & Death and Cyanotic’s “Signal the Machines”, and took a somewhat industrial/industrial metal approach to both, as I’m a huge fan of that sound.
My friend and collaborator Martin King from Dogtablet suggested I get some remixes as well, of the covers. Whaaaat?? Who does that? I do now, lol. So I did, from Decent News and Alphane Reality Generator – both of which turned out fabulous!!!
On Blindcopy project how did you get Karen and Ivan from Bellhead to be on the project with you. We just interview them a couple of months ago.
Jack Alberson will have to field that one, I’m just a member of Blindcopy. Thus far I’ve contributed vocals to “Blacklight” and drum programming and vocals to the new single, but it’s Jack’s project.
My other side projects are Collapse of Dawn with Upon Eventual Collapse and Melodywhore, Venus McVee and Notorious Erich Von P with Melodywhore.
What is your favorite track on your album The Mask?
I’m going to have to go with Greed, though I do love Laughter and World My Voice as well.
What is the backstory for the song “Greed”?
It’s about the greed, selfishness and malice that somehow always develops when a couple makes the decision to live separate lives. I think that most of us have been through it, some of us more than others, but it was very easy to unleash and let it flow on that one, lol. I was really pleased with how the video came out as well, it was not very high budget.
World My Voice is another favorite, with backing vocals from my friend Ken Magerman from Amaranth. What a powerful voice!! It worked so well in the song and really brought a whole new layer of intensity. I am currently working on a video for that one as well. It’s a plea for the world to hear what I (or others) have to say after being silent for so long. It’s about being in any situation where you are not feeling comfortable speaking up, then finally feeling empowered to have that voice. “What you gonna do? It’s all up to you!!”
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I’m a workout maniac. I can go on for hours on that, but, I do HiiT, and lots of cardio. I’m definitely feeling my flexibility wane as I build muscle so I’ve been adding some mobility exercises in there too.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Everyone streams these days, I do too. So, I release everything to all the streaming platforms. And I try to get my streams as honestly as possible from real people who love my music, not bots. I really don’t have the time to play around padding mine with stats, I don’t see the point in it anyway. I’d rather spend the time working on writing great music.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, [ or (in North American usage) pound sign. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
Different generation, I think. Though both my kids, who are whizzes in hashtagging, know exactly what a sharp is and what it means in sheet music, though it is a little different looking (with slightly slanted horizontal lines) than a hashtag, lol
Digital vs. vinyl?
Love both and looking forward to do more CDs and some vinyl as well. I’m currently talking with a small label who approached me to do some vinyl but that’s all I can say for now.
When I released The Mask and people started buying the CDs, I took great joy in signing and leaving short little notes to each fan!!
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Lol, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, an old Motown hit!!! It definitely reminds me of some online friendships where you think you know someone even after years, but really, do you?
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Live music has literally been around since the dawn of man, and will never go away. But with the advent of live streaming, I can totally see where live performances can be enhanced, maybe not entirely replace, with live streaming.
What if promoters started selling live stream tickets side by side with live tickets for people who just can’t get out? I’m intrigued with that idea.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Spending time with family and writing LOTS of music.
What are you doing for International Women’s Day?
I’m enjoying see how this holiday gains more popularity every year. It was never a popular day in the US, most people didn’t even know about it while friends of mine in places like Eastern Europe always made a big deal of it. I’m just glad it is picking up steam!!!!
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Just working on getting better at producing music and picking up some new tricks for sure!!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
People will always find other outlets to promote their music and Facebook has really always just been for people to connect anyway, so, not really I guess.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Well, since everyone is in the same boat, it’s not like the fans are going anywhere, lol. I think if people love your music, they will stay loyal to you. and merch can always be procured online!!
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I’ve never engaged it in it thus far, so not sure about that.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
I love holograms, I’m a true sci fi geek, if there was a feasible way to do it, I’d never rule it out!!!
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
We can hope. And we can act. When the time comes, we need to support each other. Having the right laws in place gives us a framework to work with, but in the end, it is really up to all of us.
In the past if a musician stop doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I love history and looking back on our ancient past. If I didn’t spend most of my time doing music, I’d actually consider going back to school for a field such as Archeology or Anthropology
What is your happy place?
My kids, my music. They make me happy.
You are from WNY. Did you ever had the chance to go to The Continental Night Club in Buffalo NY?
Interesting that you should ask, YES, not only did I go there to drink and dance but I’ve performed there many times!! It was a great club, three floors, a cool vibe, fantastic music!! I recall being on a couple of bills with Electro Man and Null Stadt
A lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs? Another factor is mortality.
I guess everyone can be bought right??? (Lol) It would really depend on the deal and my personal/professional/music situation.
Spotify’s ‘Stream On’ event on Monday (February 22), the company confirmed that more than 60,000 new tracks are now being ingested by its platform every single day. This means people are added new tracks uploaded to its platform every 1.4 seconds.
The figure, announced by Spotify’s co-Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich, means that across the course of this year, approximately 22 million tracks will be added to Spotify’s catalog. Spotify confirmed in November last year that its platform now played host to around 70 million tracks.
Therefore it’s reasonable to assume that, by the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time.
But still back at the beginning of the year Spotify deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. What do you think what that could mean to independent artist?
I think I’d have to know more about what they deleted and how they determined what to delete to give an educated opinion on that. At the end of the day all the streaming platforms are businesses, and sometimes business is not pretty.
The British government, buoyed by early good news on a brisk roll-out of vaccinations in the UK, set out a roadmap that, as things stand, would see the re-opening of large music events in the UK, with no audience limit, on June 21.Live Nation and its subsidiary, Festival Republic, didn’t hang about after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made this announcement on Monday (February 22).
The companies quickly announced that their Reading & Leeds festival – an annual fest taking place across two locations in the UK with a combined capacity of around 180,000 – would be going ahead between August 27 and 29 this year, and that tickets were on sale.
With this announcement Live Nation; USA wants to following the lead of Live Nation:UK. If this happen and live concert start happening this summer would you be up to playing live shows again and under want precautions would you like to have in place?
I’d only do local for now as I’m just getting back into considering some gigs. And, my county at the moment has an infection rate of 1.6%, so if things go well here, we could be in pretty good shape, BUT so many things have to happen in order to get there. All we can do now is stay careful and diligent.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
I have a remix album for The Mask called Unmasked that I will be releasing in April of this year, with remixes by the likes of Dogtablet, Blindcopy, Upon Eventual Collpase, Xris Smack, ESA and others… Then a collab album called “Duet” featuring tracks with music written by me and vocals by Chris Connelly, Mike Reidy and one other vocalist who I can’t announce yet that I will release in May. Then I’ll focus on my next full-length album which I’ve already started writing. And TONS of collabs as usual. Never bored!!
Thanks for chatting with me!! I’m looking more to connecting with fans through video and maybe some live shows this year.
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