Verushka – Neosoul/jazz with latin twists
Interview Conducted Feb 26, 2020
by Dan Locke
VERUSHKA is a singer, songwriter, dj and producer based in
south London whose music is a refreshing blend of new-school
jazz and soul, electronic shades, conscious, honest lyrics and
warm vocals.
Dan Locke: Where did you come from? What is your musical background?
VERUSHKA: I was born in Somerset to a Croatian mum and a Somerset-born dad. I moved to Oxford with my mum at a young age. My mum is a guitarist and also used to sing in operas and because of her, I grew up listening to great music. We had a record player and loads of amazing records- Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder… We didn’t have much money but we had a lot of music!
Can you tell me a quick story about your grandfather?
I sadly never met my grandfather as he was hit by a drunk driver before I was born. He played violin in the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and in photos he looks pretty damn cool.
Did your mom name after the song Verushka by Herbie Hancock?
No. The story has something to do with a famous model and a treaty being signed between Russia and the US- I can’t remember the details! It comes from the Russian name ‘Vera’, meaning truth or faith.
How did you start to do session work?
Through word of mouth, people started recommending me for sessions and I kept my eye out for bits of work.
You were a background vocalist for Aubrey Logan. How did you start working with her?
A friend I work with a lot recommended me for Aubrey’s European gigs. She’s amazing to work with. We’re on tour with her again next year, can’t wait!
How did you get to become a resident musician at the Soho House in London?
Someone came across my website and booked me to play there.
Do you still teach students?
Yes, but not as much as before as I don’t have as much time.
It seems to me that you chanced your music style a bit from your debut album to your current album. Your latest sounds fresher and more a sound feel behind it. More songful with an old soul feeling.
Your song Stop Trippin has a very jazzy sound to it. Why did you pick that style for the song?
I guess I didn’t really pick the style, it’s just what came out if that makes sense? I’ve always been influenced by jazz, it’s kinda my first love. I don’t really set out to write in a particular style, I just start at the piano and see where I go. Stop Trippin’ just kinda fell out of my head! Ha. I think the style changed a little this time because I’ve become more and more influenced by a range of different music. I wanted to create something that let me express my love of jazz and soul but that also had some of my love of other styles in there, and I wanted it to be like you said, fresher.
The video is also trippy.
Nice work.-thanks! That’s my amazing friend Stephen Smith aka Wobbly Lobster.
How do you feel about Brixton (Brixton is a district of South London, England, within the London Borough of Lambeth)?
I love Brixton, it’s an amazing area with great people. However, like a lot of areas in London, people are getting priced out and having to move further out of the center. I love London but the inequality is nuts, something needs to change so people on lower incomes can survive and so we don’t keep losing the amazing creativity here.
So let’s talk about your current project. Only This and Face it Down? How soon will it be released? When the first full video for these songs will come out?
So, part one of the album came out in October as a kinda taster and you can watch the video for Face It Down on my Youtube channel. The full album will be released next March, I CAN’T WAIT.
Duo (Duets) (combo) vs ensemble?
Oooh, totally depends on mood, venue, songs. I love the intimacy of singing with just one person, but I absolutely love performing with my full band.
Do you still have the Prophet 600?
No, I was just babysitting it, I miss it!!
Are you still writing for strings?
I haven’t written any more for strings since finishing writing the album, but it’s something I really want to do more of.
Any other types of keyboards?
My favorite synth is the Korg Monopoly. If anyone wants to buy me one for Christmas that would be great 😉
What is your feeling about Sampling music?
If done well it can be great.
How can a creator of music keep their rights if someone samples their music?
It depends on the sample, best to check the official advice out there!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I try not to think that far ahead, but I like to think I’ll still be writing and performing, and collaborating with lovely peeps.
Anything in closing?
Just thanks to everyone who has listened to my music and to all future listeners. I’ve loved making this album and I can’t wait to share the whole thing.
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