The Sound of Collaboration: Nala and VNSSA's Girl Math

This Is Her House: Catching Up with House Music’s VNSSA

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VNSSA on Remixing Claude VonStroke and Dirtybird Campout

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 name stands out. Originating from Newport Beach and now based in Los Angeles, her journey into music was not born out of a fleeting decision but from a deep-rooted passion that saw her transition from drumming in local rock and indie bands to mastering the decks, marking her evolution into a formidable DJ and producer.

VNSSA's official foray into the dance music world was marked by her debut single in 2018, a launch that set the tone for a career characterized by relentless creativity and an unyielding drive to explore the depths of  music. Her collaboration with 

 on the track "Word," which soared to the top of Beatport charts, served as a pivotal moment, catapulting her into the spotlight and solidifying her status within the industry. 

WORD

This achievement was not a solitary peak but the beginning of a series of successful releases on prestigious labels such as Dirtybird Records, Higher Ground, and Techne, showcasing her ability to innovate and captivate within the electronic music genre.

Beyond her studio successes, VNSSA is renowned for her dynamic live performances, which have graced some of the world's most esteemed venues and festivals. From the vibrant stages of 

 to the intimate settings of underground clubs, her sets are a representation of her versatility as an artist, effortlessly weaving between genres and creating an immersive experience for her audience. Her presence at these events is not just about the music; it's a celebration of the communal spirit that defines the dance music scene, a space where VNSSA thrives and connects deeply with her fans.

VNSSA's contributions to the house music landscape extend beyond her own performances and releases. Her involvement in collaborative projects and support for emerging artists highlights her commitment to nurturing the community that has been instrumental in her rise. Through her music, VNSSA not only shares her personal journey but also champions the collective experience, fostering a sense of unity and innovation.

Giving You

 and VNSSA, two dynamic artists from Miami and Newport Beach, have joined forces to form the exhilarating house music duo, 

. Together, they have created a fresh and irresistible sound that has already started to make waves across the electronic music scene. Their mini Girl Math tour has been a major success, with standout performances at top festivals that showcase their electric synergy.

The duo’s memorable debut at Coachella left an indelible mark, as they captivated the audience with their high-energy set. Their on-stage chemistry and ability to engage the crowd have made them a must-see act, drawing in fans from all over. Following their Coachella debut, Girl Math has continued to build momentum with performances at prestigious festivals like Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Elements Festival, where audiences eagerly anticipate their next-level shows.

Euphoria EP

As VNSSA continues to think outside the box of her sound and explore new territories in dance music, her career remains a beacon for aspiring artists and a source of inspiration for fans worldwide. With each performance and release, VNSSA reaffirms her place in the electronic music pantheon, not just as a performer but as a visionary artist shaping the future of the genre.

United States

bass house

tech house

VNSSA

Speaker Honey

CЯSPY

Ecuador

Mr.Diamond

Superior Ingredients Roof

VNSSA w. Speaker Honey & Guests

Nala

nyc club

QRTR

Branqueeno

MISS PIPS

Debut

Gray Area's new venture, "Debut," aims to bridge the international house music community by bringing established and emerging artists to cities they've never performed in. This initiative seeks to expand artists' fan bases and provide fans with fresh, exhilarating musical experiences. Having played a role in introducing major artists and brands like elrow and Awakenings to new audiences in the past, Gray Area believes in the magic of first-time experiences. By promoting artists in new venues and cities, they hope to cultivate a thriving, unified house music ecosystem. Debut is not merely a marketing strategy but embodies Gray Area's commitment to fostering collaboration, unity, and musical discovery.

The Brooklyn Monarch

Debut: Girl Math (VNSSA b2b Nala) First New York Headline Performance w. QRTR & Guests

South Africa

afro soul

deep house

kwaito

south african house

south african pop

Zakes Bantwini

Phoenix Jagger

Germany

JAMIIE

Isaac-David

United Kingdom

bassline

old school bassline

uk dance

Holy Goof

Kayper

house

Eli Brown

Tania Vulcano

ethnotronica

organic house

Sam Shure

Angie Ocampo

For VNSSA, loving house music is easy. "These are my people," she explains. "This is my music." 

In her home, a disco ball and plant hang behind her head, and shelves of vinyl surround her. The Los Angeles-based producer is kicking back on her off days before her gig at San Diego's Audiotistic Festival. 

When Will I See You

Her latest outing, "When Will I See You," is on the 

 EP with Lenny Kiser and Neon Super Block. In November, it came out on Rules Don't Apply records, which is Walker & Royce's new record label. 

She first joined forces with Walker & Royce

" and "Rave Grave," which helped launch her towards major festival lineups in 2019.

Rave Grave

Growing up in Newport Beach, California, Vanessa Barnes' journey as a musician began when she took up drumming and started a band with a friend. 

"In the beginning. I just wanted to get it down and just be a good drummer," VNSSA remembers. She felt drawn to live music, picking up the clarinet and cello, but set them aside when she found her true calling as a DJ. On Fridays, it was house night at a small Costa Mesa rock venue, and that's where she fell in love with electronic music spun by the local DJs. 

," with Fantom Freq in 2018. Shortly after, she quickly went from attending to headlining Dirtybird events. She learned about house music from heavyweights like Claude Von Stroke, Justin Jay, and Justin Martin. With her five little letters next to some huge names on recent lineups, VNSSA bounces around genres without relying on anyone's star power but her own. 

VNSSA trusts her instincts when it comes to expressing style. "I just noticed what sounds I like and I use them all the time," she explains. "It's kind of subconscious. I don't know that I'm making a VNSSA track until it's done, and everyone's like, 

" Rocking oversized frames, braids, and an all-black ensemble, she looks club-ready while simply eating her cold oatmeal and returning from an afternoon walk. VNSSA's chill demeanor backs up her approach to unique house beats. 

"If it sounds good, it sounds good," she says, reflecting on her production techniques. She's not out to please producer snobs with expensive sounds, templates, or following trends. The only tools she swears by are the 

, which she uses on every track. But she's equally a fan of using free synths and plug-ins. 

"The one thing about Ableton and these programs that I love the most is that to accomplish one thing, there's 20 different ways to do it. There's no right way or wrong way. It's just your way." 

She makes up her own rules. "I like doing everything from scratch because I feel like that's my warm up. It's like setting your canvas." VNSSA describes her sound as "Classic melodic break tech house." 

Obviously not bound by any one label, she's focused on the process. "I like to have a lot of arps and different melodies in my music," she explains. "I like to have pretty elements in it. Classic snares, super reverbed 80s drums." Her tracks have dabbled in acid and breakbeat, too. Simply know that everything VNSSA delivers will make you sweat. 

While emitting cool confidence, she is acutely aware of the challenges she and other women face in the music industry. "When people think about women doing things in male-dominated industries, the first thing that people will think is like, 'oh look, she's wearing a low cut top, no wonder she's where she is now,' or 'She probably slept with that guy to get there,' you know?"

"Unfortunately, that's the world we live in," VNNSA says. "They're gonna comment on you regardless, because you're a woman."

VNSSA's Guest Room Mix for Diplo's Revolution. Original air date 4/16/2021

Track list: 
Whitesquare - Algernon (Original Mix)
Nina Kraviz, Parris Mitchell - Feel My Butterfly (Jamie Jones Tribute To Aaron Carl Remix)
Waltervelt - Blue Blood
Logic1000 - I Won't Forget (Original Mix) 
LP Giobbi - Believer ft. Hermixalot (Extended Mix)
HoneyLuv 'F R E E' (Extended Mix) 
VNSSA, Lenny Kiser - When Will I See You ft. Neon Super Black
ODD MOB & OMNOM - Waddufuk
Mindchatter - Language (W&R Remix)
VNSSA, Lenny Kiser - Sinking
Musumeci & Phunkadelica - Keep It Stronger (Original Mix)
Glass Animals - It's All So Incredibly Loud (VNSSA Heartbreak Remix)
Anthony Rother - Back Home (Original Mix)

VNSSA's Guest Room Mix for Diplo's Revolution by VNSSA

In 2020 VNSSA adapted to the extra challenges of working in the industry during a pandemic by turning to streaming. She was part of the 

 collective and appeared on Twitch channels, including 

Become a Gray Area member for access to exclusive perks!

When Gray Area catches up with VNSSA, it's on a laidback day ahead of a weekend where she attends a friend's wedding. There, 

 ends up spinning VNSSA's edit of Toto's "Africa." 

She's got a new car, a RAV4, which she nicknamed the "Rave 4." 

VNSSA live @ Beyond Wonderland August 2021 by VNSSA


Last month she also played Chris Lake's Black Book Block Party in San Francisco. She will continue to serve up spicy tech house singles, having recently finished an upcoming remix for NYC-based DJ 

"I'm having a lot of fun just making music and touring right now," she says. Without a second thought, VNSSA lives in the moment and feels satisfied with where she's at. She's happy with the hardware she's got. She has massive dreams for the future but wants for very little. At this exciting point of her life, the only advice she'd give her past self is to stay on track. She tells herself, "Keep going. You got this." 

For VNSSA, loving house music is easy. "These are my people," she explains. "This is my music." 





In her home, a disco ball and plant hang behind her head, and shelves of vinyl surround her. The Los Angeles-based producer is kicking back on her off days before her gig at San Diego's Audiotistic Festival. 

Her latest outing, "When Will I See You," is on the Splits 001 EP with Lenny Kiser and Neon Super Block. In November, it came out on Rules Don't Apply records, which is Walker & Royce's new record label. She first joined forces with Walker & Royce on "Word" and "Rave Grave," which helped launch her towards major festival lineups in 2019.

Growing up in Newport Beach, California, Vanessa Barnes' journey as a musician began when she took up drumming and started a band with a friend. 

"In the beginning. I just wanted to get it down and just be a good drummer," VNSSA remembers. She felt drawn to live music, picking up the clarinet and cello, but set them aside when she found her true calling as a DJ. On Fridays, it was house night at a small Costa Mesa rock venue, and that's where she fell in love with electronic music spun by the local DJs. 

She dropped her first original track, "Do You Wanna Play," with Fantom Freq in 2018. Shortly after, she quickly went from attending to headlining Dirtybird events. She learned about house music from heavyweights like Claude Von Stroke, Justin Jay, and Justin Martin. With her five little letters next to some huge names on recent lineups, VNSSA bounces around genres without relying on anyone's star power but her own. 

VNSSA trusts her instincts when it comes to expressing style. "I just noticed what sounds I like and I use them all the time," she explains. "It's kind of subconscious. I don't know that I'm making a VNSSA track until it's done, and everyone's like, Oh, yeah, this sounds like you!" Rocking oversized frames, braids, and an all-black ensemble, she looks club-ready while simply eating her cold oatmeal and returning from an afternoon walk. VNSSA's chill demeanor backs up her approach to unique house beats. 

"If it sounds good, it sounds good," she says, reflecting on her production techniques. She's not out to please producer snobs with expensive sounds, templates, or following trends. The only tools she swears by are the SoundToys effects bundle, which she uses on every track. But she's equally a fan of using free synths and plug-ins. 

"The one thing about Ableton and these programs that I love the most is that to accomplish one thing, there's 20 different ways to do it. There's no right way or wrong way. It's just your way." 

She makes up her own rules. "I like doing everything from scratch because I feel like that's my warm up. It's like setting your canvas." VNSSA describes her sound as "Classic melodic break tech house." 

Obviously not bound by any one label, she's focused on the process. "I like to have a lot of arps and different melodies in my music," she explains. "I like to have pretty elements in it. Classic snares, super reverbed 80s drums." Her tracks have dabbled in acid and breakbeat, too. Simply know that everything VNSSA delivers will make you sweat. 



While emitting cool confidence, she is acutely aware of the challenges she and other women face in the music industry. "When people think about women doing things in male-dominated industries, the first thing that people will think is like, 'oh look, she's wearing a low cut top, no wonder she's where she is now,' or 'She probably slept with that guy to get there,' you know?"

"Unfortunately, that's the world we live in," VNNSA says. "They're gonna comment on you regardless, because you're a woman."

In 2020 VNSSA adapted to the extra challenges of working in the industry during a pandemic by turning to streaming. She was part of the GOOD TV collective and appeared on Twitch channels, including Insomniac Records and Desert Hearts. 

Become a Gray Area member for access to exclusive perks!

When Gray Area catches up with VNSSA, it's on a laidback day ahead of a weekend where she attends a friend's wedding. There, the DJ ends up spinning VNSSA's edit of Toto's "Africa." 

She's got a new car, a RAV4, which she nicknamed the "Rave 4." 


Last month she also played Chris Lake's Black Book Block Party in San Francisco. She will continue to serve up spicy tech house singles, having recently finished an upcoming remix for NYC-based DJ QRTR. 

"I'm having a lot of fun just making music and touring right now," she says. Without a second thought, VNSSA lives in the moment and feels satisfied with where she's at. She's happy with the hardware she's got. She has massive dreams for the future but wants for very little. At this exciting point of her life, the only advice she'd give her past self is to stay on track. She tells herself, "Keep going. You got this." 

Interview By: RYDEN

VNSSA

Past events

Other artists