This Is Her House: Catching Up with House Music’s VNSSA
If you're into the dance music scene these days, chances are you've heard the name VNSSA dropping. This LA-based artist has been lighting up dancefloors and topping charts at a breakneck pace since hitting the scene a few years back.
It's easy to see why she caught fire so quickly - her 2018 debut single “Creatures” was an instant hit that grabbed people's attention. But she didn't stop there. Track after track followed that continued bending ears and getting bodies moving with her unique spin on tech house. Collaborating with big names like Walker & Royce on their weapon of a track “Word”, getting tracked and played on the likes of Dirtybird and Higher Ground - she was clearly on a mission to dominate.
When she's not in the lab crafting hits, VNSSA brings her talents to the stage to show off her stardom. Her DJ sets seamlessly blend genres to keep the party vibes flowing without missing a beat. Whether she's rocking a more intimate club like Sound LA or major fests like Imagine or Desert Hearts, she always connects with the crowd and leaves them wanting more.
Beyond the decks, she's also playing a role in amplifying other women in the scene. In a genre still finding its footing on diversity, she leads by example that house is for all. As she keeps churning out tracks that get our feet moving, it's clear VNSSA is just getting started in cementing her status among electronic music's elite. Dive into our chat with Miss VNSSA.
Can you describe a standout moment from your recent tour that left a lasting impact on you?
There were a few standout moments. For me, one of the biggest ones was at my San Diego show with Justin Martin. I met a woman who was having the best time, dancing in the front row non-stop, with the biggest smile on her face, and she was 70! I got to talk to her a little bit after my set, and it reminded me how connected we all are over music and how magical that connection can be.
How do you balance staying true to your style while also adapting to different venues and crowds?
I think it’s really important as an artist to never compromise my authenticity. I don’t always want to play my own music, but if the turntables were turned, I would be so bummed if I went to see a DJ and they didn’t play my favorite song of theirs.
So the challenge is to find a way to give the crowd what they want while still being true to myself. For instance, if there’s a track people love to hear that I’m sick of playing, I’ll make an edit or a mashup. That way, the crowd gets to hear what they want, and I get to play something new. It’s a win-win.
What can fans expect from your upcoming projects or performances?
They can expect the unexpected! If you don’t know me yet, I’m a genre jumper, so for upcoming releases and sets, expect techno, house, indie dance, breaks, and everything in between. As far as performances go, you can expect some fun b2b’s, renegades, festivals (lots), I’ll be incorporating some live elements into my sets, and a lot more that I can’t share just yet.
What's a piece of advice you've received in your career that you find invaluable?
To take time off when you need it. I wish I had started following this advice sooner, but taking time off and taking care of your mental health is so important. I’m a huge advocate for taking time off to recharge. I want to give my crowds the best performance possible because they deserve it, and you can’t pour from an empty cup.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Madonna. Her music transcends genres. She’s been breaking the glass ceiling since day one. She’s always true to herself and stands for what she believes in. She’s an advocate for women and LGBTQ+. I watch a lot of old interviews, and the Madonna ones are always my favorite. There’s this one interview from the '90s where Madonna says that her job in music is to make the next girl's job easier.
And that girl’s job is to make the next girl’s job easier. And so forth. That’s something that always stuck with me and something I strive for. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Madonna. I don’t think a lot of us girls would be.
