Photos and interview by NOTES FROM VIVACE
LOS ANGELES – Arizona-based singer Victoria Bigelow came through Zebulon in support of her recently released EP Songs For No One Vol. 2. She is hoping to release a deluxe album that combines Vol. 2 and Songs for No One Vol. 1.
She said of the future deluxe album, “It’s really light-hearted. It’s a really good time.” She said that with a gleam in her eye that generated a laugh from the audience as she had earlier mentioned that her songs were all about depression. And if people didn’t catch that comment on the topic of depression the first time around, she re-emphasized the point later in the set when she sang “Under The Tree,” which is inspired by Sylvia Plath. “Another point for depression!”
For Bigelow, the theme of depression is wrapped up in a tender vocal delivery that will seduce you and have you hopeful for a positive shift in life’s emotions. Though she did not perform “Forever Now And Then,” which was recently released with an official music video, the song ends with the lyrics, “I Love You. That’s All. It’s All There’s Ever Been. Forever Now And Then.”
Q. What is currently inspiring you when it comes to music?
A. At the moment I’ve been listening to mostly Aimee Mann and The Sundays. Save Me by Aimee Mann is a perfect song, imo, it’s been on repeat as of late.
Q. You’ve recently released a video for the song “Forever Now and Then.” What would you like for people to understand about the song?
A. I wrote it about what it means to fully love another person. To not to be so entirely self-absorbed and allow yourself to love someone, however they are. Fun Fact: It’s inspired by Forever Now and Then by Clem Snide. I heard that song when I was like 15 and that phrase always stuck with me.
Q. I read that you started writing music at the age of 12. And moved to Nashville at 15. What advice would older Victoria Bigelow give to the younger version?
A. To not let life circumstances keep you from doing the things you enjoy. I have a tendency to be ruled by my subconscious more than I’d like to admit. My mind can be a playground for dark thoughts to run wild, and I let myself be too affected by external things growing up. It kept me from writing and doing things I loved. So if I could tell her anything it would be to just focus on and take care of herself.
Q. You currently reside in Arizona. If a music fan from Los Angeles were to visit Arizona, what venue(s) would you suggest that person check out to catch a sense of the local music scene in your area? What about those venue(s) are special to you?
A. Rebel Lounge. It was just voted as one of the best small venues in the country by Billboard. The sound is amazing and the people there are so kind and attentive. They really care about music and you can tell. I’ve never ever seen a bad show there. It also has cool lore. It opened in 79 and Nirvana played there. Pretty iconic.
Q. What’s a dream venue/festival you’d love to play at and what about it intrigues you? A. Probably Bonnaroo, for purely sentimental reasons. I used to attend when I was younger and had my first psychedelic experiences there (lol). It would feel very full circle and special to attend as an artist.
Mark your calendar as she’ll be coming through Los Angeles again on July 18th (7 p.m.) at Hotel Cafe.
Zebulon Setlist: Oblivion, Song For No One, Low, Sweet Thing, Fade Into You (Mazzy Star cover), Bluebird, Under The Tree, Going Blue, The Kids, I’d Like to Bring You
Victoria Bigelow – Forever Now And Then (Official Video) – YouTube