Following the release of her latest single ‘Running’, LOCK caught up with Nashville-based Ukrainian artist Vi Talli to discuss her latest single, as well as her upcoming album, inspirations and move to the US.
Hi Vi Talli and welcome to LOCK. For our readers, could you please let us know a little about yourself?
Sure. I was born in the Ukraine in 2000, singing for my country since the age of 12 and then ejected out of nowhere in Spring 2022 to Europe and now America. It has been up and down up and down ever since. I am often wondering what is going to actually happen next and when this roller coaster will find a home. It is a strange feeling not knowing given my life in the Ukraine was so structured.
“RUNNING” captures that pivotal moment when staying still is no longer an option. Can you walk us through what inspired this song and what it means to you personally?
The song was inspired by Joanna Alford, a songwriter in Ohio, but the moment I read it reflected so much of what I have been going through for years now. I have literally been on the run. I am still on the run.
You describe the song as reclaiming yourself. How does this concept reflect your own journey since leaving Ukraine?
Not only have I had to re-claim myself, I have had to re-invent myself. I have learned english, for example, in only the last 16 months.
How do “YOU DON’T KNOW ME” and “RUNNING” connect thematically within your forthcoming album NO TIME FOR PERFECTION?
NO TIME FOR PERFECTION, literally becomes a reality for me. At one point I was not even sure if the US government was going to allow me to stay longer to launch the album. I grew up striving for perfection, and have com eto realize in real life perfection is often a dream vs. authenticity of reality.
Were there particular instruments, arrangements, or production choices that helped capture the sense of motion and forward momentum in “RUNNING”?
I created many different arrangements before focusing on this one. It simply captured my belief in hope and that all will be ok in the end. Brett, the engineer, also added a number of live elements and hooks that really brought it together.
Relocating from Ukraine to France, and now the U.S., is a huge life change. How has this transatlantic journey influenced your music and perspective as an artist?
It has been very difficult. I often think I am too far behind to catch up to people my own age. This has caused me allot of self-doubt at times and luckily my friends and family kept backing me up. I never expected to be 25 in America starting over like when I was 12 in the Ukraine.
Looking back at the challenges you’ve faced, what do you hope listeners take away from “RUNNING”?
That everyone’s storie begins with the firs step – whether it’s a walk or a run. And don’t be afraid to just go for it.
NO TIME FOR PERFECTION promises to explore multiple facets of your world. What can fans expect from the rest of the album?
That’s quite interesting. I have worked with two producers on the album and the mix of music and the journey it connects is really special and I hope everyone finds a bit for themselves along the way. The music definitely follows a story structure like path that naturally fell into place. I could not have done it without Joanna, Dell and Brett.
Are there any live performances or special projects planned to bring this music to audiences in the U.S. and beyond?
I wish. I remain quite unknown in the West so I feel that is not going to happen overnight until my music is more widely heard. I would love to be a small part on someone’s bigger tour. I’d love to play in emerging showcases wherever they may want me…