Today we’d like to introduce you to Vaja.
Hi Vaja, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born to do music since I was in diapers. My parents had a plethora of vinyl records which I would go through every day listening to bands such as Led Zeppelin, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Metallica, Pink Floyd & Blondie to name a few.
My mother loved taking me to concerts since I was a little girl and she always got us backstage so we could meet my favorite bands & artists.
But when she took me to see Depeche Mode & Metallica perform, these 2 bands deeply resonated with me the most. Mesmerized by this experience ignited my passion for Electronic Dance Music & Rock Music.
I started playing electric guitar all because of Metallica at the age of 12 after seeing them live at the Hoosier Dome in Carmel, Indiana opening for Guns N’ Roses. After seeing Metallica, I told my mother I wanted to play guitar so she bought me my 1st Fender II Stratocaster & a Crate GX-40C Guitar Combo Amp. I then locked myself in my room and started to listen to my favorite bands on repeat learning to play guitar by ear.
My mother later became my manager halfway through college and we moved to Miami, Florida where I started performing at night clubs, private events & music festivals such as Ultra Music Festival. As a Recording Artist, I started receiving music sponsors such as PRS Guitars, Taylor Guitars & Ultimate Ears to name a few. Someone saw me perform in Miami and became my sponsor, who moved us to Hollywood, California so I could reach my highest potential as a Recording Artist.
In 2007, I put together an Alternative Rock band and released my critically acclaimed Debut EP, “Awakened By Silence” featuring drummer Adrian Young of No Doubt. I headlined the Viper Room, House of Blues & Safari Sams to promote my EP.
I was honored to shoot with legendary photographer Robert M. Knight to be featured on large posters in Guitar Centers across the United States, thanks to my mentor Dave Weiderman (Artist Relations: Guitar Center). Joel Selvin, Sr. Pop Music Critic, San Francisco Chronicle quoted me as “A bronze goddess with a big guitar & a voice that cuts like a knife.”
Several years later, Director Paul W.S. Anderson offered me to be the Voice of the Umbrella Corporation in the 3D sci-fi action feature film “Resident Evil: Retribution” (2012) starring Milla Jovovich.
I was honored to sing the National Anthem twice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the NBA’s LA Lakers (2014 )& WNBA’s LA Sparks (2015) during the 4th of July.
In 2014, I released my debut single / music video “We Found Love” and next single “A Part Of Me” with music producer Specialist Sound on Suspended Motion Records (UK).
The following year, I released another EP with music producer Serenity called “One Nation” (2015): “One Nation” & “Fight For Me” via Record Label Dirty Duck Audio.
In 2017, I became the Host of the YouTube Channel & App Music Totally Obsessed (MusicTO).
In 2023, I’m about to launch the world premiere of my new single “People Are People” which is a cover by my favorite band Depeche Mode with Oscar Nominated and Award-Winning Composer Steve Horner.
In the end, my vision is to always create innovative music for the masses and inspire humanity to love one another. Stay tuned…
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As an Independent Recording Artist, this journey has never been a smooth road. I had to face many challenges as an Artist but I learned how to develop my skills and hone my craft after 15 years of never giving up on my dreams. I’m still learning new things every day and I eventually want to become a better music producer by engineering my own sounds.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I produce an array of Electronic Rock Music with a unique style of my own within my home recording studio in Los Angeles, California. I’m known for creating Electronic Dance Music & Alternative Rock from my past work. My new sound is a combination of the two genres.
I am most proud of everything I’ve released since my songs are different chapters of my life.
What sets me apart from others is that I create my own style of music which comes from my past love of bands that inspired me from my childhood. I also feel it’s vital for all Artists to be a good role model to our next generation.
How do you define success?
I define success by always being true to yourself and your music and never compare yourself to anyone in life. Success will come organically when Artists can resonate with their audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vajamusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vajamusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vajamusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vajamusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vajamusic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=vt4FX3lAuwuQeu0_fLcLeg
- SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/vajamusic
- Other: https://www.flowcode.com/page/vajamusic
Image Credits
Vaja Main Feature Photo (People Are People – 2023) © Artur Gubin – https://www.instagram.com/arturgubin Vaja & Kids (People Are People – 2023): © David Christopher Lee – https://www.instagram.com/davidcleephotography Vaja Rock Band: © Myriam Santos – https://www.instagram.com/masklab Vaja Recording Studio: © Rian Carmona – https://www.instagram.com/riancarmona
