Following the release of Venus Dragon's new single You, we caught up with the artist to gain some insight into the influences that make up this unique sound. If you like Venus' choices, be sure to check it out at the bottom of the page.
1. Lana Del Rey- Ride
The first artist that got me into songwriting was Lana del Rey and of her collection, the song ‘Ride’ in particular touched me with its themes of loneliness, mental conflict and the search for freedom through travelling the unknown. Guess I just saw some of her in myself.
2. Swedish House Mafia- Don’t You Worry Child
At one point in my life when a series of events caused massive endings in my life, I was essentially stranded on my own left to deal with extreme grief and disorientation. One thing that helped was a CD handed to me by a stranger with the first song being ‘Don’t you worry child’ by Swedish House Mafia. That was a hit song that summer and I just remember dancing my cares away to it. I felt comforted by the sweetness of the lyrics and resonated with the artist’s nostalgia for innocence.
3. Melanie Martinez- Mad Hatter
I have almost always felt like an outsider, hence my own personal world has been creatively rich with fantasy imagery and other-wordly thoughts. For this reason the song ‘Mad Hatter’ by Melanie Martinez struck a chord as it combines elements of magic, genius and insanity in a euphoric child’s play manner.
4. Meredith Brooks- Bitch
As a little girl, I grew up with a set of extreme modesty expectations due to my gender. I thought there was only one ‘correct’ way to be in life. When I heard the song ‘Bitch’ by Meredith Brooks, it opened up my eyes and my heart to how cool it was to celebrate the multi-dimensionality of the self especially in a cheeky and humorous manner. Meredith inspired me to embrace all parts of me.
5. The Beatles- Let It Be
The first song I ever remember singing was when I was performing in a choir at age 5. ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles felt so peaceful with its soothing message of hope and presence. As an adult now, it’s heart-warming to see a male only band show love for a feminine deity.