You won't find another Venice Qin
Venice Qin is original, bubbly, colourful and engaging, she is also about to be everywhere with the release of her new track ‘Somebody New’, a song written as a of confidence and individuality. ‘Somebody New’ is Venice’s first release since joining global music giant SONY, an epic achievement for any artist and one Venice will never forget. We caught up with Venice to ask her about the new song, being labelled a pop star and that career changing signing.
Firstly Venice, Congratulations on the release of your latest single "Somebody New" which is out today. Tell us about your new song, what does the song mean to you?
Thank you so much! To me, ‘Somebody New’ is a dance-party celebration of confidence and individuality. I wrote it during a time where my friends and I were being treated so carelessly by people in our lives. ‘Somebody New’ reminds us that we are all drop-dead gorgeous, fabulous, and irreplaceable. I’m incredibly proud of this track, and I hope that it makes you flick your hair, lower your sunglasses, look back at your ex and say, “you won’t find me in somebody new”!
Do you have a favourite line or part of the song that is particularly special to you?
I really do love the line “You won’t find me in somebody new”. It’s the essence of the song and really feels like a big “f#ck you” to the ex, doesn’t it?
This single is definitely radio ready, so are you excited to hear it everywhere?
I’m SO ready, but it’s still incredibly surreal to think it has that potential. I started writing this song by myself on the piano at my childhood home. It evolved to its current banger status with the help of with my writing team Benn Jae and Benjamin Malone - who also produced the track.
“I remember feeling as if the insane views and environment were inspiring me to dance, which was something that I had never experienced before.”
Who came up with the concept for the "Somebody New" video? Were there any memorable moments during the making of it?
My genius manager (and creative partner) Benn Jae came up with the concept for the video! When he first sent me the photos of Lake Tyrrell - the pink Salt Lake - I knew it was perfect for the song. Walking along the pink Salt Lake for the first time was so insane. I remember feeling as if the insane views and environment were inspiring me to dance, which was something that I had never experienced before.
There are truly so many cute and funny memories from the shoot that I’m so excited to share on my socials. From lying in the Salt Lake water (which burns P.S), to breaking my platform heels on the final take and our producer Jesus (actual name) wrestling with snakes. I will never forget the whole experience. IT WAS ONCE IN A LIFETIME!
Will the new single feature on a future album or will you be sticking to single releases for now?
Yes! ‘Somebody New’ will feature on my upcoming EP which you will have to keep an eye out for…. But that’s all I can tell you right now. ;)
“He saw my character and essence as an artist, and he captured it in this song in the most magical way”
Do you play a part in the production side of your music, or do you leave it in the hands of the professionals?
On this track, my process has mainly been me producing a rough demo and then sending it to my producer. I am so lucky to have worked with incredible producer Benjamin Malone on the production for ‘Somebody New’. Right from the start he saw my character and essence as an artist, and he captured it in this song in the most magical way. I was very much involved in the process with Ben but I trust his incredible knowledge and ear. HE’S EPIC!
Your Bio sticks you sweetly in the Pop genre box, is that where you place yourself? How you describe your sound?
I’d definitely say I’m a pop artist, particularly as the pop sound is continuously growing, experimenting and mixing with other genres. That’s something I’m definitely going to take advantage of as I grow throughout my career. At the moment I would describe my sound as empowering, daring and slick.
“I’ll always be obsessed with great intimacy and expansion that is found in classical music.”
Your music has a richness and depth not usually associated with pop music; do you attribute this to your classical training?
My classical training has definitely impacted the music that I create today, particularly regarding my musical vision. I’ll always be obsessed with great intimacy and expansion that is found in classical music. I will always be trying to incorporate that into my current sound.
You have recently been signed to global music giant SONY, what were the feelings when you got the news, they wanted you to join their massive artist roster?
Oh my goodness, I will never forget when my manager called to tell me the news. I was in a Flo and Frankie store in New Zealand, and I teared up and started shaking. I felt so grateful, seen and honoured. It’s an incredible feeling to know that so much hard work had paid off, and that there are people who believe in my vision and the messages that I want to spread as an artist. I’d been dreaming of that moment since I was seven years old. I just didn’t know that it would happen when I was in a Flo and Frankie store. LOL!
“I’m honestly so grateful for everyone in the team, they’ve been so supportive and kind to me from day one.”
"Somebody New" is your first single to be released under this new collaboration with SONY, how different is the experience of releasing music with the assistance of a major label?
I’d say that the biggest difference is that I know I’m not alone, and that there is a community of EPIC people around me who believe in my music! I’m honestly so grateful for everyone in the team, they’ve been so supportive and kind to me from day one.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE in my crew and team deserves a shout out! I’m ever so lucky to be able to work with some of the most hard-working, kind, passionate and creative people, and I truly don’t take a single one of them for granted. But I do want to give a few shout-outs to a few people in particular:
My manager Benn Jae, who always has my back and inspires me like no other. My producer Benjamin Malone, who always takes the time to hear what I’ve got to say. My music teachers and coaches, who constantly push me but also understand when a lesson needs to be a “Venice venting” session instead. THE SONY TEAM (Van, Grant,Otara, Stas, Ruth and Jordy) LOVE YOU GUYS! Finally, my family for their unconditional love, which truly keeps my world turning.
What's next for you Venice Qin? What can fans look forward to?
New bangers to scream in the car, and hot new LEWKS to emulate! I’m BEYOND excited, and I hope everyone else is too.
’Someone New’ is out now via Sony Australia and is available on all good platforms.
Interview by Michelle Symes
July 2023