VVXNAE IS FRESH ON THE SCENE
Niagara Falls artist Vvxnae is finding her way. Since entering Buffalo’s music scene in 2021, on the heels of her debut mixtape Manic Summer, the genre-bending rapper has been dropping a slew of singles and collaborating with rising artists within the city. Aiming to make music that’s “catchy with a purpose,” the emerging talent is carving out her sound amongst Western New York’s growing music community and we sat down with her, for her first interview.
“It’s always those doubts of “Is this good?” Or “Am I doing enough? But I’m still here trying, just doing it.”
Experimenting with music throughout high school, Vvxnae didn’t start taking it seriously until 2020. Moving back to Niagara Falls after a stint at Washburn University, the unique artist began networking with the hip-hop scene in the Falls and in Buffalo. Meeting artists at recording studios like Bridge and GCR, eventually led to her creating her own mobile recording studio - Which laid the foundation for her first mixtape.
“During that time I was traveling a lot...I was able to capture every vibe I was in, in different locations.”
The 12-track project was recorded in a vulnerable stage for the artist. Losing loved ones, moving away from family, and readjusting to living in Niagara Falls, Manic Summer lets Vvxnae paint out her emotional turmoil. With a dark ensemble of eerie strings, the artist croons “I’m Falling” throughout the intro track. With a narrative-driven approach, the rapper touches on her mental state, people doubting her abilities, depression, and her goals for the future throughout the effort.
“I called [the project] Manic Summer because I was feeling during that time I was going through a manic episode…I was traveling a lot because I was searching for something. Something in my soul I was searching for. I just kept moving around, kept making music, trying to capture what I was feeling. ”
Using her music as a space for healing and experimentation was not only Vvxnae’s approach for her first album, but a significant way for her to connect with people. Prior to creating her own music, she frequently listened to her grandmother’s eccentric taste in music - From the R&B juggarnauts of the 60’s and 70’s like Smokie Robinson and Diana Ross, to the revolutionary artists on the brink of the new millennium like Tupac Shakur and Fela Kuti, these diverse musical influences can be seen in Vvxnae’s sound. From the melodic mellowness of “44,” to the bravado and intensity of “No Friends,” it’s clear the rising artist isn’t afraid to stretch the boundaries outside of her rapping capabilities.
She also cites Xxxtentacion as a major influence in her journey as an artist. The short-lived rapper’s, dark, vulnerable raps and aesthetic was one she identified with and pays homage to with her artist name - Vvxnae which means “forever alone, but together we stand,” - a message that you can sense in her music and in the way she makes music.
“I feel like my music is more of talking…we’re having a conversation. We’re gonna talk. You’re gonna get to know me. I’m gonna get to share stories of the people around me and myself, while still trying to incorporate that new age flow to grasp your attention.”
Vvxnae’s sound, which she defines as an amalgamation of hip-hop, hyper pop, and rock is still in process- but is making headway. Since ushering into the local limelight with Manic Summer, the rapper has been collaborating with notable artists across Buffalo and Niagara Falls like Quisi La Flare, Louie V-Tay, and rap collective Stupvd - just to name a few. She also is looking forward to working with up-and-comers like rappers Captivated C, Moody, and Tommyx7 among many others. With the current goal to build up her catalog and continue making her own unique sound, Vvxnae is one to watch.
Check out this artist's most recent single “Vent” here. featuring iamsynthetic & Quisi La Flare.
