VILIVANT draws from influences such as Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, and Three Days Grace on new single
Toronto hard rocker VILIVANT has unveiled her new single, “Running On Empty.” Produced by Sam Guiana (Juno Nominated band Silverstein), is jam-packed full of punk rock hooks that will make any rock lover headbang. The track deals with the feeling of emptiness and the struggle to find a spark amidst the world’s unravelling chaos.
Julia Gentile, the artist behind VILIVANT, comments on the single,
“During the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, I felt lost. Lost as a person, creatively, and even in the music industry. “Running on Empty” came about when I kept using that term to describe how I was feeling. For the first time in what felt like forever, I finally felt my creativity spark. Unlike my other songs, I didn’t hide what it was about with metaphors and cliches, I was straightforward.”
Listen to “Running on Empty” below, and learn more about VILIVANT via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey! My name is VILIVANT, and I am a Canadian hard rocker that got into music at the young age of 3 – starting with the piano. Over the years, I gradually picked up other instruments like the guitar and bass and started developing my voice at 12.
Soon after I started to get more serious about music, I was approached to record a song for the Pan Am Games and consequently decided to start writing my own. Drawing heavily from influences such as Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, and Three Days Grace, I created my first self-titled EP in 2018. My first two singles reached #89 and #98 on the top 100 Canadian rock radio charts and received more than 27k views on the music video, thus garnering a fanbase across the country and internationally.
Though LIVE shows were at a standstill during the pandemic, I continued to play at virtual festivals. During this time, I was selected as a Top 5 Regional Finalist for Jim Beam’s National Talent Search and won the Toronto Region with my LIVE off-the-floor performance video of my song “Stabilized.” I was also given the opportunity to open for Canadian award-winning rocker Lee Aaron at the sold-out El Mocambo and recently received the Juried Sound Recording grant from FACTOR Canada.
I am working hard on my full-length album with the help of Sam Guiana, Producer of Juno-nominated band Silverstein, and just released the first single off of the album, “Running on Empty.”
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
My song “Running on Empty” was written at the very beginning of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and frankly, at the time, I felt lost; lost as a person, creatively, and even in the music industry. I felt as if all the energy and passion I used to have was drained out of me, and given the circumstances at the time (unable to perform/record in a studio, etc.) I felt off.
“Running on Empty” came about when I kept using that term when I described to others how I was feeling, “I feel like I’m running on empty,” and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt the creative spark. Unlike my other songs, I didn’t hide what it was about with metaphors and cliches that would’ve left it up to one’s interpretation. I wanted it to be pretty straightforward and relatable to those going through the same feeling with lyrics like, “all I see is black and white, when did the colour leave my eyes,” and “I don’t know what I want anymore, am I already dead. So many things that I want to explore, but there is nothing in my head.” The melody came not soon after, delivering catchy punk rock riffs that will make any listener headbang.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
Usually, when it comes to writing, I like to pull inspiration from other people’s experiences in life… whether it be the struggle with addiction, bullying, or even a nasty breakup. Music also gives me a way to express myself, as I find it quite difficult to say what’s on my mind sometimes. My new song, “Running on Empty,” is about how I felt and still sometimes feel (I’m sure anyone could relate to this) during times of uncertainty.
Do you have any upcoming shows or festivals you’d like to tell us about?
I do have upcoming shows!
I will be headlining a Halloween show at the Baby G on October 28th with support from Fluffio, The Backsteps, and The Lookout Service. I will also be opening up for Goodnight Sunrise on November 4th at the Mills Hardware in Hamilton.
What’s your goal for 2023?
My goal for 2023 is to release my new album in March and go on a mini Canadian tour in support of the album. I would also love to see the album reach those who love rock, as well as become to go-to record when you’re feeling “Running on Empty” and need a little pick-me-up.