Canadian singer-songwriter Vicki Brittle released her single, “20 Somethin’,” on January 20 via Coalition Music, and is now available on all streaming platforms.
“20 Somethin'” intensely explores the trials and tribulations of becoming who you are and demonstrates how Vicki’s art is fuelled by vulnerability and honest connections with others. The music video for “20 Somethin’” was also released.
Directed by Paige Foskett, the new video follows Vicki at a party with seemingly cool friends, feeling uncomfortable as she tries her best to fit in and have fun. Surrounded by people she can’t quite connect with, she slowly wanders around until she takes refuge in the bathroom, and we watch as party-goers experience the different highs and lows of a house party in their 20s.
Watch the video for “20 Somethin'” below and learn more about Vicki Brittle via our mini-interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi! My name is Vicki Brittle. I’m a singer-songwriter born and raised in a small town in the Ottawa Valley where the two rivers meet. I grabbed music by the hand the moment I could at a very young age, and I have never had a backup plan. I aim to create an open, honest, comforting space for expression through my music within the studio recordings and live shows. My writing style is personal experience, and journaling morphed into melody and lyrics. At the roots of my music lies Folk, Singer-songwriter, Americana, and Rock.
You have unveiled your single, “20 Somethin,” via Coalition Music. What can you tell us about the background and writing process of the song?
“20 Somethin’” is a story of my 20’s so far. It was written after a panic attack and needing a space to simply express the rollercoaster of emotions I have experienced during my 20s. I needed a space to admit to myself that I have no clue what I’m doing, but I don’t think any of us do. A space and melody to embody sadness, anger, happiness, movement, stillness, highs and lows, and all of the other emotions and experiences I flow through in the song. Like most of my songs, 20 Somethin’ began with pen to paper and a journal entry at my kitchen table, but unlike some, very quickly became lyrics and a melody as all the puzzle pieces just fit together. The process of writing this song was healing, but has proven to be more healing the longer I live with the song myself.
You’ve also shared a video to accompany the release, which was directed by Paige Foskett. What was the highlight of the video shoot, and how was the experience of working with Paige?
Working with Paige Foskett was a dream. Paige is a vessel of creativity that is rare. The comfort, joy, professionalism, and her ability to bring vision to life is an experience I won’t forget. I am a big fan of Paige’s work as not only a director but an amazing choreographer, and her creativity in multiple outlets flows through her work seamlessly, and it is really inspiring. There is a sense of automatic friendship when working with Paige and her team, as they work with as much love and enjoyment and their talent and professionalism, and it’s such a comforting feeling on set. The highlight of the video for me was arriving. There’s an unexplainable gratefulness I experience on music video sets when I arrive and see all the work that has already been done. The shuffling feet making every last thing perfect before everyone’s arrival time, every balloon placement, can crushed, streamers on the wall, and days and weeks before that. Paige scouts a house, finds the perfect actors, every detail gone over. It is the time it takes and that moment when my eyes see it all come together – that is something special.
What’s your favourite thing about the music scene in Arnprior?
Where I was born and raised in Arnprior, my favourite thing about the music scene is the sense of community and home. This undeniable connection is that we’re all from the same place, and at the end of the day, there are all kinds of kinds just enjoying some music. My favourite things about Ottawa’s music scene is the history in the air of certain venues like Zaphod’s (Now, 27 Club), NAC, Bronson Centre, The Rainbow, and so many more. There are certain venues that have a spark to playing them. For me, it’s never pre-determined or known when it will happen, but some of my personal fire feeding moments for my music have taken place in many Ottawa and Arnprior venues.
What’s up next for you in 2023?
The newest single, “20 Somethin’,” the release of the “20 Somethin'” music video, hopefully, another release, live shows with lots of connection and community, and lots of writing on my end!
Connect with Vicki Brittle:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok