JUMPINSOUNDS: EXCLUSIVE @JUMPINSOUNDS Interview : VV BROWN talks SAMSON & DELILAH and more

It's been 4 years since VV BROWN launched onto the scene with her 2009 debut album 'Travelling Like the Light'

Since then her career has taken many twists and turns, juggling her music career with her career in fashion, both with her clothing range and with her modelling work for the likes of M&S.

Now in 2013 she returns to music with her album 'Samson & Delilah' and what is a complete transformation from the lighter, pop sound of her first record.

With produced by Dave Okumu (best known as part of the collective THE INVISIBLES and for his work with JESSIE WARE) and Pierre-Marie Maulini (formerly of M83), 'Samson & Delilah' is a much darker affair, filled with electronic elements and almost tribal sounds.

The (almost) title track 'Samson' has already gained critical acclaim as well as plays on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 1Xtra and second single 'The Apple' looks to be heading in the same direction.

(Watch the brand new 2nd video for the song, produced in association with Paco Robanne and Directed by Daniel Price)

The release is also accompanied by a short film of the same name (which we were lucky enough to catch at an exclusive showing on the big screen at London's ICA).
The 25 minute piece is a collaboration with Met Film School graduate Jessica Hughes.

A modern Japanese inspired re-telling of the biblical epic set to a soundtrack of music from VV's album the film is currently being shown at festivals across the country.
It is also available as a bonus with the itunes deluxe version (available here, which contains the new 'alternative' version of her massive hit 'Shark In The Water').

We got a chance to ask VV a few question about her new album and what's going on in her world.....

So ‘Samson & Delilah’ comes 4 years after ‘‎Travelling Like The Light’ and to many it will seem like a complete change of image and direction, but was this a gradual progression for you or is this how you always intended your style to be?

VV: It was a gradual change. I'm still very proud of the first album but in life you grow and learn new things. This album reflects that.

How do you feel as if you have changed from the person you were all that time ago?

VV: I do feel different. I feel more at peace and a lot more mature. I think I've learnt to accept and appreciate the journey.

Musically the whole production has very much a contemporary electronic sound and you were lucky enough to work with some particularly cool people on it. How did you connect with the likes of DAVE OKUMU and the other producers featured?

VV: Dave is good mates with a lovely guy at my management office and he brought us together. Dave came to my house and we wrote nothing really matters. The rest was history and now he is a wonderful friend.

The album has some obvious biblical references, from the title/title track and with others like ‘The Apple’. How did these old testament stories, and ultimately your faith, come to be such a major factor in the writing of the album?

VV: Overcoming my fears. It gave me strength and hope that I could make this record.

The video visuals and the long form film are stunning too. Tell us more about how you came up with the idea for the film and how you ended up working with JESSICA HUGHES.

VV: She is a film student and I thought it would be cool to support new talented. We put a request out and Jessica replied. She is very talented. We then co directed the short film for the album.

It is a particularly strong time for female vocalists at the moment with the phenomenal success worldwide of ADELE, EMELI SANDÉ etc, do you think this makes it easier or harder to get yourself heard?

VV: Probably harder in this country as its small and there is only room for a few but easier in the States and Europe as they seem more open.

You have a huge following in France where your previous work has done so well, so much so that you have recorded a version of ‘The Apple’ in French. How important is it to you to reach out and to be accepted overseas as well as in the UK?

VV: It's not important but it's do nice. France received me better than my home country and I am very grateful for that. I love France. To be embraced anywhere is a blessing,

Despite some interesting collaborations and ‘The Playground’ preview mixtape, you decided against releasing 'Lollipops & Politics' as your second album, what ultimately influenced that decision and will any of it ever see the light of day in the future?

VV: I wasn't that person anymore and had to stay true. It was a very scary process.

Your fashion range, VV VINTAGE has been a success, as has your modelling work. Do you find it hard to give enough attention to very different businesses at the same time or do you think it’s important or even helps to have a career that is not just focused in one specific medium?

VV: It is hard but we have a small team to support the business. We will be in Topshop from the 22nd so this week it feels hectic.

You also released the album on your own label, was this always something you wanted to do and will you be looking to sign other artists?

VV: I never thought I'd have my own label. It is empowering to have full control. I absolutely want to sign new talent.

Your recent live show have also been well received, is performing the songs in front of an audience an essential part of the whole experience for you?

VV: It takes the studio to the real world and you get to share your art with real people. Have performing arts present and utilize lots of different mediums and its all happening in real time.

Finally, now that ‘Samson & Delilah’ is finally out there, what are you expectations and what’s next for VV. BROWN??

VV: Touring and touring. The dream was always to make the album and travel and maybe have a few kids on the way. LOL