Vona B. I’m coming for everything I want with the gifts God has bestowed upon me
Interview conducted on May 03, 2020
by Dan Locke
Vona B., is a extraordinarily talented young lady from the Bay Area whose passion and natural talent for performing was evident at a very young age. Born in Oakland, CA, Vona B. is an R&B Artist, whose influences range from Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Ari Lennox and Kehlani. She has worked as a vocalist with Levi Seacer, musical director for Prince for 13 years, and a multi-platinum producer who was named one of the World’s One Thousand Greatest Guitar Players. Vona B. has collaborated with De’la of Trak Nation whose credits include Migos, Rayven Justice, and Pleasure P, and she is gearing up to work with Jimi Kendrix, multi-platinum producer for artists the likes of Jay-Z, Patti LaBelle, Ashanti, and Ja Rule to name a few
What is your upbringing?
I came from a very laid-back religious family. My father is a pastor and that’s actually where I got my start singing in the church youth choirs, being a part of summits and big church events/programs.
You look like you get your looks from your mom. She looks just like you. Does she get mistaken for your older sister?
Haha! She does look good, doesn’t she? I’m so blessed to have such a beautiful mama and yes sometimes when we’re out she truly does. She aged so gracefully.
How did you discover music?
I can’t really say I discovered music. I feel like music more so discovered me. Growing up in the church music was always surrounding me and never not a part of my life since before I could remember literally.
How did you start to write music?
Me and my older sister thought we were going to be the next Mary Mary lol it still makes me laugh. I started writing gospel songs first, then I switched genres and the rest was history.
You are a songwriter, dancer, entertainer and fashionista. Who would your compare yourself to?
I would compare myself to Beyonce. I’m working on being more than just a singer/songwriter/dancer entertainer. I want to be a business mogul. A lot of people don’t know but, I also act and model. You will be seeing more of that as well very soon.
How did you get your name?
It’s a funny story actually. Me and my close friend Taye actually we’re hanging out and I was expressing to him I want my name to derive from my actual birth name (DeVona Battle) and he said, “I GOT IT… Vona B. Everybody already calls you Vona and that B is lowkey mysterious” we cracked up but, it actually stuck.
Do you remember your first performance?
It was the Easter of ‘02 a young Vona B. Is giving her first Easter speech and I was supposed to sing a song I believe. I remember my mom standing next to me and I just completely blanked. I stood there the whole time and said not one word. Thinking back, it’s interesting to see how far I’ve come.
Did you gain many fans after you performed at the Pride 2018?
I gained a fair amount from Pride. There was a lot of chaos so, a lot of the fans I gained were other creatives that hit the stage as well! It was definitely a really fun experience though and I can’t wait til I can hit it again. Being bisexual myself it’s as truly an honor to be
Are you into photography also? What is your XR camera?
I wish to the depths of me that I had the eye for photography lol but, I don’t. I simply like to dabble. When I feel like I see something cool I try to capture it how I literally see it. Other than that, I just snap on my iPhone XR.
God is Dope?
So, as I mentioned before I’m a Pastor’s Kid and, on that Sunday, it was Christian T-shirt day at my dad’s church so, I wore a Christian Tee in support of him and the church however, I don’t claim any religion or denomination. I’ve had my own struggles with aligning myself with religion in general so, I consider myself to be more spiritual than religious.
What is behind the statement, “I’m the only lady here still the realest n*gga in the room?
That is a Beyonce lyric from the DJ Khaled song “Top Off”. I felt that because the music industry is majority men and I feel like I can pull my own weight in a room full of men. Even if I am the only lady there.
You have done some touring. How do you stay healthy while touring?
I stay really active and make sure that I’m going through my daily regimens for my voice. I learned the hard way when I was performing at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo CA for their Halloween Fright Fest and Holiday In The Park Christmas shows. We would perform every weekend, outside in the cold in these really flimsy outfits and I ended up really sick one year and had to perform through a painfully sore throat. I ended up having no voice all together at one point.
What was the Coast 2 Coast Live (The Largest Artist Show in the world)? I was thinking that SXSW was bigger.
SXSW is definitely bigger. Coast to Coast is an independent artist competition. I won the semifinal show that came to Sacramento back in 2017. Winning that sent me to Miami to compete at the finals for $25,000. I don’t end up winning the whole thing but, it was a great experience.
Tell me about your music?
My music is definitely a different sound. I have many different sounds sometimes pop, sometimes R&B but, it’s always Vona B. I aspire for my music to be healing and make you want to move.
You just release the video “Pieces”. Tell me about it?
I actually haven’t released a visual to Pieces just yet but, it’s on the way!
On your YouTube channel you used to do a segment on mental health awareness. Why did you stop it? It would be a good thing for our times now.
I had to take a step back from doing those because I had to work on my own mental health at that moment. They will definitely make a return because it’s something that I’m truly passionate about. Especially in the black community.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I think streaming has inadvertently changed the game. Anyone can make money from music now and I think that’s a good thing. It’s truly opened the doors wide open for independent artists to make a true living from their passion. I’m for it.
Pirating is different: I honestly used to feel neutral about it but, I’m not cool with pirating music. I know some people can’t afford streaming services but, they’re free streaming services available to be people who want to enjoy music as well such as Jango, Radio AirPlay, etc. Us as artists put our hard earned time, money, creativity and personal parts of ourselves out there for people to enjoy but, we are artists. At the end of the day we sell art and that should be respected.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I’m a vinyl type of girl but, I’m old school at heart and always will be.
What is you’re feeling about the MeToo Movement?
I think it’s a well thought out movement that brings a voice to victims everywhere women and men alike. I feel the #MeToo movement is something that should have been brought to the forefront a long time ago but, better late than never. I stand strong next to all the survivors.
Any plans to tour?
Plans of touring are definitely in the works.
What song from the past is in your mind right now?
I would rather go blind by Etta James. Those lyrics are mad powerful. She’s saying she would rather lose her eyesight literally before losing the love of her life.
And what is the meaning that song means to you??
That love is the strongest magic of all and most dangerous drug of all.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I feel like it’s going to affect the way us as artists have to interact with our fans mostly and how we get to showcase our music to an audience. Streaming is going to slow down due to all of the unemployment so, it’s definitely going to be a touch and go situation that’s new to all of us.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have been staying active with home workouts, dancing, writing, being as creative as possible.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?
I actually am planning to do something similar myself. I also was a part of a virtual concert recently.
There was an article in the New York Times this week talking about concerts may not start again until fall of 2021. Do you think it could happen?
I do think it could happen however; I don’t think it’s likely.
What are your dreams? Would you like to win a Grammy?
I would love to win multiple Grammys one day. My Dream is to open up for Beyoncé and sell out multiple MAJOR tours.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself loving solely off of my music, having already worked with some of my favorite artists such as Eric Bellinger, Summer Walker, Ari Lennox and more whether that be through writing or actually collaborating with them on a song.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I truly enjoyed this interview and I appreciate these questions! If you’d like to join the family make sure you follow me everywhere @ vonabmusic. Stay safe and stay blessed. Love and Light Vona B.
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