by lauren kovolenko
photo courtesy of vara
Looking for someone interesting to read about this week? Meet Vara, an up-and-coming music artist with a cool sound. We got to chat about all types of subjects, leading to a great interview. Check out Vara's music and YouTube channel when you're done!
You grew up on the internet, how did this influence what you wanted to do when you got older?
Vara: “It definitely reaffirmed that I wanted to do something in the entertainment industry. Growing up, watching YouTubers become established and respected in their fields, it inspired me to take matters into my own hands and pursue my dreams.”
As a YouTuber from a young age, what was your favorite part about this experience? Did you learn anything then to help you now?
Vara: “My favorite part was getting connected with people from parts of the world I’d otherwise not have. I remember some of my subscribers (which became friends) were from Australia and that blew my mind. Knowing that we were only aware of each other’s existences because of a screen is crazy to process. Being only 13 with a platform that big, it definitely taught me the importance and consequences of a digital footprint. When you’re that young, mistakes are bound to be made, it’s all very confusing and it’s definitely a huge developmental stage and knowing that the internet is forever is scary.”
When did your music interest peak? How did you know that's what you wanted to do next?
Vara: “Between ages 5-10 music was my entire life. I started playing violin at 5 and piano and singing lessons at 8. I annoyed the shit out of my parents with my god-awful practicing but it was all I wanted to do. As I got older, I pursued more interests but music was still my priority. My senior year of high school I decided to take it more seriously and released a couple of covers. Immediately after graduating, I started writing and writing and writing and basically haven’t stopped since.”
What influences you to write? How does songwriting help you in your daily life?
Vara: “I like to think I’m a writer before I’m a singer. 99% of my songs stem from poems I’ve written, 99% of which are written about circumstances in my life where people have let me down. Whether that be a romantic situation that went south, politicians and their responses to current issues, or even when I let myself down. Songwriting helps significantly because I don’t go to therapy, I don’t journal, and I don’t particularly vent in any other form than writing. It’s basically how I process events that are deeply bothering me.”
"Paranoia" is a bop! How did you write it?
Vara: “Thank you! It was written summer of 2021, so I’ve been sitting on it for a while but I always knew that I wanted it as the first single. We wrote it at an Airbnb like 20 minutes from where I live in Clearwater, FL and I think the song was done in like 20 minutes. The verses and pre’s were a little tricky because we played around different lyric variations for a bit but it was one of those that flowered really nicely. I love the song and I’m so happy I finally can share it with the world.”
What's next for yourself? Any more singles coming out soon?
Vara: “Since you ask, yes, single number two will be announced very soon. I’m so excited because I think it’s even more vulnerable than ‘Paranoia’ (if that was possible) but I don’t wanna give too much away.”
Being a small artist is simultaneously the most challenging and rewarding. What do you find the most challenging right now? Rewarding?
Vara: “What I would consider the most challenging as a small artist right now would be the ‘business’ end of the music industry. I am very much a creative and like to spend as much time in the studio writing or recording as possible. Spending so much time, love, and energy on making the music and then worrying about if it’s ‘TikTok worthy’ or if anyone will hear it is not fun for me. The most rewarding thought is when someone listens to my music and relates or connects with it; it makes me feel seen and literally heard.”
Do you plan on bridging the gap between your YouTube and music careers? Will your audience see more of both?
Vara: “I really hope to find a way to bridge that gap at some point. I think a lot of fans don’t know much about their favorite musician’s personality, and if I’m gonna continue writing intimate and vulnerable material I definitely want the people listening to know who I am as a person too.”
When you aren't online, what can we find you doing?
Vara: “I am a huge film bro so you’d definitely find me watching a movie or TV show. I wish more people respected it as a hobby because it’s very exhausting work. I also love to read; I’m currently reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Most of my free time is spent ensuring that I’m so distracted it’s impossible for a thought to form in my brain.”
What's one piece of advice you have kept with you since the beginning of your career?
Vara: “Trust your gut. I like to think I have a very keenly intuitive instinct and bullshit detector. I have a bad habit of convincing myself that I’m wrong or overthinking and ignore my gut, and every time I am reminded why it is so important to trust it. There are always a lot of different people throwing their own advice and opinions around, but you have to stick to you. The music industry is definitely one that people like to exploit and if you have a bad feeling about a situation, don’t push it down (yes, I referenced my own song, I’m not sorry).”