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CDN Beats: TNG – Veela

March 18, 2012

On the fourth edition of Canadian Beats: The Next Generation, we catch up with VEELA. She’s an amazing young talent from B.C., creating a huge buzz so remember her name! As always, if you know an artist 20 or younger who should be featured, please shoot me an email at kpelletier@djmag.ca!

 

Name: Veela

Age: 18

Current City: Victoria, B.C.

Hi, my name is Veela and I’m addicted to Cosplay.

 

 

Where is your favourite place to eat in your city?

My fav place to eat is Noodle Box.

 

If you could eat there with anyone in the whole world, who would it be and why?

Lumpy Space Princess from Adventure Time. I would like an excuse to talk like her without getting dirty looks.

 

Describe your first experience with electronic music?

My friend gave me a Toby Emerson mix CD when I was 15.

 

What or who was the inspiration behind your career choice?

There was no other way for me. I would be miserable doing anything else. I am inspired by people’s stories and beauty to do what I do.

 

What the first track that got your heart pumping?

Toby Emerson – Rapture

 

What’s your favourite ‘pump you up’ track?

Rye Rye – Hip Hop Change (Crookers Remix)

 

Who gave you your first push into the industry?

My great friend, mentor and fellow DJ, Christoph Maitland.

 

Who do you look up to?

I look up to artists like Imogen Heap and Toby Emerson. Imogen does is all herself and I admire that to the core of my soul, I know how challenging it can be to have to do your own dirty work when you’re unspeakably busy.

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Playing stadiums in Lumpy Space.

 

Who is the artist you would like to work with most and why?

I would love to work with Emancipator. Our styles would compliment one another perfectly, I am in love with the sound.

 

Dream gig?

Playing a joint show with Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Skrillex, Eminem, Kerli, the Spice Girls and None Like Joshua in space with about 40 ripped backup dancers in high heels Alejandro-style.

 

One word to describe your style?

Snowflake.

 

One thing you couldn’t live without?

One thing I couldn’t live without are cats.

 

What is your favourite part of the music business this far?

Collaborating with other artists. I have had the great fortune to interact and collaborate with some brilliant established and up-and-coming artists in the past year. I’ve worked with Feint, TwoThirds, Ephixa, Blackmill and Cold Blank to name a few. I’m working heavily with my darling None Like Joshua and the emails just keep coming. My favourite thing is helping out the new producers who’ve got lots of talent by doing vocals for them and getting them some promo. If it wasn’t for those people in my life, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today.

 

How do you think you’ve grown most since you started out?

I’ve grown most by learning how to assert myself and stand my ground as a young female in the industry. I’ve also become much more comfortable taking big risks.

 

What has been your favourite gig thus far?

My EP Prelude release party was the best gig I’ve ever played. It was a sold out show with all of my best friends and fans going crazy. There are some clips from the show on my YouTube channel.

 

Projects you are most looking forward to?

I’m working on an ep with my darling None Like Joshua, as well as a big project with Approaching Nirvana. Can’t wait!

 

Where does your passion for music come from?

I love storytelling. When I produce a song or do vocals for a track, I close my eyes and visualize a story, pictures. I create soundtracks.

 

What can people look forward to the most when they see you perform?

Me climbing onto the decks and dancing like a Miami hooker. But I only do that for my favourite songs.

 

 

Check out Veela’s work on YouTube, Facebook or on her blog.

 

Here’s the mix:

As always, if you know of a Canadian DJ or producer under 20, we want to hear from them!  kpelletier@djmag.ca