Diandra Interviews Veda Black: Your Intuition Is Never Wrong

Veda Black’s has a rare gift in that she is 100% distinct. Her music feels like her, which means she is fun, thoughtful, and completely eclectic. Her sounds races through so many soundscapes, you would think she is Sonic looking for gold rings. Yet, in our interview, she reveals she is just looking to feel safe with someone. Thus, from loving the Sims to crushing on Meryl Streep, Veda Black is 100% relatable in her uniqueness.

Diandra: In honor of “Call It Love,” how would you define love and what, in a person, makes you fall for them?

Veda: I do not think there is one way to define love. I think it varies from person to person and each experience is different. I think love should feel safe. Being able to connect intellectually, romantically, or sharing values you are passionate about can feel magical, and I do believe the relationships we form with others and what we learn about ourselves, as a result, is a very important part and experience of life itself. I tend to find myself falling for kindness, patience, and the ability to make me feel a little shy and vulnerable.

Diandra: Describe your first crush.

Veda: My first crush has and will always be Meryl Streep since I saw her in Death Becomes Her.


Diandra: What are some things you have learned about yourself through heartbreak?

Veda: I try to take something away from each relationship or situationship. I have learned that I am resilient, sincere, and I recognise the importance of being true to myself.


Diandra: What are 3 favorite qualities about your personality you most cherish?

Veda: I am always eager to learn, genuine and I don’t take myself too seriously.

Diandra: Who are some of your favorite, new artists that you feel, like yourself, are innovating the music scene?

Veda: Raveena, Arun, JDA and Harve are all insanely talented individuals. The music speaks for itself, and I really believe they can and will smash through the industry’s glass ceiling and pave the way for other artists similar to them.

Diandra: What about London culture do you feel your music represents in style?

Veda: London culture allows for versatility, and it allows me to feel familiar. Yet, it is constantly changing and I think this can definitely be heard in my music.

Diandra: What are some of your favorite childhood toys, movies, tv shows, and games?

Veda: The Sims, The L Word and Recess. I used to spend hours making matriarchal towns in the Sims. I still watch Recess to this day and my obsession with The L Word still remains.

Diandra: If you could be one character from a show or book, which one would you be and why?

Veda: I would want to be Wilhelmina Slater from Ugly Betty without a doubt. She is determined and strong willed. She is navigating an industry that she is not represented in and yet she’s not afraid to step on toes to get to where she wants because she knows her worth and what she deserves and I love that for her.

Diandra: What is one performance memory that always moves you?

Veda: In 2018, I toured Italy with my partner, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We played a few really cool sessions in some beautiful locations where I met some wonderful people, but one of the most memorable performances was a live session on top of the roof of a cafe in a busy street in the center of Rome. It was quite surreal watching cars pass by below and having people watch from their apartment windows.


Diandra: If you can give Veda Black a superhero power and storyline, how would it go?

Veda: I have an alter-ego “Karen” she comes out after a glass of vino. Her power would be freezing people and the storyline would center around her defunding the police.

Diandra: As a lover 90’s R&B? What are you favorite songs that you feel most embody romance? What do they embody about it?

Veda: My All – Mariah Carey, Say Yes – Floetry and Lady – D’angelo
While I definitely feel the arrangement of the music, itself, in all 3 of these songs embody romance strongly, the lyricism really hits the jackpot for me. They speak of putting everything on the line, taking risks and being bold in displaying their emotions, and that’s pretty romantic to me.


Diandra: Raised proud of your Caribbean roots, what are your aspects of Jamaican culture?

Veda: Besides the music, which goes without saying, food is also a big part of Jamaican culture and over the last few years I have found that cooking has become another creative outlet for me. I have been recreating a lot of the traditional Jamaican dishes my mother used to cook for us growing up. 



Diandra: How do you feel the music industry can do more to respect and elevate black power and equality?

Veda: I think there needs to be more black people in positions of all different levels within the industry. Gatekeepers need to be ensuring they are amplifying black voices and offering opportunities to black artists. Festival line-ups are still very white, straight, and male and this is something that needs to change. I also notice a lot of white, cisgender, and straight male R&B artists being championed. It would be great to see these same energy for championing black R&B artists, particularly black queer womxn and black non-binary people.

 Diandra: How do you feel Sad Girls Club embodies who you are now and the journeys you have takes to become you? 


Veda: Sad Girls Club epitomizes the mental, physical and environmental journey I have been on over the last few years. Largely it tackles my struggle and relationship with my mental health and me accepting this part of myself. It talks about rejecting compulsory heterosexuality and finally feeling comfortable living as my authentic self. It also (I hope) demonstrates my growth as a musician as writing, composing and producing this EP was a journey in itself that required vulnerability and honesty.

Diandra: What is your favorite lyric and song from the upcoming EP? 

Veda: My favourite lyric is from Only You “I feel alone when you visit, still I’m glad you came.” It is difficult to pick, but currently my favourite is the title track Sad Girls Club. Lyrically, it represents the theme of the entire EP very well and also paints a clearer picture of me as a person and artist. 


 Diandra: What is a piece of advice you would give to anyone trying to be happy?

Veda: I think it is important to be patient and listen to yourself; your intuition is never wrong. It is also important to make sure you have the right circle around you. If have a good support system who ultimately wants the best for you it should allow you space, time and should give you the encouragement you unconditional love you deserve and need.

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