Raised just outside Seattle, Washington, V. Contreras is a world claass singer for whom music has always been a part of her life, with her mother a classically trained singer who exposed her to a wonderful world filled with rhythm and melody. Her new single, ‘Like It’s Yesterday’, is out now.
Real name Victoria Wimer Contreras, V and her family went on many roadtrips as she grew up, with endless singalongs and musical games along the way. Her parents introduced her on these journeys to the music of Sarah Vaughan, Karen Carpenter, and Linda Ronstadt, and she remembers hearing Patsy Cline’s ‘Sweet Dreams’ for the first time. Aged 10, she started voice lessons with Maestro David Kyle, who’s worked with Liza Minnelli, as well as Anne Wilson (Heart) and Lane Staley (Alice In Chains). Taking her influence during her teens from artists such as the above helped to develop her vocal style and grace: soon realising that Seattle was too small for her talents, she moved to Los Angeles, where she lived for five years from the age of 19. Here she joined an R&B group, and was notice by the likes of Randy Jackson, in the group’s early stages. The group didn’t last however, and V returned to Seattle to pursue a solo career.
‘Like It’s Yesterday’ finds its inspiration in some somewhat sombre subject matter. The chorus is about a man dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease, but from the perspective of his wife, who sees her husband’s mind crumbling away. The track is complemented by strings from Andrew Joslyn (worked with Macklemore, and Kesha), and produced by Martin Feveyear, best known for his work with Brandi Carlile, there is a deep nostalgia to the track, and the words will hit listeners hard with their accurate portrayal of disheartening helplessness. V’s voice is strong and powerful, creating an emotional soundscape which defies anyone to not shed a tear. The video is shot in black and white, with V able to further convey heartache and pain.
‘Like It’s Yesterday’ is available from iTunes. Find more about V. Contreras online from her official website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
