Announcing the release of her debut single “Rolling On You Romeo“, London-based VEI holds all the necessary ingredients for alt-pop success.
With years of experience under her belt as a session cellist for stars big and small (big being Sam Smith – but you know, we’re not into name dropping), VEI decided the time had come to step into the spotlight herself. Taking to the stage in the intimate setting of Soho’s French-styled ‘Salon Noir’, the singer found herself surrounded by velvet chaise lounges and flickering candles. It was time for VEI to stand tall in front of her very own quartet: a grand piano, cello and two guitars.
Opening her set with “Chasing Sunlight“, the song delicately paired provoking melodies with VEI’s impressive vocal range. Tracks flowed, with the notable addition of bluesy-rock riffs, reminiscent of great 90s songs like Rusted Root’s “Send Me On My Way“. Though usually a sucker for natural vibrato, VEI’s smooth, no-frills voice came as a pleasant surprise.
With the cellist kicking off a pulsating bassline that could only be ‘Rolling on You Romeo’, it’s clear this mature pop song was a smart choice of single. Showcasing her register from the whispered verse to the high swing of the chorus, the song also shows her love for quirky melodies and alternative instrumentation. With vocals comparable to Kate Nash and Lilly Allen, her stage presence, performance style and ability to tell a story are more likely to draw parallels with Lisa Hannigan and the ever-eccentric Björk.
On her stage name, she explained: ‘Vei means Journey or pathway in Old Norse, which is kind of the sound we want the album to have. It’s taking listeners on a journey.’ And what a journey it’s set to be.
Stay tuned for VEI’s debut album, to be released later. In the meantime, discover “Rolling On You Romeo” below:
