With a music career spanning more than two decades, celebrated singer-songwriter-pianist Vivian Green is back a perfect track for the Fall, a reggae-inspired ditty, “I Don’t Know,” which samples English pop-synth group Art of Noise’s 1985 hit, “Moments in Love.” Green is probably best known for her chart-topping single, “Emotional Rollercoaster,” as well as high profile collaborations with artists; including Boyz II Men, Jill Scott, Jewel and Raheem DeVaughn. In addition to making hits, Vivian Green is a championed advocate for children with special needs, inspired by her own son, Jordan.
We caught up with Vivian to talk about her latest album, VGVI, which was released on October 6th. Check out the interview below…
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into your latest single, “I Don’t Know”. Tell me about this particular composition? How did it even come to fruition?
Vivian Green: Kwamé came up with the idea for “I Don’t Know.” He made the music first, then wrote and recorded the first verse and hook. I was completely in love with it and didn’t know it was for me, but I knew I wanted it. Turned out it waaaas for me, so I finished writing it and that’s how “I Don’t Know” was born.
Parlé Mag: “I Don’t Know” comes courtesy of your sixth studio collection, VGVI. That said, are there any specific highlights; favorite song(s), cameo appearance(s), that you’d like to take the time to point out?
Vivian Green: Kwamé produced VGVI, with the exception of one song “Happy With You” produced by my friend PhoeNotes. Kwamé and I have really found our footing with VGVI. Vivid was our first album together, and I feel VGVI is just that next level you get to when you continue to build synergy with someone musically. We thought about this album long and hard, and it’s 6 months behind schedule because of it. I have a few faves, but I am curious to hear the fans’ response to “Mutual Feelings.” It definitely stands out because of the topic, and the music is very compelling. Also there’s a duet with Musiq Soulchild, which is a song we revisited from Vivid called “Just Like Fools.” We made it a duet on this album, and it has a new energy.
Parlé Mag: How does VGVI either differ and/or compare to previous Vivian Green efforts?
Vivian Green: My previous album Vivid and single “Get Right Back To My Baby,” was my first attempt at uptempo energetic, but soulful music. I was honestly tired of only being seen as the “sad girl” slow-song artist; so it was a turning point for me because people accepted something different. That said, VGVI is very different from the albums before Vivid. It compares most to Vivid, because it’s the same producer… BUT everything is more polished and, again, we thought about it more. We thought about the sounds, the topics, the vocals, and the album sonically. We mixed and remixed; mastered and re-mastered; recorded and re-recorded; wrote and re-wrote; produced and re-produced. *Giggles* but seriously, if we thought it could be better we did it again.
Parlé Mag: Back in 2014 you became the first artist signed to rapper/producer Kwamé’s record label, Make Noise Recordings, what particular string of events actually led to this musical union?
Vivian Green: We met through a mutual friend who connected us. From there, we started to work on music but I was also looking for a new label situation at that time. Once we completed Vivid, we started shopping the complete album and, at the same time, Kwamé had the opportunity to have his own situation; so it all just made sense to be a part of it.
Parlé Mag: How would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?
Vivian Green: I don’t like to define it honestly, but I guess it lies somewhere between R&B, Pop, and Soul, with a current splash of Hip-Hop from Kwamé. I don’t believe anyone who listens to my full bodies of work would disagree with that.
Parlé Mag: What do you want people to get from your music?
Vivian Green: Music they can listen to as they go through life. With all of the things life gives you, it has to be substantive and cross the spectrum of human emotions. I want my music to always do that.
Parlé Mag: Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Vivian Green: Thank you for supporting my music through the years. Much Love Always!
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