Venessa Michaels is a Los Angeles-based producer, who I have been a fan of ever since coming across her release ‘Chemistry‘ back in 2018. However, after all that time, now is a better time than ever to show the world everything she’s capable of. “It feels great and I am very proud,” Venessa Michaels states at the top of our chat about her newest album. “Any project takes love, soul power, and time to create. I’m just glad I got myself to finally finish this album. It was a long time coming!”
There are many worlds in music that Venessa loves, however, it’s the journey that fascinates her the most.
Something that I will never stop learning is that these songs often never feel fully complete. Like there’s always something to add or detail to shift, but at the end of the day if it moves you, it’s okay to let the song free and move on to the next.
In saying that though, Venessa’s newest record ‘Sent From Saturn’ is a 10-track piece that highlights her evolutionary aspects. “The biggest evolution for me has been the process of letting go,” Venessa expresses. “Keep on moving and not every song is going to make the cut, but some things just need to be made for yourself and that’s ok!”
Whilst there are 10 songs to choose from, they stand on their own merit, but also show a more holistic view of what kind of sounds are moving Venessa in this era of her life. All the songs are their own thing, but as a whole, you understand them as one.
“It’s about experiencing something that’s not just in the things that we do every day,” Venessa says about the story of the album. “It’s about exploring new things and accessing new spaces within your mind, and in reality.”
Even though Venessa has been making music as a producer – for herself and others – she continues to learn new aspects of the process. Explaining that her album did go through a change in the process.
“It definitely changed from the beginning till now,” Venessa states. “I originally started working on this project over two years ago and within that time frame, only one song from the beginning stayed on the project.”
Everything changes constantly and I think that this project is exactly what it needs to be. I do think some of the first ideas still need to be finished, but they will come together when the time is right.
To accomplish this album, Venessa gave herself a deadline, which she hadn’t done, per se, previously. That defined end-point helped her get the album. “I imagine if I didn’t have a deadline I’d still be editing and adding to it,” Venessa expresses. “But that’s the double-edged sword. You just gotta get it out and keep it moving. Music is so infinite and you don’t want to get lost in it. Get lost in it, but don’t get lost, ya know?”
As briefly mentioned above, the album does have 10 songs. However, Venessa hopes you listen to the record in order if you can – just like I did. Sonically that matters!
On the 10 songs: “Story wise you can listen however you’d like,” Venessa says. However, scroll to the bottom for a song-by-song by Venessa.
I would love it if listeners resonate with these newer styles. I know it’s a different sound than other songs in my catalog, but I’m grateful and excited for what it’s becoming.
At this point in her career, Venessa is just excited and ready to make more music and play it out. It shows throughout her recent record – visually and audibly – that she is definitely enjoying the process. Sometimes it all feels so serious, but then you gotta remind yourself where it all started. Gotta keep that same passion and energy throughout.
Song breakdown
“For something more melodic and moody I’d say listen to “Spirit On Mine.””
“And for more uplifting vibes “Looking (All My Life)” and “Deepest of Desire.” ”
“For more underground vibes I’d suggest “Needed U” and “L’amour.””
“Last but not least “To Be Alive” is a really hard-hitting, darker, deeper song.”
