We had a chat with irresistible US artist Class Vee about her fun new single ‘Lemon Face’ and exciting future plans
Rising American singer-songwriter and record producer Class Vee is somebody who’s sound oozes good vibes and positivity with the kind of carefree, nostalgic zest for life that radiates from her sounds and projects the same kind of joy onto her listeners.
The artist’s latest single ‘Lemon Face’ is a release that embodies this kind of positivity and charm, centred around the message that it’s your life and how you live in and what you do with the circumstances you’re dealt with (or lemons) is up to you. The artist’s infectious charm and fun appeal makes for an effortlessly engrossing listening experience that sticks with you for long after your listen, as well as its similarly summery video. We love the new release, and sought to have a chat with the artist to find out a bit more about the release, her journey, and what more she has planned for the near future.
Who TF is Class Vee?
Class Vee is a singer and songwriter with a deep passion for music. An artist who gives homage to old-school music, drawing inspiration from the sounds of the ’60s to the 90s, and even the early 2000s. For me, it was all about capturing the magic that made me fall in love with music in the first place and delivering the kind of music that will give people a bit of that nostalgic feeling. I am Class Vee because I have different “Classes” of music as well as styles. And whatever it is, it’s who I am. You feel “Vee?”
How long have you been making music?
I have been writing since I can remember, I started with poetry, and around 9 I started writing songs and even my first short story. I really enjoy the play on words and when I’d come up with something clever I’d throw the pen on the notebook, jump up, and I’m like yes! Omg, that’s genius! And those little celebrations led to beautiful songs.
Why do you make music?
Because I am very good with words. I’m not like Eminem where I’m reading a dictionary, although it would help since English is my second language, I still feel like I get my point across without sounding too complicated. I make music because it is the only thing I think about when I wake up and drive when I see a video. I know I have what it takes, I know I have passion, and I can inspire. And in a world where AI is replacing Art, I want to protect promote, and uplift real artists. If I get the chance to have my own label I will promote real singers and real musicians. And since I love music from the 50s to the early 2000s I have a wide range of appreciation and love for music. For me, it is not about following a trend online but rather making music that makes people feel something. And in my music videos, I get to showcase that visual aspect because people hear what they see. Everything I create is has a purpose, no fillers here.
What are your biggest influences?
I will try to go in order because it’s a lot. Aretha Franklin, Bobby Darin, Marvin Gaye, Sixto Rodriguez, Burt Bacharach, Donna Summer, Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Hall and Oates, Taylor Dayne, Prince, The Chameleons, SWV, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Brittney Spears, and Bruno Mars. And Latin wise: Selena, Laura Pausini, Ricardo Montaner, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Juan Luis Guerra, Aventura, Karol G, and Rauw Alejandro and Feid.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
I recently Won Best Dance Song at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards! So, I was really happy about that and I know for certain there will be more to come and I am so looking forward to it!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
It is a little complicated to be specific as my sound varies, but I tell people it’s heavily inspired by 80s and 90s music. Which could be a lot of things but it’s broken down into 2 decades.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Getting a Grammy nomination at least! Look a win would be even more momentum but either or, it’s a goal of mine for sure. After that maybe collaborating with some of my favorite artists and traveling the world to meet musicians from all over. The day I get to sit in a room and people care about what I have to say, and ultimately helping other artists make their dream come true. Then I’d feel fulfilled.
We love your single ‘Lemon Face’, what more can you tell us about it?
Lemon Face was such a fun project! I really enjoy writing songs about life and inspiration, about loving yourself and happiness. Lemon Face is about someone being happy and living life with a healthy life recipe. I have been to the movies by myself, dinners, and clubs. I really don’t care because sometimes when you wait for people you do not end up going. So I make it a point to go and if you want to go, you know where I will be but I am not waiting on anyone. But I have had people make faces when I tell them I have done those things by myself and they make a face and it is as if someone eats a lemon. I have had PLENTY people even ask me why I am so happy, but no one cares to ask why you are sad. As if being happy needs explaining.
There is a big Lemon version of me, which is the bitter version, and I wanted to make it a point you look ridiculous walking about life that way. There is a lemonade stand that the girl sends her away and tells her to correct and return. That her recipe needs work. Eventually after the dance battle and all the back and forth she is encouraged to try lemonade. The recipe consists of looking at things with the glass half full, and sugar which contains the sweetest things that life has to offer. You see the ingredients shown in the video. When she finally does try lemonade she encounters a transformation, where the little girl hands her a mirror, and she sees herself differently. She still is wearing lemons but it is a more tasteful version, a more beautiful version. Lemons on their own are whatever but you can make lemon tart, sorbet, lemonade and so much more to make it better. So can we as human beings, we’re people but who we are on the inside (our recipe/ outlook) makes us that much better or worse.
We all have lemons in life, but what will you decide to do with it? Stay bitter or turn it into something better. That’s the recipe of life, and it’s squeezed into this song for you to sip and enjoy! The song shares that perspective.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
2 Singles and an Album. The next single will resemble the likes of Billie Eilish around October and my most impactful single will be titled “I Didn’t Love Myself” and I will plan on that release in January after the Holiday. The album will be released in the summer of 2025 I still Don’t have a name for the title but it is heavily influenced by the 90s. Some soul music, New Jack Swing, Rnb, and some NY boom bap sounds. It will resemble the likes of SWV, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Lauryn Hill, Bruno Mars, Janet Jackson.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Honestly? My friends. They are always cheering for me and even when I don’t talk about it, they make it a point and always tell me I should be proud, and they know I will get far. They always want to be in my music videos and it’s really awesome to feel the support from the ones closest to you. They come to my shows and are always there cheering for me and that love really brightens my heart.
