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――First of all, please tell us about your music career. What made you want to become a musician?


Victoria Monét : Im really just a girl following her passion. I am here because its absolutely what I love to do and I strongly rely on my will and what brings me and others happiness to navigate through life. For me, happiness, healing and legacy is in performing arts.


――Which musicians have influenced you?


Victoria Monét : So many! Some I can name are Sade, Janet Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, Beyonce, Missy Elliott, Aaliyah and the soundtracks to musicals.





――Eventually, you released your debut EP “Nightmares & Lullabies Act 2” in 2015. What was your state of mind at the time?


Victoria Monét : I was signed to a label at the time that didn’t see me or care to. Nightmares & Lullabies was a rebellious experimental project that gave me my first chances to explore soundscapes with no pre-conceived boundaries. I hadn’t established any brand or identifiable musical sound as an artist yet, so this project felt very free to me. I think this project was a huge part of my self discovery.


――You also performed as the opening act for Fifth Harmony. How has that experience shaped who you are now?


Victoria Monét : I really learned sooo much opening on this tour. I had no manager, no label and just my own money and resources at hand. I became my own tour manager, my own investor, booking agent, merch creator, and distributor, business manager and more. It allowed me to play every position first hand so that when I was able to afford myself a team, I better understood what to expect of each person, and more importantly, what to be thankful for!


――In addition to your own musical activities, you have also written songs for many musicians such a Nas, Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, Chloe x Halle, and T.I. Is there anything that has inspired you to become a songwriter?


Victoria Monét : I view songwriting as something that I would do whether or not it landed in the hands of these amazing artists. It’s really just a way I express myself and document my life or what im imagining of someone else. Songs hold my wildest creative dreams and most intimate tales. It’s my diary and as long as I live, there will be songs.


――What are some aspects you particularly pay attention to as a songwriting?


Victoria Monét : One thing that took me a while to learn is how to write a hook or chorus. I used to write very linear and poetically and sometimes it was to my detriment. People would get lost in the analogies and never remember the title. Now, I ask myself “What is the point? What is the summary of what you want to say?” and this helps me write more simple and memorable hooks.





――And your project “Jaguar” was completed in 2020. How did you try to express yourself in the making of this album?


Victoria Monét : “Jaguar” is my most honest and unfiltered expression of self. I still decorated my lyrics with phrases that can make you think twice, but ultimately Jaguar is a mirror of mine.


――The sound of your music is impressive, with a vintage feel of 70’s~90’s soul, disco, R&B, new jack swing, etc. Why did you incorporate these elements?


Victoria Monét : Thank you! I think I just mixed together all of the things that I love. It was like being in the kitchen and making a custom meal where every ingredient is something you just cant go without. That’s Jaguar for me.


――Your voice has a silky quality to it, reminiscent of the 90s. What is important to you as a vocalist? Is there anything that you pay attention to in the personality you want to express?


Victoria Monét : Thank you so much! For me, tone is something I value as a vocalist. I think this is the most grasping part of someones vocal. You can be technically skilled and do impressive vocal acrobats, but if the tone of your voice is pingy or cold, chances are people wont want to listen for long. I would rather sing one straight note and have a warm sultry air in tone, than do a million riffs and sound thin. This is one reason why I love Sade so much!


――As for the lyrics, it felt that many of the songs are very sensual, but also give a glowing light to life. Was there anything in particular that inspired you?


Victoria Monét : All of my lyrics on Jaguar were very much inspired by my life experiences. There is still so much to say!





――You’ve worked with various artists such as Ariana Grande on the song “MONOPOLY” and “Experience” with Khalid and SG Lewis, but how was it working with them?


Victoria Monét : I absolutely love them! I think they are so talented and gracious to share space with a new artist after their massive successes. I will always appreciate that.


――It has been more than three months since this album was released. I’m sure you’ve received various responses from around the world. Are there any messages that have particularly touched you?


Victoria Monét : I just really love seeing my music be the soundtrack to peoples lives. Certain songs of mine will forever remind people of experiences they have had, where they were, what mood they were in while listening etc. That’s what Motown and throwback songs do for me and thats what I love to see my music do for other people. It travels with us through time and space and will live on long after I am gone. That makes me so happy


――Looking back, what does your work “JAGUAR” mean to you?


Victoria Monét : It represents a new beginning, a bigger better chapter, growth, an alter ego, and a hungry unapologetic spirit. It’s my baby and it means everything.


――That project was recently reworked with orchestral arrangements and released as the Christmas album “A Jaguar Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements”. What are the highlights of this album?


Victoria Monét : Since my music is so sexually dynamic lyrically, I wanted to step into a clean orchestral dynamic. I love string arrangements so very much, and it felt like the right gift to give to Jaguar superfans. I loved mixing it up and doing things people woudn’t necessarily expect of me, so to crossover into a classical genre and go number 1 on the Classical Apple Charts in the US meant the world to me!





―― I think 2020 was a year in which you experienced many things, partly because of Covid. Looking back, what did you gain from 2020?


Victoria Monét : 2020 gave me time! It gave the world some time. Often we glamorize being overworked and this year took that option off the table for a lot of us so we were forced to take time and re-evaluate some other things that matter to us beyond what we do for a living.


――What kind of year do you want 2021 to be? Do you have any goals as a musician?


Victoria Monét : Based on 2020, I better humble myself and keep in mind that though we may have big and thorough plans, things can change your world. So this year, my goals are based on happiness and mental heath no matter what comes or doesn’t.


――Do you have an “image of yourself” that you would like to convey to the world, not only through your music, but also through your fashion and lifestyle?


Victoria Monét : I try not to focus on the image people will take of me. I am more concerned with my inner work and what feels honest and true to self. The opinions of others are to be considered only by them.


――Do you have any plans for your next new song or piece? If so, what kind of atmosphere do you think it will have?


Victoria Monét : Yes I do. I actually filmed the music video while almost 8 months pregnant and I cant’t wait to share so please stay tuned.


――Do you have any impressions of Japan? Have you ever been to Japan?


Victoria Monét : I haven’t been yet, but I can not wait to visit! I hear so many great things and from what I’ve seen on pictures, it is such a gorgeous place! I also hear Tokyo Disney is the best! Im excited to travel and experience Japan for myself.

Apple IS&S Marketing, Platoon Victoria Monet in Marfa, Texas. Photographed October 6, 2019 by Micaiah Carter. �Apple 3 year worldwide buyout ends October 6, 2022.