“It’s about understanding each other’s cultures and where we come from—that’s how we create more peace and understanding.”
by Sarah Becker
As we reach the end of Black History month, I was very proud to speak to iconic Northampton singer songwriter V V Brown.
With over 25 years in the music industry, four albums, and more than a million records sold, V V Brown has made a name for herself as a boundary-pushing, genre-defying artist.
She is also not afraid to speak out.
Now, the Northampton singer-songwriter, who also serves as one of the business development managers of Grandbies Coffee House on St. Giles Street, is embarking on a bold new musical journey. In this exclusive interview, I spoke to her about her evolving sound, her desire to bridge cultural divides, and how she is relishing her freedom as an independent artist to speak up.
‘Am I British Yet,’ was V V Brown’s latest album. Produced in 2023, it delved into themes of race, authenticity, and cultural diversity.
Collaborating with artists such as Liam Baily and poet Myrle Roach, V V Brown both celebrates and explores the challenges of her Jamaican and British roots.
Through a fusion of diverse musical genres, the tracks explore not only personal identity but also broader societal issues. Let’s dive into the conversation.
Q: Your last album brings together poets and artists speaking out about issues of ethnicity and subculture. What was the inspiration behind it?
V V Brown: I think becoming a mother was a massive part of it. Being a mother, you’re looking at your daughters and realizing the importance of protecting and celebrating their identity. It makes you reflect on your own life and the things you want to say.
For me, I’d experimented creatively with many different genres, but I hadn’t yet explored certain concepts in depth. This album became a meeting point of all those things—being a mother; feeling brave enough to talk about identity, and responding to movements like Black Lives Matter and the wider shift in consciousness.
We’re now seeing marginalized communities—whether Black, LGBTQ, or women—talking about their experiences with more authenticity and openness. The #MeToo movement, for instance, made it safer for women to speak about workplace issues. As a Black person, I also felt safer expressing my feelings about jokes I used to laugh at, but in reality didn’t find funny. This awakening of consciousness was a massive part of creating the album.
Q: Do you feel that airing these issues gives you a sense of freedom, especially since artists often stay silent about these topics?
V V Brown : I definitely think being an independent artist gives me the freedom to talk about these things. I’m 40 years old now, and when I was signed at 18, it was a rocky journey. Back then, I didn’t feel like I had the freedom to express myself authentically.
….because your career’s at jeopardy if you rock the boat, so to speak.”
Now, I definitely think as an independent artist, I have the freedom to talk about cultural issues.
There’s no way I would have been able to make this album when I was a signed artist.
I was told I wouldn’t be allowed to release something like that – it would have upset people.
That freedom has been really important to me.
When we start to listen to and respect each and listen to lived experiences, it just brings everybody together.
It’s about understanding each other’s cultures and where we come from—that’s how we create more peace and understanding.
Q: What are you currently working on?
V V Brown: I’ve always wanted to do film music, and my next project is going to be a cinematic project where I’ll be creating a record of just instrumentals, paired with amazing visuals. So this new record will help me segway into the world of TV and film music. That’s an exclusive, by the way! (laughs)
I’m one of those artists who hates to be boxed in. I rebel against any system that tries to make me conform to society’s expectations. I like to challenge myself creatively and try new things that reflect how I’m feeling at the moment. That’s why my catalogue is so eclectic—I’m always exploring.
Q: So you are genre hopping again?
VV Brown: Yes, and I love it.
When I’m on my deathbed, I’d like my gravestone to read: I lived an ordinary life, but filled it with extraordinary experiences.
I don’t want to be confined by expectations that limit my creative choices.
In the music industry, there’s this pressure to keep doing what you’ve always done because you’re marketed as a product to sell records. Shark in the Water was my biggest song, and it brought in a lot of revenue. I probably could have propelled my career even further if I’d released another Shark in the Water—expanded my fan base, earned more money if I had continued in that trajectory. But sticking to one path just isn’t me.
When you’re with a record label, it’s a bit like being Coca-Cola. If it’s working, they’ll make Diet Coke, then Cherry Coke, then Vanilla Coke—different versions of what already sells. But for me, I’m more like, Coca-Cola…then let’s try hot chocolate. Or actually, maybe a gin and tonic!”
Q: As you say, you started in the music industry when you were only 18, signed by Polydor. Do you have any other criticisms of the music industry?
A: The music industry can be incredibly toxic, especially for young artists. I’ve met many musicians over the years, including Liam Payne, and every single one of them has struggled with fame, rejection, and the way labels discard you when you’re no longer “successful.”
When you’re young and impressionable, there’s no protection. The industry treats artists like commodities—you’re only validated when you’re doing well. When you’re not, it affects your self-esteem. That’s why I wanted to go independent. It’s hard to deal with the psychological shift when your identity and self-worth are tied to success as defined by others, rather than how you see yourself.
Liam Payne’s recent death really highlights the lack of protection in the industry. There are drugs, parties, and pressure that young artists face, and there’s still very little support.
I remember when I received a lot of backlash from a politically controversial photograph I created of a black women being sick on the British flag. I received thousands of comments and roughly 70% of them were racist.
Immediately, Universal stepped in and linked me with a therapist—it’s a very new thing for labels to offer that kind of help. But for years, artists have been left to deal with these struggles alone.
I’m really proud of my career post ‘Shark in the Water’ because even though I didn’t sell millions of records on my Independent label, I made a living.
I’m working on many projects now and I love it. As a business development manager of Grandbies Coffee House, I also really believe in well being and want to make Grandbies a place where we can truly connect with community projects.
I’m much happier managing a healthy humble way of making music and keeping my wellbeing intact.
For more information visit: https://www.instagram.com/vvbrownofficial/