Vinny Virgo gives Arkive an exclusive interview about his most recent album “Thank You For The Inconvenience”. We get into his story and the personal touches to his newest album specifically, and this talented world traveler opens up about what’s to come.
Vinny, your first project came out when you were 22, do you think that after dropping your newest album you can see your own maturity as an artist?
Certainly. That’s one of my favorite parts about creating a new body of work just because it’s a great test of time and experience – whether you’re progressing sonically or staying at the same level as an artist or as a person.
You’re a Florida native, who has done amounts of traveling like recently to work in London. And home is in California. Has each place inspired or pushed the development of “Thank You For the Inconvenience”?
Most definitely. I feel like the overall vibe of the album, based on production and energy, is a showcase of my experiences, the interactions and the influences I’ve gained in each place collectively. Tampa will forever be my home and the place I first experienced the world, but the time spent in London and living in California has also helped shape me into the person I am today.
Your album “Thank You For The Inconvenience” took 2 years in the making, even during quarantine, what was that process like?
It was certainly an unprecedented process of creating most of the time but I enjoyed it because it took me out of my comfort zone and brought me closer to myself as an artist by focusing on my ability to self-record. I was able to explore Pro Tools while also becoming a student of Ableton to strengthen my production skills which are heavily present in the album under the name ‘Pigsonvinyl’.
I would start making the beats, humming melodies and potential lyrics before laying down a reference, then analyzing that to keep building on the ideas. A lot of the final recording and mixing was finished at Mint Room in Los Angeles.
That’s a lot of work you had to focus on, what an amazing resume. I’d like to hone in on a song from your album, what was the driving force behind your song “Bones”?
That song was fueled by a mix of emotions but the main one being the search for love and happiness within oneself.. Without any dependency or assurance from anyone or anything else – within your bones.
And you can hear your pride in your blackness and it captures a moment in time, specifically 2020 with your songs “Juxtaposition” and “Skin Tone”.
For sure. In my view of things, 2020 was like the tipping point for a lot of heat and hate that had been building up in the world. Once it exploded (again), it was just so blatantly present from all angles that police brutality, social injustice and a fury of political manipulation was causing a much deeper division between the people. The boom of the pandemic was an entirely new battle itself. It was just such a historic year that will forever be remembered. It caused a lot of rage within myself so it was projected heavily in those tracks as those were the ones on my plate at the time everything was happening.
The great Nina Simone said “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times” and that always stuck with me, especially while creating in that time. These events were so important to people that music didn’t feel authentic if those topics were being avoided.
“Fuck em” to whoever doesn’t believe in you because at the end of the day, it’s all on you and the way you react and who you listen to.
I agree with Nina Simone, a powerful statement from a powerful woman. Another way you sourced your anger is with your song, “Dreams”. Sounds like a strong hater anthem.
My favorite song on the album for sure. I’d say it was created off of the feeling of still being misunderstood, unseen and unheard after giving everything to prove yourself. I remember being in the studio doing the final ad-libs and out of nowhere, at the ending breakdown of the song, I just kinda broke out into this unwritten chant while recording the verse and it stuck with me more than I thought it would. Basically just reminding myself and others in similar situations to say “Fuck em” to whoever doesn’t believe in you because at the end of the day, it’s all on you and the way you react and who you listen to.I recall you mentioned someone special in your life, is on your album, who was the woman speaking at the end of your song “These Days”?
That was my mom. She actually wrote the entire piece herself, too. She spoke on the intro of my very first mixtape I put out in 2012 and felt good to bring it back full circle on the album.That’s a super personal touch, I love it. Some of your body of work for “Thank You For the Inconvenience” was made while you were working in London, what was pushing your creativity?
I was working with a lot of really dope artists when I was there. People who see and hear music a little differently than we do here in the states so that definitely opened up my brain to experimenting with new software, different plugins and alternative ways of arranging production. Even writing in ways I had never tried before. It just felt really free – like there were no barriers or standards to creating, which is paradise to an artist.You really worked hard and brought everything you learned and felt into this new album, it’s impressive. If you don’t mind me asking, from hearing about your crazy and busy schedule, how are you handling relationships with people in your life as a traveling artist?
It’s definitely tough. Especially when you actually connect on a deeper mental level and really tune into someone emotionally and intimately. It’s been a learning process but something I’m also grateful for at the end of the day. I enjoy being able to travel the world and create genuine connections with special people who all hold a place in my heart.It’s inspiring that even though it’s difficult, you can find a balance. You sparked my attention with your idea BTS (Behind The Song), when can we expect the release of the first video?
I’m gonna constantly be thinking of new ways to keep the album alive and fresh for as long as possible and this will be a major tool in executing and accomplishing that goal. I’m excited to start putting them out and continue creating more meaning behind the album for those who’ve already listened, as well as new listeners.
