Seattle-based singer-songwriter V. Contreras recently released her latest single/music video, “Done Playing Small,” a song about reconnecting with the young girl within her who was strong and vibrant before the world made her curtail her dreams, ambitions, and, ultimately, her self-worth.
“It’s about reclaiming your power, rewriting personal narratives, and deciding not to live by someone else’s definition of who you should be. I hope that this message inspires others to do the same,” explains Contreras.
Contreras’ first performance took place when she was 12: she performed with a 25-piece jazz band. Later she worked with music legend Randy Jackson as well as renowned songwriters and producers who have collaborated with industry giants from Madonna and Whitney Houston to Brandi Carlile, and Macklemore.
The video, directed by Fuego Gatsby, shot in black and white, depicts a lost young girl looking for validation, a teenager leaving a bad situation, a bride whose happiness has been thwarted, and other women ready for personal liberation. Contreras herself is transformed throughout the video as she shifts from a black-garbed figure surrounded by darkness to a white-robed figure enveloped in gossamer while the film explodes into full color. She throws handfuls of dirt – a rejection of all the voices that tried to clip her wings.
Guitar Girl Magazine caught up with V. Contreras to toss random questions her way for our latest Short & Sweet interview.
Top 3 songs of all time?
‘I Won’t Back Down’ – Tom Petty, ‘Blue Bayou’ – Linda Ronstadt, ‘Back to Black’ – Amy Winehouse.
What are three words that describe you?
Strong, kind, loyal.
Favorite movie?
‘True Romance.’
What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?
Having several of the same friends for 20+ years and being able to evolve on our own but still have the same bond.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Dog, but I love all animals and have two Pomeranians.
Gibson guitars or Fender guitars?
Gibson.
What kind of guitar do you play?
Epiphone Les Paul Classic Electric – Ebony. I’m pretty bad but it’s fun!
What’s your definition of tone?
I’m a singer first so in reference to vocals, I’d say that tone is how you use your voice to convey an emotion.
What’s the most random fact you know?
I have pretty, great-looking feet.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A singer, a lawyer, and sometimes a brain surgeon.
Favorite drink and food?
Woodfire Traditional Neapolitan Pizza with buffalo cheese and extra basil.
What’s something you know isn’t real but wish existed?
Time travel.
What is something that no one else seems to care very much about but makes you crawl the walls?
Blanket statements. The world and the humans who populate it are extremely nuanced. People forget this and try to put people in boxes, and it causes so much division, particularly around politics. Take out the blanket statements and ask questions and you’ll see that you probably have more in common with just about anyone than you think.
Must-have on your rider?
Sparkly water + Liquid IV.
What is one thing you’re good at that people don’t expect?
A debate.
If you could have dinner with any musician (dead or alive), who would it be?
Leonard Cohen.
What smell transports you to another time and place?
Lavender.
What’s your favorite article of clothing that you own?
My Yomisma Duster in Carmen Print.
What’s something you’re proud you’ve never done?
Hard drugs.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, other?
iPhone.
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