Victoria Owsnett is one of Newcastle’s emerging power women, as well as being a solo artist and front woman of synth-soaked band AXLS. Her most recent solo release is single ‘Strings’, its release being the perfect occasion to have a brief chat with Victoria and get to know her a little better!
Where do you find new music?
I find new music in lots of different places. For mainstream stuff, I like to check the new releases section of my music app. I’ve found some great bands doing that, such as Nothing But Thieves, Glass Animals and Vaults. For local stuff, I like to listen to BBC Intro and to playlists curated by people from the local music scene. I’ve found amazing artists like Future Humans x Afnan Prince, ZELA and Hivemind.
Coming across new music by chance is the best way to find new favourites. Fickle Friends (one of the greatest bands ever, in my humble opinion) came up on a YouTube ad one day. I think that was the first time I ever watched a full YouTube ad. I heard ‘We Appreciate Power’ by Grimes while out shopping and then I couldn’t stop listening to her stuff. I love a good Shazam find when out and about!
What is your favourite place to listen and write music?
Listening to music while driving or walking somewhere is always a good way to make the journey go quicker and get psyched up for whatever you’re travelling to. I also like listening to music when I’m with friends and we all contribute to the playlist. It’s nice to see what other people are listening to and it’s a good way to find new artists.
When I write my solo stuff I like to be at my desk. I’ve managed to put together a mini studio space in my bedroom and mostly work from there. There is the odd time when I’ll be doing some mundane task and lyrics will just enter my head. I have a song in the works which came about while I was washing dishes!
When I’m working with my band, AXLS, we prefer to write when we’re all together in a rehearsal space. Bouncing ideas off each other is the best way to work.
What activity are you unable to do without music?
Driving, for sure. I have a playlist with all my new favourites and I play this when driving anywhere. You can’t beat a long drive while singing along to some absolute bangers. I guarantee I have been caught on dash cam, singing passionately to Miley Cyrus.
I also need to listen to music when at the gym (a rare occurrence). Something about Post Malone’s husky voice makes running so much less painful.
What are your favourite things to do besides music?
When I’m not making music in my spare time, you can usually find me playing games on my PC or out with friends. Since going out with friends isn’t a very common occurrence these days, I’ve resorted to putting too many hours into games like Killing Floor 2 and Detroit: Become Human.
I’m so looking forward to clubs reopening at some point in the future. I love a good 2am dance with friends! Now that the scene is starting up again, I’m hoping to see some live music again soon too.
In no particular order:
Current Top 10 Songs?
Fickle Friends – Amateurs
Future Humans x Afnan Prince – Saltburn
Miley Cyrus – Midnight Sky
Glass Animals – Heatwaves
Moodbay – Like Nobody Else
Bring Me The Horizon – Parasite Eve
Holy Braille – Murder She Spoke
ZELA – I Think I Might’ve Killed Someone
Sapien Trace – Precipice
Doja Cat – Juicy
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