Vila had a strong kickoff to 2020 by releasing “Why,” a duet with Jacquees. It set the stage for a larger project to be released in summer 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced uncomfortable changes in every sector of society, including music.
In terms of the music industry, it disrupted how projects are rolled out. Artists often share their new music by doing multiple live performances, listening parties and meet-and-greet events across the country to help promote their work. But with the global pandemic, most albums have been forced to be promoted virtually. Vila shared how she made the adjustment for her latest project, Deception SZN (season) 1.
“The rollout now for the project is mainly digital,” she explained. “Hopefully, when things start opening back up, we can do shows. It’s a little difficult. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I want to do digital performances for now. At some point, I would like to do in-person shows where people practice social distancing and wear a mask. It’s a little risky.”
While the pandemic has forced a change in terms of social interaction, COVID-19 can’t cancel love. With Deception SZN (season) 1, Vila’s five-song collection pairs her powerful voice with hip-hop samples, offering a strong platform for her autobiographical songs of love and betrayal.
But even with offering her gifts through song, Vila knows that it will take more than the backing of the powerful Roc Nation brand and the Bronx’s remarkable music history to get to where she wants to be in her career. She’s willing to put in the work now to achieve the success most artists covet.
“The biggest misconception is that once you get signed is that you will automatically blow up,” Vila said. “Once you get signed, that’s the beginning. You have to prove to everyone that you are different from other artists. It’s stressful but worth it.”
Story by A.R. Shaw
Images by JD Barnes
