Victoria Monét Dishes on Being a 7x Grammy Nominated Artist and Setting Intentions For 2024
Written by Gary Trust on December 28, 2023
You can’t look back on 2023 and not think of Victoria Monét.
The talented singer, songwriter and performer has been making waves in the music industry with her soulful voice and captivating lyrics and there is no stopping her. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Monét discovered her passion for music at a young age and has since become a rising star in the R&B and Pop genres. Her smooth and sultry vocals convey raw emotions through her music with a unique ability. Victoria’s songs often touch on themes of love, empowerment, and self-expression, resonating with listeners on a deep level while being introspective and thought-provoking. Each track always showcases her ability to craft meaningful and relatable storytelling.
In addition to her solo career, Victoria Monét has also made a name for herself as a highly sought-after songwriter. She has collaborated with numerous artists, including Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony and Nas, lending her pen game to create chart-topping hits. Monét’s versatility as a songwriter allows her to explore different musical styles which highlight her creativity and adaptability. One of Monét’s notable achievements is her critically acclaimed EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 1. Released in 2014, the EP reflected her artistry early on and garnered praise for its soulful sound. Since then, she has continued to release music that epitomizes her growth as an artist with each project pushing her boundaries. Her recent hit “On My Mama” shook the table and instantly became a cultural reset. You couldn’t swipe on a social media app without hearing the hit on the timeline. The song was released on her debut studio album Jaguar II, which fans can’t get enough of.
Beyond her musical talents, Victoria Monét has also become known for her advocacy and activism. She uses her platform to speak out on social issues that promote inclusivity and empowerment. Monét’s dedication to using her voice for positive change has earned her a loyal and supportive fan base. Without a doubt, Victoria Monét is a talented singer, songwriter and performer who continues to make a significant impact in the music industry. With her gifted voice, sickening pen game, and commitment to using her platform for positive change, Monét is a rising star to watch as a standout artist in today’s music scene.
We caught up with the recently bestowed seven-time Grammy-nominated singer at the Meta Sonic Listening Party during Miami Art Basel. The event was a celebration of Meta’s “It’s Your World” campaign, where Victoria dishes to EBONY about how she’s feeling at the moment, her personal versus on-stage style and t tips for living our best lives.
EBONY: How are you feeling right now? Mentally, spiritually, physically?
Victoria Monet: Right now, I feel awesome. I feel privileged and lucky to be here. I’m literally sitting on a yacht in Miami right now. So I feel really, really good.
So, you went from an incomparable songwriter to an artist who received seven Grammy nominations and a number-one hit. In three words, how does that make you feel?
Um…”oh my god.” Those are the three words I would use. I’ve been using them a lot lately because even though you work hard for something, nothing in life is guaranteed. I’m just really happy to be where I am. I know that I put in my 10,000 plus hours but I’m still “oh my god” -ing!
How would you describe or define your personal style versus your on-stage style?
My personal style is very driven by comfort. I would wear comfortable, cozy, baggy clothing, like cozy socks when I’m at home. When I’m just running to the grocery store or something, it’s probably the same thing except in jean form, like baggy jeans and a crop top. Then on stage, I feel a bit more flashy so you’re going to get sparkles, tight clothing, maybe skin, mostly naked and heels. So, it’s kind of like being a completely different person.
What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
Ooh. I can’t think about 2024 without thinking about the Grammys. It’s one of the first events that I’ll be going to, so I eat, sleep, and breathe thinking about that when I wake up and when I go to sleep. But also I’m excited to tour again. I’m really excited to get back in the studio and make another album. I’m excited for my daughter to turn three, which is crazy. I want to celebrate her. She’s talking so much more and I’m excited for the conversations we’re going to have next year and all the laughs she’s going to give me. But yeah a lot of exciting things for ‘24.
Are there any collaborations on your wish list that you’ve been dying to do?
Yes. Beyoncé, Sade and I would love a collaboration with Drake. I also love a lot of the new artists that are out. I would love to collaborate with Tyla. Also Janet [Jackson]. I feel like I’m naming my idols. I would love to collaborate with them in any way.
How do you set your intentions and manifest the things you want for the future?
The best way that I’ve been able to manifest things is to write them down. I like to write them down so that I have a direction. I think of it like typing an address into a GPS and then I have to go there. So, I write it down and then I work for it. I pray about it as well. A lot of good things that have happened to me happened to me because I believed that they could. It’s also about my mindset. So, positive thinking, positive affirmations, and not letting any negative thoughts sit in your mind.
What are some tips you’d give to the girls behind the music who want to make their way to becoming an artist from songwriters?
I would say to think of it as if you’re already an artist because you are. Anytime you create something out of nothing, it’s art. That’s what songwriting is. If you operate in the mindset of an artist, you’re not just a “songwriter” that’s beneath any artist; you’re just as much of an artist already, so you move with that intention and you also value every single relationship. Treat everyone in the room— from the engineer, to the runner in the studio— the same.
Also just work hard. It takes 10,000 hours like I was saying earlier to get just good at something, It’s going to take the work, but it’s also about your personality, your mindset and realizing that you’re already there. You have to visualize yourself already where you want to be.
How do you think Meta tech can help emerging artists enhance their artistic expression?
I think the Meta Quest 3 is so special. We are constantly advancing technologically and I think the Meta Quest 3 is another way that is really keeping us current and well, actually, thinking forward and finding new ways to integrate learning. There are a lot of people who just learn differently, so with the Meta Quest 3, their apps are able to reach people who maybe don’t want to learn from a book. There are visual learners and fully immersive learners, so I think it’s touching so many more people that may not have had an interest in something otherwise. I’m excited for people to just get their hands on it. I feel privileged to have played with one so I want to share it with friends and family and be like, “Have you guys seen this?” The more people are aware of all of the opportunities within Meta Quest 3, I think people would just be drawn in and want to learn more. So, I’m excited.
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