An Interview With EMPIRE Performer and Rising Singer-Songwriter, V. BOZEMAN!

If you’ve been watching Fox’s hit TV show, Empire, you’ve already been blown away by V. Bozeman’s powerhouse vocals. She performed her song, “What Is Love” on the show, playing the recurring character of Veronika, who happens to be one of the artists signed to Lucious Lyon’s (Terrence Howard) label.

“I’m so connected to this character,” V enthused. “I’m just so connected to her because this whole series, it’s so authentic in the portrayal – in the characters, in the situation, in the industry itself. This girl is so determined to reach her goals as a successful singer in the industry, and no one can stand in the way, and that’s what I relate to.”

The 25 year old was born in South Central Los Angeles has been singing practically since birth and has been working steadily since the age of 19. She has created vocal arrangements for artists like Rihanna, Keri Hilson, Lloyd and Babyface. 

Along with a debut album, V also has music out now with Timbaland and much more on the horizon! Learn all about that and more in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! How was your summer?

The summer was amazing. The connection I’ve made with fans via the success of “What Is Love” & Empire has been a blessing!

I read that you wanted to be a performer ever since you were 5! Can you remember that moment?

Yes. I sang to my mom & knew from that moment I wanted to be a singer. Since then there has never been a back-up plan.

Let’s talk about the hit show, Empire! How did you get to be a part of that show? What’s it been like being on it? Will you be back for season 2?

Empire was an unexpected blessing. My producer & label-chief Timbaland is the Executive Music Producer for the show. He sent my video “Race Jones” to Lee Daniels who loved it right away. Next thing I know, I’m on a plane to Chicago working with Terrance Howard & Taraji P. Henson. I was in a few episodes this season. Episode 2 just aired, featuring the song “Hourglass’ that Terrence penned.

Can you talk about first meeting Timbaland and what that collaboration has meant to you and your career?

I first met Timbaland in studio sessions as a writer. He always said he was going to come back & get me. Once day he just called out of the blue & the journey started.

What’s your duet project with Timbaland, ”Opera Noire” all about? When can we expect your album “Music Is My Boyfriend” to be released? Where did you get the inspiration for the music on it?

Opera Noire is Timbaland’s masterpiece. I’m honored to be a part. My single with Timbaland is called “Smile” is out now & is getting a great response at radio & online.

My album is still in the works but so far I’ve collaborated with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Detail (Grammy-winning writer of “Drunk In Love”), Pooh Bear (Justin Bieber “What Do You Mean”) & others. I’m looking forward to finishing up after my current 25-city tour.

Last night I watched your moving video for your single, “What Is Love”. It’s a powerful video. How creatively were you with it? Can you talk about the writing process behind the song?

The “What Is Love” video was a TEAM V collaborative effort. My director Adam Tillman-Young & my managers Max Gousse & Monica Payne put it together in a 24-hour period to take advantage of the amazing reaction online.  We planned on doing a live video, but the end result turned out even better.

The song was written by Timbaland, Jim Beanz & me. It was magical in the studio that day.

How did you get involved with ZZ Ward’s karaoke duet in the Sing! App by Smule? How many takes did it take to get it down? What was the experience like?

ZZ’s management reached out to my team. As soon as I heard the record, I agreed to do it. It’s such a great song & I loved her performance. I did mine in 1 take. It was fun!! I can’t wait to have my songs up so I can do the same with my fans.

To view this duet, click here: http://www.smule.com/recording/zz-ward-love-3x/433302305_174217881

Who are some of your favorite artists? Who would you love to work with one day? 

Whitney Houston is my all-time favorite. Kendrick Lamar is at the top of the list too.

What do you hope people take away from your music? 

My objective is to share my creativity with fans around the globe & to tour the world sharing the gift of music.