An Interview With The Very Promising and Talented Australian Turned Los Angeles EDM Artist, LOUISE VAN VEENENDAAL!

Meet Louise Van Veenendaal! After performing in numerous well-received musicals and theater productions growing up, at the very young age of 19, she moved away from her home in Australia to New York City to try her hand at the entertainment business. She began her new life in the U.S. by training at the Atlantic Theatre Company developed by David Mamet and William H. Macy.

Louise starred in the hit sold out show The Diva From Down Under, a Cabaret extravaganza in New York City. From her success in her Diva show, a producer scouted her to audition to star in New York Theatre Barn’s production of the new rock musical The Hole playing the rock and rollin Manhattan party girl and sex worker “Nadia”. Going up against some serious broadway talent she won the role.

Then, Van Veenendaal began working with DJ/Producer ‘Johnny James’. Out of their musical collaboration emerged a strong soothing lounge track “Ecstasy”. They also collaborated on a parody song entitled “Mario” which is a fun loving tune about the love for the Nintendo game “Mario Bros”. In 2013 they released a YouTube music video of the track and it very quickly became viral. She is now very well known for her portrayal of ‘Princess Peach’ from that video.

Louise is now busy performing all over Los Angeles and working on releasing new music! Learn more about her in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So, what’s a typical day look like for you lately?

Thank you! Well, it’s been a very busy time lately, at the moment I’m working with a number of bands and recording projects, so I divide my time between my studio and rehearsing or performing with them. I pretty much have a 12 hour day of non stop music.

How’s 2016 been treating you so far? What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you?

2016 is getting more and more exciting. I think I spent last year setting up the ground work and now finally i’m starting to see some of the years of hard work come to fruition. Just working as a vocalist for me is truly amazing. Last year I started looking at myself as a business and building a studio to be able to work out of., attaching big giant bits of foam to my shitty little car and driving down sunset blvd was an experience i’ll never forget! Also seeing video of thousands of people dancing to one of my tracks in Germany was absolutely mind blowing.

Can you talk about your experience on The Voice Australia? What did you learn from being on that show? Would you do it again? Do you currently follow the show today?

I think I learnt a lot about the industry and how difficult it can be to really break through. You have to be really tough and not take things personally. Sometimes thats hard, but I really have learnt to have faith in myself and what I am doing and know that If I work hard it will pay off.

How’s it going with your EDM album? When do you hope to release it? Are you consistently working on it?

It was always my intention to release the album early this year, but by the looks of things the music industry is really moving in the directions of individual single releases. So I’ve actually re-directed my attention that way. Its a really interesting time to be an artist in this industry as this is really a time when its re-defining itself and the power is shifting away from big labels and there is beginning to be room for smaller more independent ones to shine.

What was it like moving to New York from Melbourne when you were just 19 years old?

You know looking back on it now, I think I must have been insane! And I almost gave my parents a heart attack. But I was a very determined young lady I wanted to be the best and be amongst the best. I really think that living in New York and in that creative and cultural melting pot really developed me as both a person and an artist. I learnt a lot of hard lessons and really experienced a lot of amazing and crazy experiences.

Do you think “The Diva From Down Under” still accurately describes you and what you are all about today? Where did that name first come from?

You know the “Diva” will always be a part of me, I always use the word “Diva” in a good way not to describe the kind of crazy Diva… I look at it as a strong confident and dazzling woman, so in that way I always will be the Diva. Now I’m also, the voice lady, wheezy, and of course…. Louise.  I think as I’ve grown I’ve also become more open and vulnerable about my insecurities and I’m allowing myself to go there in my work, and know its ok.

What was it like being in “Vaudeville Slideshow”? Do you ever perform with them now?

Vaudeville Sideshow was a show I created with a business partner, but unfortunately I had to leave the show when I was offered The Voice. I do want to produce more fun audience interaction shows in the future.

You’ve also acted quite a bit. Do you hope to continue? What do you think is your greatest passion?

I do still pursue acting, and that was one of my main focuses in New York. I still dabble in it but I think music is now my primary focus. I wouldn’t turn down a call from Spielberg though if you know what I’m saying! (Laughter)

What artists have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you love to work with in the future?

I’m really inspired by artists who can capture emotion or use there music to give life to an event. Joe Bonamassa, Lady Gaga, Adele, Bette Midler… These are all some of my favorites.

Where can people see you perform next?

I’m performing all around town! So please follow me on social media cause I’m playing somewhere almost every week.

You have worked with a lot of incredible artists, writers and producers. What’s been a favorite person that you’ve worked with in the past?

You know that is a very difficult question, I don’t really have a favorite! Everyone!!! 🙂

What do you think drew you originally to EDM music in particular? at do you think about the artists making EDM Music today? Who do you think is really innovative and trying new things?

I think with me I really enjoyed growing up with the anthems and the creative music of Pink Floyd and Queen.  I just feel like with EDM music, I personally would like to bring that element into the genre. I think its innovative for EDM producers to focus on the entirety of the structure of the song and leave room for the vocal to shine rather than just keep putting so many layers on it. Sometimes simplicity can create contrast and a lot of people writing EDM music don’t see this. I like to collaborate with different ideas and old styles in the new style which is always interesting and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your songs?

I think for me, I hope that I can just instill a sense of being taken away by the music. I feel like music can be like therapy or mood enhancer, and it can uplift you when you are sad or entertain you when your bored or even tell a story. If they can be transported anywhere…. then I’ve done my job.