Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Vinesto

Emerging pop sensation Vinesto is music’s next big artist. Since bursting onto the scene, he’s caught the eyes of tastemakers including Clash, Billboard, Wonderland, and Grammy-nominated producer Tommy Brown.

Early next year, the up-and-coming talent will drop his highly-anticipated debut album, and he’s giving a glimpse of what’s to come with his latest single “Both Ways”.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Vinesto about his craft, “Both Ways”, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Vinesto: I found that music was a way for me to escape everything that was going on—things I wasn’t prepared to face. I first discovered my passion for it when I got really submerged in it around the age of twelve. It was everything that I needed to get me through boarding school.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Vinesto: Nicholas Cooper had a massive impact on my career. He truly believed in me and saw my potential. He was the only person who could see through me. He understood me like no one ever has. He was the person who helped me start in music and launch my career.

PC: You’ve collaborated with some heavyweights in the industry. How have those experiences shaped the artist that you are today?
Vinesto: Working with people who are established in the industry taught me so much about how it works. It allowed me to become a better artist. Working with them in the studio was incredible. They shared so many stories with me about other artists that I loved. They taught me about the ins and outs of the music business.

PC: You’ve been incredibly vulnerable in your craft. Has that ever been a scary prospect?
Vinesto: Being vulnerable has always been insanely scary for me because as I was growing up that was the only thing I didn’t want to be. I saw vulnerability as a weakness and never wanted to show it. Working on my album let me realize that being vulnerable is actually a strength because it lets other people understand who you are. It is still terrifying for me to be vulnerable, but I am trying to be more open to it.

PC: Tell us about your new single “Both Ways” and the inspiration behind the song.
Vinesto: “Both Ways” is all about being unsure of the path of life you are willing to take. It’s about being confused about your identity as well as your place in life. The inspiration behind this song comes from my past experiences in boarding school. Growing up alone, I had the opportunity to shape my life exactly how I wanted to, but it wasn’t always easy because I didn’t really understand who I was until I was much older.

PC: You’re gearing up to release your debut album in early 2022. What can fans expect? What do you hope to convey as an artist?
Vinesto: I hope that people will be able to relate to this album. All the songs are about my past experiences and about things that have kept me up all night over the past few years. It is an album that is incredibly close to my heart, and I truly hope people will be able to feel how much it means to me.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Vinesto: Nina Simone.

PC: First album you bought?
Vinesto: Demi Lovato’s Tell Me You Love Me.

PC: First concert you attended?
Vinesto: Demi Lovato. [laughs] I’m a big fan.

PC: An album that changed your life?
Vinesto: Troye Sivan’s Blue Neighbourhood.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Vinesto: London’s O2 Arena is my dream.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Vinesto: Friends and a good playlist.

To keep up with Vinesto, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Listen or pick up “Both Ways” today.