‘Skin Deep’ is the latest track from London based, rising alt-pop star Viji, aka Vanilla Jenner. The third track to be taken from her upcoming ‘Cali’ EP due for 11 March via Dirty Hit, ‘Skin Deep’ is a tender exploration of the push-and-pull of a failing relationship, set to Viji’s more sombre sounds to date. Exploring a different side to the singer’s talents, it’s an exciting hint at what’s to come from ‘Cali’, which has already boasted the lo-fi electronica of its title-track and the confident, swaggering indie rock of latest single ‘Mercy‘ and single of the same name ‘Cali‘. Her latest single ‘Mercy’ has also received a number of BBC Radio 1 plays from Jack Saunders and BBC Introducing’s Jess Iszatt.
‘Skin Deep’ is released alongside a self-shot and edited video created by Viji herself. With lyrics like ‘I feel so terribly shallow, but I am sinking / I think nobody knows I’ve been running in circles’, the music video continues to highlight how Viji explores the DIY aesthetics and perfectly reflecting the stripped-back and raw tone of the track itself. “The video is like the song, simple and intimate. It’s a collection of camcorder footage, fleeting images of one of those days where the world lies heavy on your shoulders. A big chunk of this I filmed with friends, and we actually had a really great day. It all evens out.”
Watch the music video for ‘Skin Deep’ directed by Viji herself here:
She shares her experience of making the song, “I wrote Skin Deep one evening while in the studio recording my second EP. It was one of those songs that just came out. Personal and intimate. We almost recorded it the next day, I think we were just excited about how simple it is and how it didn’t need to sound full. The lyrics will relate to anybody that gives a lot for what they are passionate about”.
In addition to the release of ‘Skin Deep’, Viji also announced that she will be performing her first ever live show, a headline performance at London’s Dream Bags Jaguar Shows on 11th March. This is also a bonus to her set to appear and perform for DIY Alive Festival and Sonic Wave Festivalv in London and Birmingham respectively.
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