Veronica Fusaro Interview
With a sunny disposition and sleek execution, the new single Slot Machine out now from singer-songwriter Veronica Fusaro is an addictive sonic ode to real-world modern addictions; an effusive blend of alt pop and modern rock that also signals a brand new creative chapter for the talented Swiss-born artist.
Opening with a jangly swagger, à la other confectionary earworms like Portugal. The Man.'s Feel It Still, Slot Machine quickly takes shape as a confident and enigmatic ode to digital addiction. Dominantly channelling the likes of Vasco Rossi, Black Pumas, Alabama Shakes and Avril Lavigne, Veronica Fusaro's masterful vocals perfectly thread the underlying musical elements, emerging with an infectious yet meaningful creation that also acts as a delectable entreè to her, as yet unnamed, upcoming second album. "I took it back to my roots with this one," Fusaro shares. "I was listening to a lot of the rock music that I grew up with when I wrote this song. The song is about the little 'magic box' we all carry with us - our phones - and the constant stream of entertainment and information they provide. I realized how dangerously addictive they can be, almost like a slot machine, constantly pulling us in. It tells us what to think, what to wear, what to watch, how to look etc... The song is a reflection on that relationship and how even with all that entertainment, all that content I do not feel content at all. Therefore the: oh no, help me! Why do I feel so down?".
An artist passionately honest and curious, with unwavering focus on lyricism and the power that music can impart, Veronica Fusaro amassed an international team to bring Slot Machine to life, with some fitting connections to her own heritage, born to a Swiss mother and an Italian father. "I wrote the song myself and sent a demo to Kim Wennerstrøm, a Swedish songwriter and producer based in Berlin, who handled the production and mixing," explains Fusaro. "The mastering was done by Jonas W. Karlsson from Finland."
Armed with powerful vocals, an inbuilt gift for storytelling and hues of alternative pop, soul, rock and more, Veronica Fusaro recently enamoured with her 2023 debut full length All the Colours of the Sky. Reaching #5 on Swiss charts, All the Colours of the Sky also come amongst Fusaro ticking off over 500 live performances, including opening for Dire Straits legend Mark Knopfler, performing on the iconic stages of Glastonbury Festival, at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, and closing out 2023 with a sold out appearance in Zurich. With a formidable live presence, Fusaro seamlessly balances joy with powerful undertones in her incredible sonic output; and her driving passion stems from finding a love for music at an early age as well as a gift for fusing her inspiration into her music. "Great music makes me tick, but really it could be anything," Fusaro reveals. "A conversation I have with a stranger or a good friend, something I see on TV, something I read, something I observe… anything really. And I somehow feel the need to transform this inspiration into words and music. I'm not the best talker, so I guess music is the way I get to communicate and feel safe and good about what I feel. And I got into music as a little kid, I just always enjoyed singing, eventually started playing guitar and writing songs in 4th/5th grade and well… here I am today!".
With plans set for 2025 to release a follow up to her debut 2023 album, All the Colours of the Sky, Fusaro's first step into this brand new era is vividly heralded by Slot Machine; and there is definitely plenty of magic set to come from Veronica Fusaro going into 2025. "It feels strange to be releasing this new single, but in a very exciting way," Fusaro concludes. "I'm definitely a bit nervous since it's been a while since I've released new music, but I'm also really proud of Slot Machine. It's the first chapter of a project that I'm incredibly passionate about. I really can't wait for everyone to hear it."
Slot Machine is out now
Veronica Fusaro Interview
How would you describe your music?
Handmade pop music, blending alt pop, rock, and soul. At the heart of it all is the song"where melodies and lyrics come together in perfect harmony.
Can you tell us about your new song Slot Machine?
To me, Slot Machine is about the pixel-perfect world created by social media and the way it shapes how we think and live. I describe the emptiness and dissatisfaction that comes from constant consumption - never truly making me happy. The song is a cry for deeper meaning in a world shaped by both abstract and literal superficiality. This was the first song I wrote for my second album, and it marked the end of a long writer's block"so it feels especially rewarding to have written it and now share it with the world as the first chapter of my new album!
What inspired Slot Machine?
The first and only time I heard the analogy of slot machines being compared to phones was while watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix. When you use a slot machine, you never know when you'll hit the next jackpot. The same applies to scrolling on social media: you never know when the next funny or interesting post will appear. So, you keep scrolling, hoping for that next rewarding moment to pop up on your screen. That's why it's so addictive"our brains crave those brief hits of dopamine.
Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Hmm, it really depends. I love being tucked away in the studio, crafting something from scratch. The feeling of finishing a song is pure joy"it's almost like the happiness you feel as a kid. But I also love standing on stage and performing those songs live. Right now, I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle.
Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?
We've been working on a stripped down set with the band for an exclusive concert, and playing "I Don't Remember (You)" is so much fun. I really love the arrangement we made for that song. It makes me feel very confident.
What motivates you most when writing music?
I'm not sure if motivation is the right word for why I write. It's just something I do"it's a part of my life, and I can't imagine not writing. I need to get these thoughts off my chest, and I love the process of building a song. I guess the motivation comes from the love I have for music. Yeah, let's go with that.
Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Big time obsessed with Chappell Roan at the moment. haven't been this excited about pop music in quite a while. Love the songwriting, her vocals, artistic vision… all of it!! Also, I've been listening to Mk.gee a lot. His music is so interesting without being overwhelming or tiring. It really moves something in me.
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Mk.gee or Chappell Roan!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be quite challenging as a musician. It's important to shut off your phone sometimes"actually, for me, it's crucial. I catch myself checking emails way too often, so I've learned that putting the phone away helps keep things in balance.
What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
That I get to do what I love most and make sort of a living out of it.
What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters or artists?
Easier said than done, but really be yourself. Don't try to run after trends, just make the music you truly love to make.
What's next, for you?
My second album. Preparations for the album release tour. The Slot Machine music video… stuff like that :)
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