Greek-Australian artist Vassy has made history by becoming the first woman to win the EDMA ICON award. Vassy expressed her disbelief and gratitude upon receiving the award, noting that she hails from a remote small town in Australia and never imagined getting such a prestigious honour.
As a singer-songwriter in the male-dominated dance industry, Vassy is proud to have stayed true to herself and shown other artists and women that authenticity is key. success. She hopes her win will inspire others to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in the music industry.
Vassy’s unique approach to dance music has earned him a devoted fanbase and rave reviews. Her dedication to authenticity and individuality has made her a role model for budding artists around the world. With this historic victory, Vassy cemented his status as a true icon in the dance music community.
We had the chance to meet her and ask her all these important questions after receiving the EDMA award in Miami.
How does it feel to be the first woman to be honored with the EDMA Icon award?
It is truly such an honor to be the first woman to win the ICON award. I am proud to pave the way for many other women and artists in the dance space.
I can’t believe that a Greek Aussie girl from a remote small town in Australia is coming to America to pursue her dreams and become a music icon 🙂
I’m proud to be able to show other artists and women that you don’t have to be a guy or a DJ and if you stay authentic with yourself it will pay off.
In such a male-dominated genre and industry DJ Driven as an artist in the dance space, I’ve stayed true to myself, so to receive the 2023 ICON award by being the first woman to do so only reinforces how important it is to be true to yourself.
What were the ICONS you admired at the start of your journey?
Well, I looked up to my mother, my grandmother and my sister, the strong women around me, who shaped me to be the person I am today. And of course my dad was my true No1 icon, bless his soul, we lost him 20 years ago, but he taught me the importance of hard work. In terms of music, I was inspired by artists like Billie Holiday, Tina Turner, Erykah Badu, Crystal Waters, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaught, Shirley Horn, Astrud and Bebel Gilberto, Eartha Kit and so on…. …. these ladies were iconic tome…..
When was your first experience or memory of electronic music?
Well technically I’m referring to electronic music in the 90s because we listened to a lot of house music growing up, my sister and my brother, we’re older and they used to have house music all the time back then artists like Crystal Waters were a fav, Soul to Soul, Robyn S, De La Soul, CmC Music Factory, Black Box, Nomad, KLF…..I mean old skool dance bands ….
When did you realize you were destined to have such a successful career in music? What was the point of momentum change?
I think I realized after my dad passed away that a friend of mine submitted some of my very first songs I ever wrote. I was very depressed at the time, but one of those songs got covered and it became the song of the year and was played all over the country in Australia. It landed me a major record deal with Universal Records. When I left Australia and moved to America, I started all over again because nobody knew me.
In America, it was when I got my very first number one on the Billboard Dance Charts that I was the first Aussie to get a number 1 with a solo record in history. It was a monumental moment in my career and then from there I had my multi-platinum record that I wrote and performed with David GUETTA and Showtek which exploded and has since had over 2 billion streams but when it came out i just remember thinking wow this is crazy everyone sings the song all over the world a song i had written in less than an hour….who would have known . I also had other highlights like winning prestigious music awards over the years and performing on the main iconic stages with music icons such as Tiesto…., those moments really made me feel like my art has an impact on people all over the world.
What are the crucial factors outside of the music to stay so consistent and keep writing and creating new music all the time?
I think the crucial factors apart from music would be a balanced personal and family life and a healthy life. Focus on your body, your health and your sanity. For me a few years ago I had some health issues that surfaced and although they took my time away from MUSIC it was a blessing in disguise as it really taught me to walk away industry and focus on the really important things. Without your health, you have nothing and without the health of your family, you have nothing.
And I love the outdoors and nature and I try to do a lot of that and it helps keep me calm and grounded and therefore gives me a fresh and inspired mind. Many years ago I used to go hard in the studio every day, but now I balance everything. I don’t want to be in the studio all the time so I can go into the studio all motivated with new ideas.
Is the motivation different now than when you started? What motivates you today?
Yeah, I’m definitely motivated by different things today than I was years ago. I want peace and a balanced life surrounded by positive people only around me. I guess I don’t have to work like I used to, so I can choose what I’d like to work on now and take my time and really enjoy the art of making my songs.
What can Vassy fans expect in 2023?
Lots of new music and songs that are definitely authentic VASSY songs. I have gigs coming up, but for me, 2023 is all about the music and the fans.
What advice would you give to future female icons?
Be yourself, be true to who you are, don’t be afraid or ashamed of being a woman, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or don’t want. Be a BOSS but not Bossy. Surround yourself with people who respect you and believe in you.
What is your message for artists and creatives by receiving this award?
Believe in yourself and be true to who you are because rejections are redirects, so stick to plan A…no need for plan B, if you have one you have already compromised plan A.
