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 small remote town in Australia and never imagined achieving such a prestigious honor.
As a singer/songwriter in the male-dominated dance industry, Vassy is proud to have remained true to herself and to have shown other artists and women that authenticity is key to success. She hopes that 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 her a devoted fan base and critical acclaim. Her dedication to authenticity and individuality has made her a role model for aspiring artists around the world. With this historic win, Vassy has cemented her status as a true icon in the dance music community.
We had the chance to catch up with her and ask those all important questions after receiving the EDMA award in Miami.
How does it feel to be the first woman recognised with the EDMA Icon award?
It’s truly such an honour to be the first woman to win the ICON award. I am proud to lead the path for many other women out there and artists in the Dance space.
I can’t believe that a Greek Aussie girl all the way from a little remote town in Australia, comes to America to pursue her dreams and becomes a Music Icon 🙂
I am proud that I can show other artists and women that you don’t have to be a guy or a DJ and if you remain authentic to yourself it will pay off.
In such a male dominated genre, and DJ Driven industry as an artist in the dance space I stayed authentic to myself, so to receive the 2023 ICON Award being the first woman to do so just reinforces how important it is, to be true to yourself.
Who were the ICONs that you looked up to when starting your journey?
Well I looked up to my Mother, Grandmother and Sister, the strong women around me, who shaped me to be the person I am today. And of course my Father he 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 to me…..
When was your earliest experience or memory of electronic music?
Well technically I refer to electronic music back in the 90s because we were listening to a lot of house music growing up my sister and brother we’re older and they used to have house music on all the time back then artists like Crystal Waters was a fav, Soul to Soul, Robyn S, De La Soul, CmC Music Factory, Black Box, Nomad, KLF…..I mean the old skool dance house acts….
When did you realise you were destined to have such a successful career in music? What was the momentum shifting point?
I think I realised after my father had passed away a friend of mine had submitted a couple of my very first songs I had ever written. I was very depressed at the time but one of those songs got picked up and it became song of the year and played all across the nation in Australia it landed me a major recording contract with universal records. When I left Australia and moved to America I started all over again because no one knew me.
In America it was when I got my very first number one on the Billboard Dance Charts I was the first Australian to get a #1 with a solo record ever in history. That was a monumental moment in my career and then from there I had my multi platinum record I wrote and performed on with David GUETTA and Showtek which exploded and has since had over 2 billion streams but at the time when it came out I just remember thinking wow this is wild everyone is singing the song all over the world a song that 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 main iconic stages with Music Icons such as Tiesto…., these moments really made me feel like wow my art is making an impact on people globally.
What are the crucial factors outside of music to you to be staying so consistent and still writing and creating new fresh music all the time?
I think the crucial factors outside of music would be a balanced personal life and family life and healthy life. Focusing on your body and health and mental health. For me a few years ago I had some health things that came up and although they took my time away from MUSIC it was a blessing in disguise because it has truly taught me to step away from the industry and focus on the really important things. Without your health you have nothing and without your family’s health you have nothing.
And I love the outdoors and nature and I try to do a lot of that and that helps keep me calm and grounded and as a result give me a fresh mind feeling inspired. Many years ago I used to go hard in the studio every day but now I balance it all out. I do not want to be in the studio all the time so that I can come into the studio all motivated with fresh ideas.
Is the motivation different now to when you started? What motivates you today?
Yes 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 the way I used to so I’m able to pick and choose what I’d like to work on now and take my time and really enjoy the art of making my songs.
What can fans expect from Vassy in 2023?
Lots of new music and songs that are definitely authentically VASSY songs. I have shows coming up but for me 2023 is all about the music and the fans.
What would your advice be for future women icons out there?
Be yourself, be true to who you are, don’t be afraid or ashamed to be 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 out there on receiving this award?
Believe in yourself and Be true to who you are because Rejections are Redirections so stick to Plan A … no need for plan B, if you have one you have already compromised plan A.
