NYC’s Queen V Talks Stevie Nicks, Nickname, And New Video “Alone”

This New York rocker is basically a known-name in every upstate household.  Her brand new song, “Alone”, written by Queen V and multiple Grammy-winner Chad Carlson will be available on her upcoming release, Bridges Vol. 3.  In addition to songwriting credit, Carlson also co-produced the track with Queen V. “Alone” will be released on Royal Noise, LLC later this year. 

We had the honor of interviewing Queen V and learning everything about her career so far:

Q: What is the history behind your stage name “Queen V”. Was that a nickname?

V: “I have always believed in the importance of self-empowerment.  Calling myself “Queen V” was the perfect way to own my artistic choices, to consistently challenge myself to raise the bar, and (at the time), to make a bold statement as a female particularly in the world of Rock. My friends do call me “V” though, which is short for Veronica. “

Q: If you could only play one of your songs, which would you choose?

V: “Wow, that is a tough question! I would have to choose “Honest” which I co-wrote with Billy Dean. The lyrics and the chill vibe always feel good to me, no matter the mood or time of day. Personally, it also reminds me of that moment when you realize you can totally be yourself with that special someone. That being said, “Alone” is a very close second. Chad Carlson and I wrote that song in New York City well before the pandemic, wanting to address the helplessness you feel from the outside looking in watching someone deal with their own personal internal strife. Feels more timely than ever!”

Q: Tell us about your amazing new video “Alone”.

V: “Thanks so much, I am so glad you enjoy it! The “Alone” video was directed, filmed and edited by the amazing Brooklyn based filmmaker Jeff Musillo, who did an incredible job creating the visuals and collaborating on the storyline and overall concept. Jeff translated what was in my head to the big screen and merged it with his technical expertise and art house sensibilities. Vastness was a key element and the major motivator to creating the right look, wanting the feel of being isolated yet truly embraced by one’s surroundings, much like in the book Where The Crawdads Sing. I could not be prouder of this song and video, the entire process was truly one of the greatest creative experiences of my life.”

Q: If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

V: “Another tough question! I would have to say Stevie Nicks, I have been a fan of hers my whole life so that would be a surreal experience. In a more modern era, I would love to jam with The Highwomen. Those ladies are a force of nature!”

Q: What has been your favorite experience so far on stage?

V: “My first arena show was opening for Bon Jovi, and it was a crazy feeling to be onstage at my home venue where I’d seen my first concert as a kid. All those years later, there I was on that same big stage looking out into the audience, and everyone seemed so far away! That experience had such an impact on me in so many ways as a performer and as a professional. Even just watching Jon and the band sound check was a revelation, and they couldn’t have been any nicer to us.”

Q: Do you think your experience in New York, home of some of the greats, influenced your own music?

V: “Absolutely. I have always loved the City, having lived in and around it my entire life. I definitely absorbed influences from all the different types of music, fashion, food and culture, it is in the water and it is in everything… everywhere, all the time. And because the city is inherently everchanging, it has a direct connection to me as an artist. I came up at a time when the music scene was incredibly vibrant, cutting my teeth on stages at venues like Don Hills, The Bitter End and CBGBs to name a few. I feel very lucky to have seen so many great shows at venues big and small, and to have performed on many seminal stages, though some no longer exist.”

Q: After this pandemic goes away, what are your plans for your music future?

V: “I’m planning to resume the Spring Fling/Fall Ball events, hopefully at their original home, The Cutting Room. Those shows were an all-evening affair, starting out with performances by singer-songwriters, transitioning to a big rock show with my full 8-piece band, which turns into a dance party, all with a very diverse crowd. I also plan to finish and release the long-awaited forthcoming album, Bridges Vol. 3. “Alone” and “Honest” are included in that album, and I’m looking forward to getting back in the studio with Chad and my band.”

Q:Where can we follow your incredible journey?

V: “You can go to QueenV.com, subscribe on YouTube and follow on all the socials… and of course I’d be honored if you were to join my mailing list, the Royal Court!”