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Life In Pictures: V. Contreras

- by Jason Tang - 1 Comment

Life In Pictures is a semi-regular feature on Guerrilla Candy that chronicles moments throughout a big performance day for one of our favorite musicians or bands.

On April 11th, I had the pleasure of shadowing one of my favorite local songstresses, V. Contreras, as she prepared for her highly anticipated record release show at The Triple Door that evening.  Over the years, the classically trained vocalist has been featured with Seattle Rock Orchestra, Patsy Cline’s Sweet Dreams tribute, and Hootenanny for a Healthy Gulf among many other special events.

For her record release show, V. was joined on stage by many talented local musicians, many of whom also performed on her self-titled album (Rebecca Young – bass, Jeff Fielder – guitar, Aaron O’Neill – drums, William Stover – keys, Katy Cornell / Sonya Howard / Taryn Webber – background vocals, Eric Padget – trumpet, Tom Yoder – trombone, Andrew Joslyn Orchestra, and Martin Feveyear – who also produced / engineered / mixed / mastered the album).  Lively and Melodic Caring Project were on hand to record audio and video of this special night.  You can download the Lively app on your mobile device and follow the link to purchase the live audio (and video coming soon).  V. Contreras’ self-titled album can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon, or at your local record store.

 

Words by V. Contreras | Photos by Jason Tang

I recall being nervous that morning, as I thought about the release concert that night and having my music in the world for the first time. I always start a performance day with exercises to quiet my mind. That might be in the form of a walk, a good book, a long call with a friend or here, where I just snuck off to a quiet place in my building. I love the look and feel of re-purposed wood and furniture. Their pores speak.
I recall being nervous that morning, as I thought about the release concert that night and having my music in the world for the first time. I always start a performance day with exercises to quiet my mind. That might be in the form of a walk, a good book, a long call with a friend or here, where I just snuck off to a quiet place in my building. I love the look and feel of re-purposed wood and furniture. Their pores speak.

 

That night, I was performing Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” for the first time. I always feel like if I lock in the lyrics of a good song in the morning, they will stick with me and inspire me through the day.
That night, I was performing Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” for the first time. I always feel like if I lock in the lyrics of a good song in the morning, they will stick with me and inspire me through the day.

 

I love clean, modern lines and no clutter. I guess I try to minimize distractions so I can concentrate to all the shit going on in my mind, even if that means our house looks a bit sterile. Ed and I got married on the tiny fishing island Isla Mujeres 6 years ago.
I love clean, modern lines and no clutter. I guess I try to minimize distractions so I can concentrate to all the shit going on in my mind, even if that means our house looks a bit sterile. Ed and I got married on the tiny fishing island Isla Mujeres 6 years ago.

 

Café Torino is right across the street from my building and they serve great Italian coffee. I think of my sister who lives in Italy every time I go there. I’m admittedly a big texter. I think I was messaging Billy Stover (my piano player) who sent me a thoughtful, nerve-calming text that morning.
Café Torino is right across the street from my building and they serve great Italian coffee. I think of my sister who lives in Italy every time I go there. I’m admittedly a big texter. I think I was messaging Billy Stover (my piano player) who sent me a thoughtful, nerve-calming text that morning.

 

Most of my album was written in this car. My favorite thing to do is take off in one direction by myself and just write. I write with voice notes into my phone, lyrics and melodies. I rarely write lyrics on a computer. I try to avoid being in the driver’s seat for short distances and in those cases I walk, take Über or convince Ed to drive me.
Most of my album was written in this car. My favorite thing to do is take off in one direction by myself and just write. I write with voice notes into my phone, lyrics and melodies. I rarely write lyrics on a computer. I try to avoid being in the driver’s seat for short distances and in those cases I walk, take Über or convince Ed to drive me.

 

Heels. I’m always in heels; even my tennis shoes have heels. This lounge jacket is my new obsession; I’ve been wearing it to every sound check and rehearsal for the past few months. It’s become like a Snuggie to me.
Heels. I’m always in heels; even my tennis shoes have heels. This lounge jacket is my new obsession; I’ve been wearing it to every sound check and rehearsal for the past few months. It’s become like a Snuggie to me.

 

My favorite horn-induced song is Steve Wonder’s Superstition. Songs with horns sound like happiness and sex and I wanted both on my album. Eric (Padget) and Tom (Yoder) played on my album and at my release concert. That is Martin Feveyear on the right, who produced the album. He’s always multi-tasking.
My favorite horn-induced song is Steve Wonder’s Superstition. Songs with horns sound like happiness and sex and I wanted both on my album. Eric (Padget) and Tom (Yoder) played on my album and at my release concert. That is Martin Feveyear on the right, who produced the album. He’s always multi-tasking.

 

Strings have the ability to add fears or tears to any score. The Andrew Joslyn Orchestra sounded impeccable that night. Andrew is the man behind all of the string and horns arrangements on my album. His work speaks to me in the same way that Paul Riser’s do.
Strings have the ability to add fears or tears to any score. The Andrew Joslyn Orchestra sounded impeccable that night. Andrew is the man behind all of the string and horns arrangements on my album. His work speaks to me in the same way that Paul Riser’s do.

 

Having my makeup done is like getting a massage to me. I love my makeup artist, Michelle Martineau (photo taken at Gene Juarez downtown). We have shared lots of laughs and crazy circumstances together while creating music videos and promotional photos together.
Having my makeup done is like getting a massage to me. I love my makeup artist, Michelle Martineau (photo taken at Gene Juarez downtown). We have shared lots of laughs and crazy circumstances together while creating music videos and promotional photos together.

 

Michael Angelo Ledezma has magic hands. He is also one of my dearest friends. I can always count on him for a good laugh or a dose of honesty. We are both totally neurotic about our work, which provides some good laughs. He came to my hotel room at The W to do my hair and the Tourettes’ (my amazing background singers) hair.
Michael Angelo Ledezma has magic hands. He is also one of my dearest friends. I can always count on him for a good laugh or a dose of honesty. We are both totally neurotic about our work, which provides some good laughs. He came to my hotel room at The W to do my hair and the Tourettes’ (my amazing background singers) hair.

 

We had 21 musicians on the stage that night, incredible. I start every big show with a toast. Not for the champagne, but for that quiet moment that everyone shares right before drinking it. It’s like a universal form of prayer.
We had 21 musicians on the stage that night, incredible. I start every big show with a toast. Not for the champagne, but for that quiet moment that everyone shares right before drinking it. It’s like a universal form of prayer.

 

We were singing “Gasoline”, one of my favorite songs to write. The Tourettes (L to R - Katy Cornell, Sonya Howard and Taryn Webber) are incredible vocalists and friends. We spend hours practicing, mostly because we like hanging out and drinking wine together.
We were singing “Gasoline”, one of my favorite songs to write. The Tourettes (L to R – Katy Cornell, Sonya Howard and Taryn Webber) are incredible vocalists and friends. We spend hours practicing, mostly because we like hanging out and drinking wine together.

 

I’m obsessed with dramatic vintage dresses from the 60’s, but they are getting harder and harder to find. This one was not completely vintage, but made with vintage material. Sometimes you can feel memories while wearing vintage clothing. The Tourettes are wearing Badgley Mischka. I wanted them to look cohesive. Rent The Runway saved me.
I’m obsessed with dramatic vintage dresses from the 60’s, but they are getting harder and harder to find. This one was not completely vintage, but made with vintage material. Sometimes you can feel memories while wearing vintage clothing. The Tourettes are wearing Badgley Mischka. I wanted them to look cohesive. Rent The Runway saved me.

 

Andrew Joslyn, Jeff Fielder and I played "Train Song" together (originally recorded by Vashti Bunyan, written by Hillman, Christopher / Parsons, Gram). Jeff played on the album as well. I always love singing with him, he has a lot of depth and soul to his voice and I enjoy his company. Good people he is.
Andrew Joslyn, Jeff Fielder and I played “Train Song” together (originally recorded by Vashti Bunyan, written by Hillman, Christopher / Parsons, Gram). Jeff played on the album as well. I always love singing with him, he has a lot of depth and soul to his voice and I enjoy his company. Good people he is.

 

Martin Feveyear and Tilson surprised me with a remix version of "Feelin’ That". I loved it so much that I put it on the album. Tilson and hit it off immediately when we met at The Crocodile. He is very magical and mysterious and we have both been pescatarians for most of our lives, so we enjoy sharing a meal.
Martin Feveyear and Tilson surprised me with a remix version of “Feelin’ That”. I loved it so much that I put it on the album. Tilson and hit it off immediately when we met at The Crocodile. He is very magical and mysterious and we have both been pescatarians for most of our lives, so we enjoy sharing a meal.

 

We did an after-show performance in the backstage area at The Triple Door for about 30 people sponsored by Icicle Ridge Winery. It was stripped down, just vocals and guitar. Getting to perform and talk intimately about the songs while hanging with fans old and new was a highlight of the day for me.
We did an after-show performance in the backstage area at The Triple Door for about 30 people sponsored by Icicle Ridge Winery. It was stripped down, just vocals and guitar. Getting to perform and talk intimately about the songs while hanging with fans old and new was a highlight of the day for me.

 

If you want to see V. Contreras live, here are a few of her upcoming shows this month.

Saturday, June 7, 2014 – $20 – Vashon, WA
Seattle Rock Orchestra plays Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles.
Featuring V. Contreras and Zach Davidson.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – $20 – Seattle, WA
Seattle Metropolitan Magazine Event: Generocity
Tilson and V. Contreras will be performing “Feelin’ That” at this special event featuring 37 local non-profits.

Saturday, June 21, 2014 – $60 – Tacoma, WA
THE LOFT @ 729 – Exclusive private event space
All-inclusive ticket price includes beverages and light fare provided by Asado of Tacoma and a 90-minute concert by V. Contreras, also featuring Kurt Lindsay.

 

About Jason Tang

Jason Tang is a veteran music photographer who chronicles the Seattle music scene. He is currently the interim editor and publisher of Guerrilla Candy.

View all posts by Jason Tang →

One Comment on “Life In Pictures: V. Contreras”

  1. Thank you for the beautiful pics, Jason!
    The 90-minute concert in Tacoma is going to be truly amazing. I’m lucky enough to be hosting the show, so the best seat in the house is certainly mine. 🙂

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