Artist Interview: Vance Cal

Recently, we got a chance to speak with Vance Cal (also known as @vancecal_ on Instagram) about his artistic journey through music and expressing himself. Here you can read through his thoughts on his creative process and inspiration to make a change in the industry.

What sparks your creativity?

“Emotion is the main element that sparks my creativity. How I feel in a moment or I felt in a past moment has time and time again sparked my creativity, allowing me to apply those emotions into my creative process whether that is through my lyricism, delivery, or another component. It’s also the reverse in fact sometimes. Sometimes I’ll hear a song, see an artwork, hear a phrase or another element of a creative piece and it will be as if a light bulb is going off in my head, and I instantly need to jot down whatever idea comes to mind. There is influence everywhere and for me it’s a matter of how I can relate it back to me and what I want to be a representation of me in front of the world and anyone who takes the time to listen to my art.”

Can you walk us through your creative thought process?

“My creative thought process has changed throughout my young career. When I first started, I would hear an instrumental or beat and then simply write to it. This has changed drastically since. As of recent, I have been writing lyrics from my emotions, feelings, and thought processes brought about from personal experiences. I am someone who tends to keep my feelings and emotions concealed, so once I started writing from personal experience and expressing my emotions through my lyrics I have felt more connected than ever to my music. I will write down a feeling the moment I identify it to have it as a mean to reflect upon at a later time. When it comes to the vibe of a song, I usually come up with a melody that will capture of the essence of the emotion the song is trying to reflect. When writing, I ask myself if everything that I want to say is being said and how can I word and or vocally deliver the lyrics in a way that will allow myself to be happy with the piece while simultaneously allowing listeners to fully grasp my message. For me, a song’s content is just as important as the vocal delivery. I love listening to music where I can relate and or feel like I am in the artist’s shoes. I want people to feel they can do the same when listening to my music which is why I try to be mindful of all I do when creating music.”

What’s your favorite piece you’ve created and why is it significant to you?

“My favorite piece I have created is “Me Voy a Regalar”. The story behind the song holds a special place in my heart! This song is a cover to Marc Anthony’s original which released in the 90’s. Marc Anthony is the artist I remember listening to most vividly and often growing up thanks to my parents playing his records all the time, whether in the car, house, or wherever else. The original to this song I actually had not heard for the first time until Christmas 2021 when I was going through my own romantic situation of sorts. I had begun listening to it the following two years during the holiday season because the delivery and resonance of the lyrics hit me hard. During the fall of 2023, I decided I would do my own cover without any second thoughts. I figured this could be special because it would be new musical territory for me and it fits given the Christmas season and my love for it. I brought the idea to my engineer and he instantly was intrigued. We started to record but at first I had a little trouble because this was exploration of a new genre for me- Salsa. Salsa is a balad genre so the vocals and delivery are crucial to a song. After multiple takes and my vocal cords reaching new highs, we had finished the session. I went home, and my engineer called me saying we had to record again and do some parts over. By the end of the project and a couple several hour studio sessions, lots of time had been taken to get the final product ready. The song went through about 5 revisions. From my vocal delivery, to the effort and time invested, and the Christmas season aspect, this project was so special because I believe it demonstrates who I am both as a person and an artist. I want to emote feelings through listeners and demonstrate my love for what I do in connecting with people. The responses I received from listeners were wholesome. So many people were calling me and reaching out telling me how much they enjoyed the song. This was everything to me!”

How do you balance artistic expression with commercial viability?

“This question has always been interesting to me. On one hand, there are audiences and a market of sorts for virtually all genres and types of music but on the other hand, you have some that are more popular than others and that are given more light in mainstream, commercial media. It’s important to do what makes you happy and of course you’d want to make others happy with your art and expression of but it’s not easy to make everyone happy. In trying to make everyone happy you’ll make no one happy because it’s impossible to cater to everyone. I hope those who listen to my music can enjoy it for what it is. At that, whoever listens to my music I thank them and am glad they enjoy it, but it is understandable not everyone will take a liking to it. What is considered commercial too is constantly changing. With new genres and artists emerging everyday day, what is considered commercial continues to change especially thanks to social platforms and how viral different genres of music have been able to go. I know the audience who my music is meant for will eventually experience it and the extent they take it will come. I do try to find a balance between my artistic expression and commercial viability but do not try to get lost in it “trying to make a hit”. I make music targeting a range of audiences but at the end of the day, my music will reach those who it is meant to, those who appreciate and enjoy it.”

What advice would you give to emerging artists in your field?

“The biggest advice I can give to emerging artists in my field is identifying and understanding their “Why?”. Why are you making music? Why are you making this music? What is the reason behind it? What is the purpose? Once that is understood, I think the authenticity behind the art will be at its greatest, if it comes from a genuine place. Taking your time is important too. I had been in and out of studios since 2020 and did not release my first single until years later because I did not like the product I was leaving these studios with until I found myself as an artist (btw I’m still finding myself) and found people who could help me reach the point I’m at and help me do the things I do! Take your time with the musical process; it’s the best part! When things are meant to come together they will!”