Interview By Eetu "Ene" Niskanen

An interview with Mikki from Viveynne.
Viveynne is a new gothic rock band from Canada and it is fronted by 14-year-old lead singer and songwriter, Mikki.

For beginning, what is the idea behind the name ''Viveynne''?

Well, I got the idea for the name from the King Arthur legends. The Lady Of Lake's name was Vivian and she was a figure of great power. I wanted a band name that could be either a band, or stage name/solo artist type of name since I wasn't sure yet of the direction of my music at that time.  It's also pronounced the same as the name Vivian.


You got band playing behind you, how did you find them?

Well, after some basically acoustic demos (voice and piano) were uploaded to myspace, Chuck - the lead guitarist - contacted me through myspace and introduced me to the rest of the band. They were a rock/pop/gothic band here in Toronto and the fit was great in terms of musical vision.


Where do you get the inspiration for your music and lyrics?

Mostly things that happen in my life are inspiration for lyrics and songs, however some ideas are drawn from major events and world problems. Sometimes when events happen I find it best to sit down and write, often poems initially just to get out how i'm feeling. The music comes after that.


You released your debut EP this year, how much work, ''blood, sweat & tears'' did it take to get it released?

It took a looonngg time. We bounced around to several studios and producers with some initial demos that did not turn out as I envisioned them.  Then we found Chuck and his band, and finally recording the album.


What kind of music do you listen yourself and how often?

I listen to a very wide range of music on a daily basis. I've found myself currently obsessed with the band Otep, but listen to anything from all types of metal including symphonic/melodic all the way to the other end of the metal spectrum, rock /alternative/gothic from European bands, along with local new indie bands here in Toronto area. 

You are still very young so what are your plans for the future and your band Viveynne?

I'm planning on making a career out of the band, it's always been my dream in life to becoming someone significant in the music industry, but mostly, to have the freedom to write my music and hopefully make a career that will support some of my bigger plans for my music.

If you would not do music, what would you mostly likely do?

I would plan to study English in University as thats my second love. I'd also like to either create a graphic novel, write a book, or try to act in a movie if I could.


Is there anything the readers should know that I have not asked?

I love cookies. Oh, perhaps fans should know that this summer I'll be working on a full-length CD to be released I hope by the end of the year or early next year, which i'm really excited about. I wrote some of the songs on the EP almost 2 years ago and my style has evolved so this is something i'm anxious to start once exams are finished. 

Links :

Viveynne Official MySpace

Viveynne Official Site