It’s the Monday after Vera Blue has released “Go Lucky”, the third single from her new album, into the world. It’s been four years since her last album, Mercurial, was released (three since the deluxe version), and she feels ready for a new chapter.
“I’ve been working on this new album for quite some time. I’m very proud of it,” she tells Rolling Stone AU/NZ. Her forthcoming album is being mastered, with Vera assuring fans it’s “not far away.”
In the meantime, “Go Lucky” and two other singles have slowly been released. Her dark anthem about reclamation and rebirth, “In the Corner”, debuted last May, while the violin-heavy “Parallel Desire” was released four months later.
“‘Go Lucky’ was one of those moments where I just wanted to put out something that made me feel joy and made me want to dance. It’s a bit reminiscent of ‘Regular Touch’,” she says of her latest single.
The juxtaposition between the high-energy “Go Lucky” and the haunting “Parallel Desire” is stark, but the self-described concept artist is used to exploring different sonic spaces. “I think sonically, they fit into the same world of being quite cinematic and having a slight darkness about them.”
This cinematic quality is set to be explored in depth this winter, when Vera returns to Hamer Hall for a one-night-only show with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, July 11th.
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Titled ‘Vera Blue x MSO Orchestral Veil’, Vera’s discography will be re-imagined by the iconic orchestra, adding a new level of depth to her already wonderful voice and music.
Vera has been collaborating closely with Australian arranger and composer Alex Turley (RÜFÜS DU SOL, G Flip, Parkway Drive) on the concert, and she’ll be performing alongside long-time band members Dave Jenkins and Ross James.
‘Orchestral Veil’ will be a chance for fans to witness a live performance before her album tour, and it will be the second time that Vera has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, after previously enjoying a run of orchestral-led concerts in 2021.
“When I did the show with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra five years ago, it blew me away,” she says. “The textures of an orchestra, the extra cinematic edge it brings, and the emotion that goes that extra mile. It adds another layer to the songs and to the feel of the show, and I think that’s what’s going to be really special.”
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
The concert promises surging strings, radiant orchestral textures, and a widescreen sonic overhaul, one that pushes the emotional stakes and dynamic voltage of Vera’s music to its limits.
“I’ve called this show ‘Orchestral Veil’ because the orchestra is this incredible sonic veil that surrounds me,” Vera explains.
On working with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, she has nothing but praise.
“You’re with these people who are just so insanely talented and have such a gift of music, and when they all perform together as one, it’s mind-blowing. You can really feel the energy surrounding you. There’s nothing that can beat it. I grew up playing the violin, so being able to relive that and be part of that world again means a lot to me.
“The concept is to allow people in so the veil will open up and allow people to step into this world with myself and the orchestra. It’s going to be all about feeling.
“All about feeling many things.”
Tickets for Vera Blue x MSO Orchestral Veil are on sale Thursday, March 12th.
