We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vivienne Aerts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vivienne, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I consider this question to be very important to me because I believe that at some point, everyone experiences a sense of being different from others. This feeling of isolation can be quite profound. For a long time, I struggled with this as well; although I may look similar—especially in the Netherlands, where I’m from—I often felt like an outsider. I sensed that I wasn’t conforming to societal expectations or fitting into the boxes people tried to place me in. While it’s natural to desire a sense of belonging to a tribe or group, I eventually realized that I needed to stay true to my inner motivations and pursue my passions and dreams.
Through this journey, I discovered that many others feel the same way. We are not alone in our experiences. When you walk into a room, such as at a party, chances are that the majority of people there also feel a sense of not belonging. Everyone has their particularities that make them feel different. Understanding this helps me feel less alone. While it may seem like our peculiarities are burdensome, they often turn out to be assets! In any creative field (and I can imagine this applies to the corporate world as well), we need individuals who perceive the world differently. These are the ones who break molds, think outside the box, and become pioneers—akin to the Steve Jobs of the world.
So, I always remind myself that while I may be different or think differently from others, I might also be the one who propels a project or conversation forward.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
NYC-based Dutch singer, pianist, educator, psychologist and artist-preneur. I primarily compose and produce jazz music, but I also incorporate electronics such as iPad apps, loops, and synthesizers into my work. My earliest influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Bjork, Norah Jones, and Eva Cassidy. I enjoy creating music that instills hope and comfort, serving as a means to express my emotions. It is my endeavor to share something positive with the world—to spread a little light and love. In a world that needs more compassion, my goal is to encourage people to become their own best friend.
My most recent album, titled ‘Typuhthâng,’ has just been released. It was remotely recorded during the Covid pandemic by over 100 female musicians, engineers, and designers. Alongside the music, each copy of the album includes a bar of Original Beans Femmes de Virunga chocolate. The cocoa used for this chocolate is cultivated in a ‘regenerative’ manner by the first and largest female collective of 1,500 women in Virunga State Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. For every bar sold, a tree is planted, and what’s more, Original Beans ensures these female cocoa farmers receive a living wage (2.5 times higher than fair trade standards). This allows them to support their families, access healthcare, invest in their farms, and more. By empowering these women as entrepreneurs, Original Beans is truly lifting them out of poverty.
Obviously, I am very proud of this collaboration. It was a two-year process involving writing, conceptualizing, organizing, gathering all the parts, recording, and producing. On the album, you’ll find a 26-person choir, a song featuring a string quartet, and even a big band. As a bonus, the album is filled with sounds from the Virunga jungle and snippets of interviews with the women, recorded by BBC journalist Pennie Taylor.
My live shows are a blend of live music, listening parties, storytelling, and, of course, chocolate tasting. It’s an immersive experience. We toured in New York, Europe, and even Korea. Recently, I launched a podcast called ViviTalks, featuring weekly episodes of interviews with all the 100 women on my album. We discuss their projects and experiences as female musicians, and it’s been a joy to learn about everyone involved.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Throughout my journey, persistence has been paramount. There were numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, but by staying persistent and never giving up, I was able to navigate through obstacles and continue moving forward. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience and perseverance. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and it’s the ability to persist through them that ultimately leads to success. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages and uplifts you during tough times.
Another crucial aspect of my journey has been the commitment to working deeply rather than simply working more. Like a creek gradually becomes a river over time, consistent and focused effort is key to mastery in any field. Success rarely comes from sheer quantity of work alone; it requires deliberate practice, focused attention, and a willingness to dive deeply into your craft. Be curious! My advice is to prioritize quality over quantity in your work. Instead of spreading yourself thin, allocate dedicated time for deep practice and immersion in your craft. Delve into the nuances, explore different techniques, and strive for mastery with each endeavor. Remember, it’s the depth of your practice that ultimately leads to significant progress and excellence.
Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of being compassionate—to oneself and to others—throughout the journey. It’s easy to be self-critical and overly demanding, but practicing self-compassion is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Similarly, showing compassion towards others fosters positive relationships and creates a supportive community. By cultivating empathy, kindness, and understanding in your interactions you can celebrate your successes, acknowledge your strengths, and be forgiving of your mistakes. And remember, extending compassion to others not only benefits them but also enriches your own journey.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Whether to focus on strengths or strive for well-roundedness is a personal decision that depends on your artistic vision and goals as a musician. Both approaches have their merits, and finding the right balance between them can lead to a fulfilling and successful musical career. It’s essential not only to consider your short-term desires but also to focus on the long-term in order to create a sustainable career. Don’t sell yourself short; be curious and dare to explore things outside of your bubble or comfort zone.
I love to share a quote from Paulo Coelho: ‘Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.’ – Paulo Coelho”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vivienneaerts.nl/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vieffertje/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VivienneAertsFanpage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-aerts-b8905617/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/VivienneAerts
- Other: Bandcamp: https://vivienne.bandcamp.com/ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vivienne-aerts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k93C1f2IozyVI5PTBWIKE Itunes: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/vivienne-aerts/509928466
Image Credits
Trudy Giordano
