Meet Vaance

We were lucky to catch up with Eli Catania recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eli, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Honestly, this is something I feel like comes and goes forever. It’s one of those things I’ve learned to embrace, rather than fear. It can be quite humbling, which I believe is a good thing in this industry. No matter how many successful releases I have, contests I win, or how much validation I get from my peers, there’s always that little voice in my head telling me I don’t actually know what I’m doing. The more people I meet and the more experience I gain, however, the more I realize nobody really know what they’re doing in this industry because there aren’t really set “rules” on how to produce and have a successful career. That can sound scary for people who prefer to have guidelines to follow, but I believe it’s freeing. My advice would be to embrace that and make your music for yourself because no matter what you make, if it’s ultimately what you enjoy making, then you will find your community. It’s near impossible to feel like an imposter when your fans find you, rather than chasing a specific fan base. We are all clueless, just do the best you can with whats true to you and the rest will follow.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been focusing a LOT more lately on the story my songs tell as a whole, rather than focusing on making the hottest new sound design focused music. It’s felt like such a competition to create something so unheard of in my industry lately that I nearly lost sight of why I like writing music so much in the first place. I like the journey songwriting can take you on and I’d prefer to create something that stands the test of time over being trendy for a few months. There’s just something about connecting with your audience on an emotional level that makes me feel so fulfilled. I’m actually working on a more singer/songwriter focused project all together so that I can keep Vaance as a more “high energy” dance project that I’m still very passionate about. I actually have a couple remixes coming out early 2025 to kick of a new sound I’m experimenting with under the Vaance project, so be on the lookout for those!

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?
Reach out to your peers. Imposter syndrome and self doubt can easily stop you from bettering yourself or thinking you’re not worth someone else’s time, but thats all BS. This industry is so community driven and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t take the chance on asking for feedback, submit that remix, or release that song. As Leonardo da Vinci is credited with saying: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” You’ll likely never think a song is “perfect” to your own standard, but I believe that’s just and excuse to not put something out. Nobody will every know what you are capable of making if you don’t show them. So just put that f**king song you’ve been sitting on out already. There’s plenty of resources nowadays to do it. Lastly, don’t get caught up in thinking you need a manager or a good label to be successful. I feel like a majority of artists nowadays are getting more attention though self releasing and social media promotion. Focus on being yourself and showing that to your fans so that they can connect with you/related to you. Social media can be daunting, but find a way to make it fun for you. Your fans will find you one way or another, but not if you don’t release that music.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m really open to work with anyone that makes similar music that I’m aiming to consistently release. Please just DM me on Instagram @vaancemusic or email me at [email protected] for any collaboration inquiries! I’m also open to new clients for the 2025 year, which includes mix/mastering services, production, and 1 on 1 lessons if that’s something you’re interested in. I have a ton of experience with this and looove making all sorts of different genres.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Instagram Photo Credits: @rochamultimedia @simonsplayyground @brphoto.co

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