We recently connected with Vinlisa Khoeum and have shared our conversation below.

Vinlisa, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

At this moment, I am navigating between working as an artist while also working a regular job. While I’m on this journey with music, I do have to be realistic about the challenges that come with pursuing a creative career. Having a regular job has been a motivating factor for me to work harder on my music since it constantly reminds me I’m not where I want to be. If anything, I see my regular job as a placeholder until I can make music my full-time focus.

However, sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I didn’t have this drive for music. Honestly, I couldn’t even say which profession would give me the same sense of fulfillment that music has given me. Ultimately, my goal is to make music my full-time career, and I’m currently working towards that dream.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a Cambodian-American singer-songwriter, recording, and performing artist, I’m proud to bring a unique voice and perspective to the music industry. Growing up on the outskirts of New Orleans, I was surrounded by the rich sounds of Jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop, which heavily influenced the music I make today. I began my music journey by doing song covers on YouTube in high school, which eventually led me to pursue a degree in Music Business at Loyola University of New Orleans. However, it was the creative side of the industry that truly sparked my passion such as honing my craft in recording studios and songwriting classes. After graduating, I made the bold move to Los Angeles to chase my dreams. To date, I’ve written 19 songs, released two EPs that have accumulated over 380,000 streams in total, and performed at iconic venues like the House of Blues and the Viper Room. What sets me apart is my determination to stay true to my artistic vision, despite the challenges I’ve faced. I’m proud to be a role model for underrepresented communities in the industry, and I truly hope my music can inspire listeners to embrace their individuality and to become the most confident versions of themselves.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As I reflect on my creative journey as a singer-songwriter, I’ve come to realize that there are many resources that I wish I had known about earlier on. But if I’m being completely honest, the one thing that has made the biggest impact on my growth and success is the power of having a community. Initially, I thought I had to be self-sufficient as a small, independent artist- produce, write, record, and figure it out all on my own. But as I began to venture out into the music scene, I quickly realized that I was missing out on so many opportunities by not having a network of like-minded creatives around me. Building this connection with other creatives has allowed me opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow. I’m a true believer that if you surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, then you have found your community. So, I want to thank everyone I have in my life who has been a part of this journey with me. You know who you are.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a music artist is the incredible process of translating your thoughts and feelings into a tangible form that can evoke emotion from my listeners. I am constantly intrigued by the process of tapping into my own emotions and experiences and then channeling them into something that can be shared with others. The most heartwarming experience for me is how my art is received. There’s nothing quite like knowing that my music has had an impact on someone, whether it’s because they enjoyed a catchy tune or because they related to some sentimental lines. Either way, I was able to reach them with my music, and that’s a privilege I don’t take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vinlisa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinlisamusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vinlisamusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Vinlisamusic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/vinlisa

Image Credits

Jack Perry
Noel Mendoza