Writing from the Heart: An Intimate Conversation with Victoria Bigelow on Music, Vulnerability, and Life's Lesson

Victoria Bigelow is a singer-songwriter based in Phoenix, Arizona, whose introspective, emotionally charged music has captivated listeners since she began releasing songs just a few years ago. Known for her raw, lyric-driven style, Victoria’s music offers a window into her personal experiences, from love and loss to motherhood and mental health. In this interview, she opens up about her songwriting process, the artists who inspire her, and how she navigates the evolving music industry while staying true to her authentic voice.

Nicolle: Hi, Victoria, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and the music you make? 

Victoria: Hi! I live in Phoenix, AZ with my husband, my son and a lot of animals. I’ve been writing since I was a kid but only started releasing music a few years ago. The music I make is pretty introspective, lyric-driven music. Chill, put it on and maybe cry.  

Nicolle: Your music often feels deeply personal and raw. How do you approach the songwriting process when tackling such intimate emotions and experiences?

I do this thing where I’ll grab a sheet of paper and write down lyric ideas and right below I’ll write what I’m actually trying to say. Sometimes as a writer, I have a bad habit of relying too heavily on devices to get a point across when more often than not just saying the thing exactly as you would during a conversation is what makes the most sense. A lot of it is a stream of consciousness like I’m trying to get through to myself. 

Nicolle: You've described your sound as having folk and indie influences. Who are some artists or genres that have shaped your musical journey?

Victoria: Early on big influences were Alanis Morisette, Aimee Mann, and Taylor Swift. Kurt Vile is a big one, Amy Winehouse, Fiona Apple, Mitski, Angel Olsen… pretty much any woman who’s said what has needed to be said. Lana is an icon. Right now, I’m loving borderline obsessed with MJ Lenderman. 

Nicolle: Your song lyrics have a poetic quality to them. Do you find inspiration from literature or other forms of art when writing your music?

Victoria: Sometimes yes! If a passage from a book really resonates with me I’ll underline it and write it down in a notebook so it stays with me. I also get inspired by characters in movies. They help me access parts of myself that lie dormant. 

Nicolle: With the evolving landscape of the music industry, how have you navigated the balance between creating authentic art and the pressures of staying relevant in a fast-paced environment?

Victoria: Ha - I’m not. I can’t. When I think about what others are doing, how they’re busying themselves, who they’re doing what with or how many videos they’re posting.. it cheapens the whole thing for me. I love writing and performing but when I show up on the internet I have to mean it.

I fantasise about the day things are a little more self-sustaining and I can pawn off my social media onto a manager and never open an app again. I think it’s beautiful how now more than ever anyone can find fans or people who resonate with their work, but I hate the expectation it has created for artists.

My favourite artists are the ones who aren’t fully accessible at all times. I think some mystique is cool. Being a mum keeps me in check and forces me to just do my thing. I’ve got a little life I’m looking after over here. 

Nicolle: As an artist, how do you handle vulnerability when sharing your music with the world, especially when the lyrics stem from personal experiences?

Victoria: That’s probably one of my favourite parts of sharing music. Once a song has been released I’ve heard it and listened to it so many times, I feel like I need it to be someone else’s at that point. So anytime someone connects with something it’s really cool because to me that’s the whole point. 

Nicolle: What has been the most meaningful fan interaction or feedback you've received that made you feel your music was truly connecting with others?

Victoria: I got a message from someone around two years ago who shared that a song of mine got her through her best friend’s suicide. That’s fucking heavy. I know what music has done for me in my most desperate moments, so having the realisation that I aided in providing that type of solace for someone I don’t even know is surreal and an honour. 

Nicolle: Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming projects or musical directions you're excited about that you'd like to share with your audience?

Victoria: I’ve been working on a side project just for fun right now with my husband, we’ve been really digging the new Magdalena Bay album and feeling inspired by that. I have a difficult time taking up space so making louder more colourful music as an exercise has been good for me I think. Aside from that, I’m just writing a lot. I feel bored of myself right now which is exciting. 

Nicolle: Oblivion has such an atmospheric and haunting quality. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and what message or emotions you were hoping to convey through it?

Victoria: That song is the story of my 20’s. I was lucky enough to fall stupidly in love on my first try, to try every drug and like them too much and make every wrong decision. I had my son when I was 22 and it forced me to figure my shit out, which I’m still doing, but that was a catalyst to stop drinking and take my mental health more seriously. It’s about being an exposed nerve in the world, happy to get beaten up and let the things you love hurt sometimes. If you’re young and in the thick of it just embrace it because one day you’ll be bogged down by beautiful responsibility and (hopefully) the more thoughtful version of yourself. 

Nicolle: Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming projects or musical directions you're excited about that you'd like to share with your audience?

Victoria: Who knows! I have a few songs I’ve been sitting on that I might put out. But I’m just writing right now. 

As our conversation with Victoria Bigelow comes to an end, it's clear that her music is not just an artistic expression but a deeply personal exploration of life’s complexities. From navigating the highs and lows of her twenties to balancing the demands of motherhood, Victoria's journey is reflected in every lyric and melody she creates. Her willingness to be vulnerable, both in her music and in this interview, shows a raw honesty that resonates deeply with her audience.  In a world where staying relevant can often overshadow authenticity, Victoria remains committed to staying true to herself.

Whether she’s delving into introspective, folk-inspired sounds or experimenting with new, more colourful musical directions, Victoria continues to evolve as an artist, always anchored by her deep love for storytelling. As she looks ahead to new projects and continues to write from the heart, it’s exciting to think about where her journey will take her next. One thing is certain: Victoria Bigelow’s music will continue to connect with listeners on an emotional level, providing solace, inspiration, and a reminder that vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths.

To keep up with Victoria Bigelow’s latest projects and get a glimpse into her creative process, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @victoriabigelowmusic

You can also listen to her captivating album Going Blue (alt version) on all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re in the mood for introspective lyrics or soothing melodies, Victoria’s music will undoubtedly resonate with your heart.

_

Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator, content creator and social media executive for The C Word Mag. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.