Victoria Duffield is topping charts, wowing audiences and taking Canada’s music, dance and acting scene by storm. But the break out star is more than just a triple threat, she writes all of her own songs too. Hot off the release of her debut album ‘Shut up and Dance’ and recent Canadian tour with BIG TIME RUSH and CODY SIMPSON, we chat with Victoria Duffield about singing, touring and everything in between.
What originally sparked your interest in singing?
I’ve always sung around the house and knew I wanted to be an entertainer. I started dancing at age two and started singing Broadway songs in competitions at age seven. I knew right off the bat that I wanted to combine the singing and dancing.
How did you feel the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio?
It was such a cool feeling! I definitely will never forget it. It’s something that so many people can tune into, so it’s a great way to get everyone listening to my music.
You’ve done quite a bit of acting. What sparked your interest in drama?
It was kind of a fluke how I got into the acting industry. We weren’t actually looking to get into it, but through friends and an agent, it just happened. I’m such an outgoing person and I love that kind of thing too, so it was an unknown passion of mine at age seven. It’s something that I love more and more as I continue doing it.
Now, a tough question: If you had to pick between being an actress or a singer, which would you choose?
Right now I’m pushing my singing a bit more, just with everything going on and my album coming out. I’ve been keeping the acting up on the side, but singing is what I’m pushing first and foremost as of now. Once I’ve more of a name for myself for singing, I can bring the acting up as well and they can kind of work hand in hand.
What was the process like producing your debut album SHUT UP AND DANCE?
It was a lot of work. I co-wrote songs with different people and then picked the best eight tracks. I also had lots of input into the design of the album and really made it my own. I definitely think my fans will like it, so I can’t wait to hear their reactions!
Your average in school is said to be 99 percent! How do you keep your grades up while working as a singer and an actress?
No sleep! I work really hard at everything that I do. For me, it’s either full out or nothing! I just work really hard. I get my work done and when I complete it, I feel good about it!
What was it like working with Cody Simpson on your duet “They Don’t Know About Us”?
I recorded my parts and he recorded his parts, but I met him at the MMVA’s and spent some time with him. He’s such a nice guy, super talented and really great. I am honoured to have done a track with him and to be going on tour with him in September!
What prompted you to record French versions of some of your songs?
It was important of me to recognize the French market as well. I wanted to show my appreciation for them and put effort into making a track for them as well. I take French in school. I’m not the best French speaker, but I worked at it and had some coaching with it. I wanted to reach out to them and show that I was willing to do that for them.
What are you most looking forward to on the BIG TIME RUSH tour?
I’m really looking forward to performing in the big arenas. I’ve gone to bunch of concerts at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, so to be performing there is mind-blowing!
What do you have planned for after the tour?
Hopefully my album will have picked up some speed by then and the tour will spark people’s interest in it. Then, maybe perhaps going on another tour or doing promo! I’m looking forward to it!
Thanks, Victoria! Find Victoria on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/victoriaduffieldofficial, on Twitter @vduffield and online at http://www.victoriaduffield.com/.