IN CONVERSATION WITH VASSY

interview by JANA LETONJA

Multi-platinum, award-winning singer-songwriter VASSY is releasing her electrifying new single ‘Beg’, in collaboration with rising Dutch talent RSCL on 16th May. With over 3 billion streams and a global track record of chart-topping hits, including collaborations with David Guetta, Tiësto, and Afrojack, VASSY continues to redefine modern dance music. VASSY also recently made history by becoming the first woman to win the EDMA ICON Award, a testament to her trailblazing career.

You’re about to release your new single ‘Beg’. What inspired this particular track, both musically and emotionally?
‘Beg’ came from a very raw place. Musically, I wanted to channel that euphoric festival energy I love, but underneath it, there’s real emotion. It’s about that moment when your pride drops away and you’re just honest, completely exposed. We’ve all been there. Whether in love or life, where we’re holding onto something we know might hurt us, but we still can’t let go. That emotional surrender was the heartbeat of the song.

You’ve described ‘Beg’ as a song about emotional surrender. Can you share how that theme connects to your personal journey or recent experiences?

Absolutely. For me, surrender has been a huge theme lately, not just in relationships, but in my career and life as a whole. As someone who’s always been fiercely independent, learning to let go of control has been a journey. Whether it’s surrendering to vulnerability, or surrendering to change, ‘Beg’ represents that tipping point where you stop fighting the feeling and just let yourself feel it, even if it breaks you a little.

The track blends festival energy with emotional vulnerability. How did you strike that balance in the creative process?

That’s always the magic trick, isn’t it? I wanted the production to hit hard. You’ve got those powerful drops, that driving pulse, but at the same time, I needed the vocal to carry the heart. My voice is where the story lives, and we were really intentional about letting that vulnerability shine through. It’s that contrast that makes the song hit different. It’s danceable, but it still feels.

How did the collaboration with RSCL come about? What was the creative dynamic like between you two, especially given your distinctive styles?

RSCL and I connected through mutual respect. We’re from different worlds sonically, but that’s what made it exciting. He brings this edgy, future-forward approach to production, and I bring that classic, soulful vocal energy. It was a true collaboration. We both pushed each other creatively, and there was a lot of trust in the process. We weren’t trying to chase a formula, we just let the track evolve into something honest and powerful.

You’ve worked with icons like David Guetta, Tiësto, and Afrojack. How do you choose collaborators at this point in your career?

At this stage, it’s all about connection and intention. I’m not chasing names or clout. I want to work with people who feel the music, who care about the message, and who bring something fresh to the table. I’ve been blessed to work with legends, but now I’m really focused on collaboration that feels aligned, where we’re building something meaningful, not just another track.

With over 3 billion streams and chart-topping hits across the globe, what do you think has been the secret to your longevity in the dance music world?

Staying true to myself. I never tried to be anyone else or follow what was trending. I’ve always led with soul. Even in the most commercial tracks, there’s real emotion. I think people connect with authenticity, and I’ve never been afraid to be vulnerable in my music. Also, I’ve learned how to adapt without losing my identity, and that’s key to longevity in any industry.

You’ve said being kicked out of your school choir was the spark that started your music journey. How do you reflect on that experience now?

It’s funny now, but at the time it crushed me. I was told I didn’t have the right voice, that I didn’t fit the mold. But that rejection lit a fire in me. It made me realize I wasn’t meant to blend in, I was meant to stand out. That moment was painful, but it gave me my purpose. Looking back, I’m grateful for it. It was the push I needed to forge my own path. I always say  “Rejections are just Redirections.”

You’ve made history as the first woman to win the EDMA ICON Award. What does that milestone mean to you, and for the next generation of female artists in EDM?

It was such an emotional moment. Being the first woman to receive that honor was powerful, but also a reminder of how far we still have to go. For me, it wasn’t just about personal recognition. It was about cracking the door open a little wider for the next generation of female artists. I want young women coming up in this space to know that they belong, and that their voice has just as much power, on and off the stage.

Dance music can often feel production-driven, but your vocals always carry weight and soul. How do you approach storytelling through your voice in a genre that’s often beat-heavy?

I treat every song like a conversation, like I’m telling someone a secret. I come from a background of soul, jazz, and classic songwriting, so even when I’m in the world of big drops and festival sounds, I still lead with the story. My voice has always been the anchor, the emotion that grounds the track. If you strip away the production and it still moves you, then I’ve done my job.

Your acoustic EP BossAcoustics that you released this month and ‘Beg’ show two very different sides of you. What can fans expect next from you in 2025?

2025 is all about duality for me. ‘BossAcoustics’ lets me reconnect with my roots. It’s intimate, raw, and soulful. ‘Beg’ taps back into the high-energy side fans know me for, but with more emotional depth than ever. Moving forward, you can expect more of that fusion, genre blending, heart-led music that’s still bold and elevated. I’m not here to stay in one lane, I’m here to create my lane.