Jenn Vix is an accomplished musician with a discography studded with collaborations featuring the crème de la crème of the music world: the late Andy Anderson from The Cure, John Ashton from The Psychedelic Furs, A Flock of Seagulls’ Ali Score, among others. These alliances not only amplified her artistic dimensions but also solidified her esteemed position in the musical cosmos. With a captivating blend of alternative rock, electronica, and darkwave elements, Vix has carved out an unmistakable sound that has garnered her widespread respect and admiration in the music industry. Now, Vix joins forces with legendary Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid for an official cover of the classic Phil Collins ballad “In The Air Tonight.”
While there are many urban legends floating around about the cryptic, ominous lyrics, including it being a confession to witnessing a drowning, Collins has stated that the original version was partly influenced by the emotional tides rolling in following his divorce from first wife Andrea Bertorelli, who ended the marriage over his constant touring.
“Nobody knows what the song is about, and I kind of like the mystery,” Collins told Rolling Stone. He did clarify its origins, however: “Genesis had done a tour that was far too long. She said to me, ‘We won’t be together if you do the next tour.’ I said, ‘I’m a musician. I have to go away and play. Just hold your breath when I’m over there.’ Then Genesis toured Japan. When I got back, she said she was leaving and taking the kids.”
In Vix’s fervent rendition, her resonant voice breathes new life into the song. She takes her seat behind the drums as Reid moves through his searing guitar licks; boldly experimenting with diverse textures, pushing the limits of traditional song frameworks and shattering genre expectations.
The self-directed video, infused with nocturnal imagery, shows a raven-tressed Vix standing resolute by a dimly lit coastline – reminiscent of a woman yearning for the return of a sailor lost at sea and keeping vigil, steadfastly clinging to her feminine intuition until dawn…but with those ominous lyrics, we may be witnessing the rumblings of a revenge sequel to Brandy You’re A Fine Girl. Will her ship finally come in after that pack of lies?
While Phil Collins’ iconic track pivoted around the drums, Vix’s interpretation shines a spotlight on the narrative, elevated by Reid’s guitar prowess.
Watch below:
The official release date is the 22nd of September, 2023.
You can pre-order the song here.
From an early age, Vix displayed a profound passion for music. Getting her musical start in Providence, RI, she also cut her teeth in NYC in her teens, crossing paths with the likes of Iggy Pop, her first experience as a vocalist being with 1980s one-off band Disco Donut (with Adam Horovitz of The Beastie Boys and singer-songwriter Nicole Willis).
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists spanning genres and eras, she developed a deep understanding of thepower of melody, rhythm, and storytelling. With a hauntingly beautiful voice, and the ability to play several instruments, Vix began honing her craft and crafting her own identity. Vix’s approach to music draws from an expansive palette: she’s unafraid to redefine what’s familiar, pushing against the norms with innovation and audacity. Her artistry, rooted in this fearless exploration, continually breaks barriers, inviting listeners into uncharted territories of sound and emotion. Each release showcases her versatility as a songwriter, and her ability to evoke a range of emotions through her music. Her lyrics delve into deeply personal experiences, exploring themes of love, loss, introspection, and resilience.
As an indication of her ever-evolving approach to her craft, in recent years, Vix has been performing both as a solo artist and also as a drummer (on an electronic drum kit) and vocalist, in Boston-based post-punk/electronic rock duo Feeney Vix.
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