VAJA – dedication and perseverance results in a nostalgic reflection of an original release

Photos provided by David Christopher Lee

MEDIA PUBLISHING COMPANY| GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE TAMPA, FL U.S.A

Edward Schooley

Founded in 2021. GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE of Tampa, FL Guitar Thrills Magazine of Tampa, FL U.S.A. The GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE is excited to bring you some of the music industries finest talent. Including the world of entertainment. Our focus includes the long term goals and aspirations of artists of all sorts. We are an unbiased reporting platform. You are getting insight into the world of music. No, we are not your fathers website for music news. We have grown into our own, and rely upon decades of music experience and knowledge. Guitar Thrills Magazine is a hard act to follow.

Written by band member Martin Gore, this song is a call for people to put aside their differences and work toward unity. It's unusual for Depeche Mode because the lyrics are so blatant and leave little to the imagination. For this reason, Gore doesn't consider it one of his stronger songs and has not played it live since the '80s.

In 1990, Dave Gahan listed the song among some of the music he “regrets,” calling "People Are People" "too nice, too commercial.” It has not been played live since 1988. Though Gore has distastes to the song, he also recognizes that "without it, we might not have been around as a band right now.”

It is said the song’s means everyone around you is a human and have all the basic instincts and feelings related to them. So why such contentment regarding a song that encourages unity and human emotional growth and un-bias?

“People Are People” was one of my favorite Depeche Mode songs of all time. In fact, it had nothing to do with the lyrics. Depeche Mode had an industrial sound to them that was unlike any other band during the ‘80s. They progressively performed with an aggressive sound, and each release would create disharmony among DP followers as to their music creativity. However, for the purpose of this interview, we will save this discussion for another day. Our primary objective is served best, by counting the ways Vaja has brought justice to an iconic song “People Are People” when it premiered in 2023.

Vaja (pronounced Vasia) unveils her cover of Depeche Mode's "People Are People." Her Award-Winning Music Video World Premiere was held at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA on April 4th, 2023.

Variety Magazine featured Vaja with Depeche Mode regarding her new hit single. Blending electronic / cinematic rock, she captures the essence of her unique style. Oscar Nominated / Award-Winning Composer Steve Horner and Vaja joined forces to create a masterpiece. Vaja was born in Tacoma, Washington, then grew up in Carmel, Indiana, to her African American Father, a military full colonel in the Army, and her Asian / Hawaiian mother. At an early age, her mother took Vaja to see her favorite bands, Depeche Mode and Metallica. Mesmerized by this experience ignited her passion for electronic / rock music.


Vaja received a soccer scholarship at Stetson University in Deland, Florida. She then realized she wanted to focus more on her music and film career. She trained at prominent acting schools: The Valencia Character Company in Orlando, Florida, Stella Adler Conservatory for Actors and Carter Thor Studio in Los Angeles, California. Traveling gave her a wealth of experiences and diverse personalities to draw upon while developing her acting skills.

In 2007, Vaja released her critically acclaimed Debut EP “Awakened By Silence” feat. drummer Adrian Young of No Doubt. She has headlined the House of Blues, Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and she was the opening act for Metal Skool (aka Steel Panther). Vaja has 60 posters in Guitar Center’s across the nation as well. Joel Selvin, Sr. Pop Music Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, quoted Vaja as, “A bronze goddess with a big guitar and a voice that cuts like a knife.”

Since then, she continued to work on her skill set as an artist. Which eventually led her to the release of “People Are People.” Honestly, I had a bit of a crisis, when I heard that someone did a remake of the Depeche Mode song, “People Are People.” Though there have been others that covered the song as well. Though it is clear to me, that the song was covered by previous artists to promote their own agenda. Versus enjoying the creativity behind the song.

Ultimately the bands or artist, that previously covered the song experienced their “15 minutes of fame” – Pontus Hulten (the quote 15 minutes of fame was attributed to Andy Worhol. However, it was Pontus Hulten who originally uttered the now infamous quote).

Now is the time to get down to business. We need to find out why Vaja decided to release “People Are People” and how she is personally making the application of the song her own.

INTERVIEW WITH VAJA AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE

Guitar Thrills: Hi Vaja. It is a privilege to speak to you today. I would like to first address the “Elephant in the Room.” 😊 It isn’t as bad as I portray it to be. If it were, we probably wouldn’t be having this interview. After watching and listening to the video, I started to value the amount of courage and talent that you had to release such an iconic song.

What went into your decision to release this song?

Guitar Thrills Broadcasting

Vaja: Legendary Music Manager Tony Ciulla (Clients: Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Die Antwoord, etc.) was the catalyst in my decision to even consider remaking any cover, especially since I’ve always written original music. Depeche Mode is my true inspiration. I wanted to remake my favorite song “Enjoy The Silence,” but the band Lacuna Coil already did a remake. Therefore, my decision was to cover “People Are People” because our world was starting to feel divided over race, politics and classism. My producer Steve Horner and I felt this timeless song was ready for a “cinematic / electronic rock” sound coming from a “Blasian” female alternative rock Artist who was born in a biracial family, where Love Sees No Color…

Guitar Thrills: What was the discussion like with Depeche Mode about covering their song “People Are People?”

Vaja: I wish we had the honor of speaking with them about covering their iconic song “People Are People.” Our distribution company DistroKid handled getting our license 100% cleared and approved by the Harry Fox Agency (who handles cover licenses).

Guitar Thrills: Were there any roadblocks when your idea of covering this song came up? If so, what did you do to overcome the challenges?

Vaja: We were fortunate that our distribution company DistroKid took care of any unforeseen challenges ahead.

Guitar Thrills: What does the song mean to you, and what message are you wanting to convey to your fans?

Vaja: As a Recording Artist, the meaning of “People Are People” was a testament to my belief of uniting humanity and to resonate with those who see the beauty of diversity, empathy and the universal bond that connects us all. Visually, the original Blade Runner and Mad Max classic films inspired me, igniting my passion for telling our unique story about living in a world full of different people in a society that challenges individuality and race.

Guitar Thrills: Before covering this song, were you a fan of Depeche Mode? Which songs have you enjoyed over the years?

Vaja: When I was 10 years young, my older brother played me Depeche Mode’s music. I was fascinated by their unique sound of warm analog synthesizers mixed with melodic harmonies, which conveyed deep emotions within me. Depeche Mode is still my favorite band till this day. My Mum took me to see them in concert during their Devotional Tour. I was on Cloud9 and knew that Depeche Mode was my muse. I resonate with all of their songs. My top favorites are: Enjoy The Silence, People Are People, Policy Of Truth, In Your Room, Stripped & Judas, just to name a few.

Guitar Thrills: Did you get a chance to talk with, or meet Martin Gore face to face?

Vaja: Yes! My Mum and I had the honor to meet Martin Gore backstage after their concert during Depeche Mode’s Devotional Tour. We even have photos with him, but I need to dig them up from my archive at my parents’ house, lol!

Guitar Thrills: Once the video and song premiered, what was the response from the audience? Did you receive any negative feedback?

Vaja: The response from our audience was extremely positive! We continue to hear phenomenal feedback from our critics and fans that we had honored Depeche Mode’s iconic song by remaking our own unique “cinematic / electronic rock” version. My producer Steve Horner and I are forever grateful for humanity resonating with our cover of “People Are People.”

Guitar Thrills: Ultimately, I think you did a great job. As I mention, it takes courage to cover a song that is iconic in nature. One that could make or break a music career if not produced with respect and dignity. I think you did both.

One song doesn’t entitle an artist to a music career. With that said, what other projects do you have in the works?

Vaja: Currently, I’m writing new music with my award-winning music producer Steve Horner, my epic drummer Aaron Prather and with the support of our amazing engineer Judszn. We’re creating our new “cinematic / electronic rock” EP within the same realm of “People Are People.”

Guitar Thrills: We don’t have any doubt that you are talented. Who do you recall as being a source of inspiration? 

Vaja: Depeche Mode, Metallica, Led Zeppelin & The Cure are my biggest inspirations.

Guitar Thrills: Besides singing, what other musical talents do you have?

Vaja: I play guitar, bass, piano, drums & occasionally cow bell.

Guitar Thrills: That is awesome to hear. You know we touched the surface on some key issues regarding your exposure to the music industry. We look forward to your success as an artist. Will you keep us posted on what is transpiring with your career? 

Vaja: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for recognizing Artists who are truly passionate about their music. It was an honor to be interviewed by your prestigious Guitar Thrills Magazine and I will always keep you guys posted on my music journey. Guitar Thrills: Excellent. We look forwarding to chatting with you soon.

B&G Guitars

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