Vassy

Australian native Vassy Karaglorgos wants you to have a "Beautiful Day" with her new album. "Beautiful Day" is a pop parade of giddy proportions, from a singer/songwriter who has melodies constantly on her brain. So, pull up a chair, it's time to get Vassy!

MS: Looking over your materials, I was really impressed you had a song in "Cabin in the Woods," by the way.

Vassy: Oh, thank you!

MS: I'm a horror movie freak. Are you into that?

Vassy: Ya know, I'm not a big horror fan, but it was really cool that they wanted my song.

MS: "Desire" was a naughty little song. What makes you want to do fizzy dance pop?

Vassy: Well, I'm versatile. "Beautiful Day" has that vibe about it.

MS: Ok, but I want to know why. I looked at the video for your acoustic song, "Fallen," which is so great and different than the vibe of your album. What drew you to this?

Vassy: Being an artist, that's kind of what I do. Sometimes I feel like doing this, and sometimes I feel like doing that. Ya know, there's no rules, we eat different food everyday. When you're an artist, you just create.

MS: I wasn't trying to put you on the spot. After hearing some of your edgier material, I was curious what propelled you to this type of music.

Vassy: Oh, no, it's cool, you're not putting me on the spot. I'm just not sure how to answer that question. (laughs)

MS: Your choir teacher in high school told you you couldn't sing. Uh, ok, tell me about that.

Vassy: Well, I was in the high school choir and was told I couldn't sing. Then, years later, that teacher heard me singing on a national radio station and ended up writing an apology letter, which is kind of funny.

MS: Too funny that you were written an apology.

Vassy: Uh huh, I was kicked out of high school choir and was told I couldn't sing and when you're a kid that's very disheartening. But I just took it and went, "ok, cool." Instinctively, I knew I was a leader and not a follower.

MS: Yes! I love that, so cool. Billie Holiday was one of your inspirations. Being a fan of hers, I think that's really great.

Vassy: Yeah, I heard her sing when I was fifteen/sixteen and I remember being so moved by her. I was like, "God who is this woman with her vulnerable little voice"? Then I fell in love with her. I became obsessed. Ever since I heard "Autumn in New York," it made me dream about moving to America.

MS: You live in Los Angeles now. Did you move to New York first?

Vassy: I did, actually. Then I came to Los Angeles and everything fell into place.

MS: The weather here is better.

Vassy: Yes, the weather in New York is awful.

MS: Since I haven't heard the album "Beautiful Day," and I am so into your acoustic song "Fallen," enquiring minds want to know; is there anything like "Fallen" on the album?

Vassy: "Beautiful Day" is very organic. Obviously, I really love to do the acoustic stuff. I have a channel and I do acoustic stuff on it all the time.

MS: Your songs have been featured on many television shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Ugly Betty." Did these songs help you branch out and be "Vassy".

Vassy: No, I was always being "Vassy". (laughs) I did the songs that were on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Ugly Betty" when I was in Australia. They heard them and they wanted to use them. I was never writing for TV and film. I was just being Vassy, and they liked my stuff, I am guessing. (laughs)

MS: Do you think being on those shows helped propel you to where you are now?

Vassy: Yeah, absolutely! I love music! I have always wanted to do it, but I didn't have the support, so I studied architecture.

MS: Oh, wow!

Vassy: I got my degree in it. My father passed away and I was really upset at the time, obviously. A friend of mine submitted a song I had written and it won a national competition. The song was on the radio. I got a record deal and I moved to America. Music is my passion. I love writing for others and myself. I'm very fortunate and blessed to be able to pursue my dream. Oh, and I have finally gotten my green card! (laughs)

MS: So, why did you decide to title your website "Kiss My Vassy"?

Vassy: Well, that's my thing, you know? "Kiss My Vassy!" I mean, how often does someone's name play off? (laughs)

Kiss yourself some Vassy at www.kissmyvassy.com.