Q&A: Vivi Rincon talks debut EP, crash landing

Creating a song is one thing; posting it online for many people to listen to is another. That type of creative risk is a giant leap for any musical artist but for singer-songwriter Vivi Rincon, who shared her debut single “if we lived on the moon” on TikTok and amassed 1.3 million views, going viral for a song that holds such sentimental value left her feeling grateful.

On her debut EP, crash landing, Rincon invites you in and gives access to her thoughts and emotions. Like an affectionate, warm, and safe embrace, Rincon’s delicate, earnest vocals and vulnerable songwriting will impress you with her mature artistry.

And with the release of her EP, I got the chance to chat with Rincon and discuss her favorite song from crash landing, what it was like to go viral, musical and cultural influences, and much more.

---

First, congrats on the release of your debut EP. How excited are you to share this collection of songs and for it all to come together?

I am so incredibly excited. I can’t wait for people to hear it and to get to know me better as an artist and as a person through these songs.

Do you have a personal favorite among the five tracks on this EP? Is there one that you are most proud of?

I have to say my favorite out of the five is probably “can’t breathe.” I am so proud of the lyrics in that song, and the production makes me so happy every time I hear it. I also love “if we lived on the moon.” That song will forever be super important to me. It’s so personal to me and so honest, I am so proud of it.

Speaking of the songs on this EP, your debut single, “if we lived on the moon”, went viral on TikTok. What was your reaction when you saw the response the song received?

I knew this song was special to me, but I had no idea it would have that response. The first feeling I felt was gratitude. I am so happy that that song was able to resonate with so many people because that is really all I could ever ask for as an artist and songwriter.

But aside from its virality, the song is not only beautiful, heartfelt, and honest; it’s deeply personal to you. It taps into this vulnerable confession of your journey as a queer woman. What was it like for you to dig deep, release those emotions and then put them into words?

I felt like it was something I had to put into words, I just had to express this fear that I was feeling. I hate whenever I walk down the street and feel strange about holding my girlfriend’s hand or kissing her in public. I knew that a lot of queer people shared that same experience, which is why I thought writing this song was important for me.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by vivi rincon (@fakelupe)

When it comes to musical influences, who would you say has influenced you the most?

I LOVE Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Paramore, all of those incredible indie and rock artists. I grew up listening to that style of music, so I feel so connected to it. Organic instrumentation, sick guitar lines, lyrics that evoke so much imagery, that is what I am most inspired by.

And speaking of influence, in being half-Mexican and half-Venezuelan, how has your culture influenced your art? Whether it be the sound you strive to create or your songwriting.

One of the first artists I grew up listening to is this iconic Mexican rock band called “Mana.” My mom would always play it every morning while my sister and I were getting ready for school, and it was the first time I realized music was special. I am definitely so inspired by Latin rock bands like them in my music.

Are there any artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?

Definitely Phoebe Bridgers, Gracie Abrams, and I am loving Nessa Barrett recently. There are just so many artists I would love to work with.

Lastly, what’s next? What’s one dream/goal you wish to accomplish this year?

I can’t wait to go on tour, that is definitely my next goal for this year.