Victoria Duffield is ready to take the world by storm. You may not recognize her name, but there is a good chance you’ve had her hit single “Shut Up And Dance” stuck in your head. The 17 year old pop star has already broken records being the youngest singer signed to Warner Music Canada and one of the fastest charting songs from a Canadian. We caught up with Victoria between her high school exams and an acting audition to find out what she has planned for the future and how she keeps it all balanced.
Real Style Network: You got your start on the YTV reality show The Next Star. What was it like being on the show?
Victoria Duffield: It was really neat. I had acted before, but I had never done a reality show. It was definitely very different. Overall it was a great experience and a great stepping stone in my career giving me national exposure and meeting some great people, which then connected me to Warner. It was definitely a great step in my career.
Real Style Network: What did you think when you didn’t win?
Victoria Duffield: When the finale came and I wasn’t chosen there was never a thought of ‘Ok, that’s where my career ends.’ It was always thought of as ‘That was one step. Where can I go now?’ I continued to rehearse in the dance studio and perform in my community. It wasn’t until March that I had a board meeting with Warner. There were many months there where I kept on going. That wasn’t going to stop me.
Real Style Network: Was it intimidating going in to meet with such a huge music company for the first time?
Victoria Duffield: I was definitely very nervous. I don’t usually get nervous for performances, but that was a nerve wracking one, because I knew how important it was for me and my career. I thought ‘Wow, this happened when I was 16.’ As it is, I am the youngest person they have ever signed. I was definitely nervous, but up to the challenge.
Real Style Network: So now you have released your first single “Shut Up & Dance” and it’s reached number one on the Canadian chart. What did you think when your first single ever hit number one?
Victoria Duffield: I don’t know what I thought would happen when the song first came out. When it hit number 29 on MuchMusic, I was like ‘Oh my god I am on the MuchMusic countdown! How can this be possible?’ For it to be number one is unbelievable. It’s very honouring that the country could take to my song so fast. I was absolutely thrilled.
Real Style Network: Was it strange for your friends seeing you on the charts?
Victoria Duffield: They are kind of used to it. I have always been in commercials and different things. They are like ‘Oh Victoria’s off doing something again.’ For them hearing my song on the radio is something they have never heard. For them, that is the weirdest thing. They say ‘You will never guess. I was driving down the road and you were on the radio.’ They think it’s pretty cool.
Real Style Network: Was it important for you to bring your love of dance into your first single?
Victoria Duffield: As an artist, that is what I bring to differentiate myself from people. I like to have the full show. It was very important for me in the first single, right off the bat, to show Canada what I am about and showcase my dancing.
Real Style Network: Are you currently working on a full length now?
Victoria Duffield: I have been doing lots of other writing and recording. I am getting ready for my second single to be out on the 14th. We are planning and getting together an EP. I am doing some other writing as well in these next couple of weeks. After that I hope to take that on some sort of tour.
Real Style Network: What can fans expect from future music from you?
Victoria Duffield: Definitely more dance pop music. This upcoming song has a darker dance edge. I’ve been hearing from other people that the songs are very catchy. Look forward to a lot of our songs getting stuck in your head.
Real Style Network: How do you balance all of this with school?
Victoria Duffield: It is very difficult I won’t lie to you. I just work out the right balance. When I am away it is all about my interviews, my performing and my rehearsals. Then when I get home I work to catch up on my homework and get everything done. I don’t sleep much. I do get stressed with everything going on, but it’s what I want to do so I feel I need to deal with this. All of these exciting things are happening. It’s a juggling act, but I make it work.
Real Style Network: What advice do you have for other kids your age who want to pursue the same path as you?
Victoria Duffield: Work really hard. Don’t be afraid to invest a lot of your time in it. Take advantage of every opportunity that you get. I was always one to go into any singing competition and taking advantage of offers for any performances. Just get as much experience as you can. Don’t listen when people say ‘Oh you can’t do that.’ If you want it keep going for it.
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