Bedhead
Bedhead is a singer/songwriter based in Toronto, Canada.
She revealed her debut single “Bitter” last year followed by her second single “Fight No More” released in October 2019.
With the help of Derek Hoffman and Feurd Moore, “Fight No More” touches on depression and letting go.
“I had been stuck in this headspace where I felt like it was never going to go away, even after years and years of getting help. Something just clicked. I snapped and just said “F*** this” and the song was born. It was that moment of “enough’s enough,” explains BedHead.
Directed by Jacq Andrade, the visuals for “Fight No More” was premiered on November 5th.
Currently getting ready to release her debut EP, the Canadian songwriter hopes to help people through her music by sharing her personal experiences with mental health.
“Fight No More” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Jen Squires
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hello! My name is Veronica, but you probably know me better as Bedhead. I’ve been an artist for my whole life, but as of last year I started sharing my music. I dabble in a lot of creative fields… painting, drawing, photography, video, design, etc. Bedhead is my way to express all of my creative sides under one roof!
Could you tell us a little bit about your childhood?
I’ve been making art ever since childhood. I started piano and singing when I was about 7 years old and from then on I was hooked. I was also an avid drawer and painter even as a kid, I have a lot of fond memories of summer camps that consisted of art, music, dance, musical theatre, and one programming camp (that didn’t really take).
If you could say something to your younger self, what would you say?
Don’t doubt yourself and your confidence. Also stop straightening your hair all the time!!!
How would you describe yourself today?
Creative, comfortable in my skin, confident yet vulnerable. I feel 100% myself.
When did you know you had to become an artist and release your original music?
I think after my teenage years, going to university, trying to “adult”, I had some external (and internal) voices telling me to pick a lane, be practical, find a real job. I tried to fit into this mold that was clearly not working for me because I was playing by a set of rules I couldn’t follow. I found a job that allowed me to be creative and perform in front of people about 4 or 5 years ago, and at the same time I started writing my own music. All of these things were happening all at once and I knew it was a sign.
How would you define Bedhead, the artist?
Bedhead is all about following your dreams despite your baggage. Sometimes we find it hard to get out of bed and face the day. But it’s about getting up anyway, better late than never, and wearing your troubles proudly.
"Fight No More" is your latest single. Could you describe us the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create this song?
Fight No More is actually about 2 years old! There is this park near where I live that I like to go when I want to be alone with my thoughts, and that’s where this song was born. It was just a little voice note with a couple of melodies and the main lyric in the chorus. I first recorded the song with Feurd Moore, who I’ve worked with before on an earlier project. He really gave the song the emotional content and driving force that was missing from my original demo. Later on, Derek Hoffman was brought in to breathe that extra bit of life into it. Recording with both of them was a dream. As a new artist, the door is wide open to creatively express yourself in whichever way you feel, and sometimes, that can be really overwhelming at the beginning, both Derek and Feurd were wonderful friends and mentors during that process.
What was the inspiration behind the record?
I started writing Fight No More at a really low point in my life where I found myself feeling incredibly overwhelmed and frustrated with my depression. I had been stuck in this headspace where I felt like it was never going to go away, even after years and years of getting help. Something just clicked. I snapped and just said “F*** this” and the song was born. It was that moment of “enough’s enough”.
What do you like the most about this particular song?
The conviction behind the message of the song, that feeling of “I can NEVER go back” to that part of yourself that consistently held you down, or that person who wasn’t right for you.
What made you want to release "Fight No More" as a single?
I knew I had something special from the start. Releasing it as a single felt like the proper way to give the song and video it’s moment to shine!
Could you tell us about the music video? How was it like to collaborate with Jacq Andrade?
For the video, we wanted the audience to go on a visual journey into the psyche to see what it looks like to wrestle with parts of yourself you don’t want to have a hold on your life anymore, represented by two versions of myself. The scenes with the fabrics, using them to cover myself show the safety of not facing yourself or your fears. Simple, deliberate movements with our dancer, Nicole, and myself to show the push and pull of emotions within the scenes, and the ending feels like a breath of fresh air when the sheet is finally removed.
I could not have asked for a better collaborator and director than Jacq! When I came to her with the song and a basic plot outline of the video, she completely got what I was going for and was the driving force of how cool the video turned out. The whole process was so much fun, from driving around the city to find the perfect fabrics to shooting and finishing edit sessions.
What message do you want to deliver through this record?
The takeaway for this song is that you don’t have to take crap from anyone, even yourself. You have power in yourself to walk away from people or situations that make you feel less of a person.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP?
The concept of the EP focuses on the relationship with mental health, with each song being a different take on it. Everyone’s journey is very different, and these 5 songs are just my perspective and experience.
Why do you make music? What keeps you motivated?
I make music because there’s that part of me that always needs to be creating, but I find music out of all mediums to be healing. I love writing with new people and that’s always a fun time, but when I’m writing on my own it’s often therapeutic and addressing some part of my life that I feel strong emotions to. What keeps me motivated is the hope that in finding truth and clarity for myself, I’m able to help someone who hears it do the same. That is the ultimate gift.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
I love being creative and crafty! I dabble in painting and photography, and I like to make things for fun like costumes, props, gifts, stuff for the home, etc. Big fan of nature, travelling, going to new places. I love movies, TV, video games as well, there’s definitely a big geeky side to me as well (I may still play Pokemon Go).
What advices would you give to anyone struggling with mental illnesses?
I can only speak to my own experiences, and I realize that there is a much bigger umbrella outside anxiety and depression.
And what message would you give to people who do not understand mental illnesses?
Be kind, and have compassion. It is hard to understand something that you can’t see, let alone haven’t dealt with yourself, but that does not make it any less real for people struggling with their mental health. If you know someone struggling, listen to them and don’t make assumptions on what they need to do for themselves, let them tell you how you can help, if at all.
As a human being, what do you want to accomplish?
I’d like to find more ways to help others with my art and music, and leave the world better than how I found it. It doesn’t even have to be a major impact, just trying to do it through the little things is a lot.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Little actions make big changes. Be kind to a stranger, even if you didn’t have to, it creates a ripple effect. Treat others how you would want to be treated. Cut down on single-use plastics. We’re not perfect, but just keep trying to be the best that you can be.
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