Vivien Vee

Vivien Vee is the quintessential voice of the transition from late-70s disco to the synth-heavy Italo sound of the 80s. Her music is characterized by a relentless, driving energy powered by arpeggiated basslines and early electronic drum patterns. It feels both glamorous and slightly mysterious, like a high-fashion shoot happening in a dimly lit basement club.

What sets her apart is the collaboration with Claudio Simonetti, which brought a darker, more cinematic edge to the standard disco formula. While her contemporaries were often purely bubblegum, Vivien Vee's tracks have a 'cosmic' weight to them, utilizing lush analog synthesizers that create a sense of infinite space. Her vocal delivery is often breathy and understated, acting as a cool counterpoint to the heat of the rhythm section.

To get the full experience, start with 'Give Me A Break'. It’s a masterclass in the Italo-disco transition, featuring the kind of infectious, repetitive hooks that defined the era. It’s music that demands movement but rewards those who listen closely to the intricate synth layering and the crisp, punchy production that still sounds remarkably fresh today.