VANNGO

Q: The song carries both the devastation of the fires and the hopefulness of the people. How did you reconcile these emotions in your lyrics?

A: I wrote from the truth of what I saw and felt. The devastation was real. So many of my friends lost everything, and the city felt broken. But at the same time, there was this undeniable strength in people showing up for each other. I didn’t try to separate those emotions. I let the lyrics hold both the heartbreak and the resilience, because that’s what we were all living through

Q: The imagery in the song is so evocative. Did you draw on personal experience or stories from others who were affected by the fires?

A: I was personally affected as my business in Pacific Palisades was devastated by the fires. My closest friends and the entire community lost everything.

Q: Was there a point during or following the fires when you realized you needed to write this song?

A: It really wasn’t long after we were all safe and the reality began to set in. Something inside of me began to brew and I had to let it out.

Q: How was it to write about something so hurtful? Was it therapeutic for you?

A: It was very emotional, but it was also healing. Writing gave me a way to process everything I had witnessed and felt. There’s something powerful about turning pain into art. Into something that can connect with others. It helped me begin moving through the hurt and find a sense of purpose in it. So yeah, it was therapeutic – deeply.

Q: The song mentions scars and tears but also hope and strength. What do you want people to take from it?

A: I want people to feel seen in their pain but also reminded of their power to rise. We all carry scars, but those marks can also be proof of our strength. My hope is that the song helps all listeners but especially those in LA feel less alone and maybe even a little more hopeful.

Q: The tonal shift from devastation to resilience is so compelling. How did you approach structuring the song to illustrate that path?

A: I wanted the structure to mirror the emotional journey, starting in stillness, moving through chaos, and ending in unity. Musically and lyrically, it rises, just like the city is doing. The verses hold the heartbreak, and the chorus is the rallying cry. That contrast is what gives the song its emotional weight.

Q: How do you think music helps people heal after tragedy?

A: Music gives us a way to process what words alone often can’t. It makes space for emotion, reflection, and connection. It reminds us that we’re not alone and that healing, even in pieces, is possible.

Q: The fires touched so many lives. Have you heard from people who relate to the song on a personal level?

A: Yes, and it’s been incredibly moving. People have reached out saying the song captured what they couldn’t put into words. That kind of connection means everything to me.

Q: Do you see this song as a tribute to the strength of Los Angeles?

A: Definitely. I love LA and through my own loss and uncertainty, LA has showed me resilience, beauty, unity, and heart. This song is a reflection of that spirit.

Q: If you had to distill the spirit of Los Angeles into a few words, what would they be?

A: Grit. Heart. Reinvention. This city doesn’t just survive it rises!

Q: Did you ever find yourself struggling with how much of your own feelings to inject into the lyrics?

A: Absolutely. There’s a vulnerability in putting your truth into a song, especially when the pain is still fresh. But I knew if I held back, it wouldn’t resonate. So I leaned in and let the emotion guide me.

Q: What do you hope people will feel when they hear “We’ll Rise LA!” for the first time?

A: I hope they feel seen and hopeful. That even in loss, there’s beauty in coming together and rebuilding.

Q: If you could perform this song live in any location in LA, where would it be and why?

A: Dodger Stadium

Q: How has writing this song influenced your perspective on resilience and rebuilding?

A: It reminded me that resilience isn’t loud. It’s in the quiet moments when you choose to keep going. Writing this showed me that healing and rebuilding don’t always look heroic, but they’re powerful just the same.

Q: What’s next for you musically? Do you see yourself writing more songs with this kind of message?

A: I am really excited about what comes next. I have a slate of tracks recorded and ready to be released. Next up is HEARTBREAKER USA.