Born and raised in Toronto, Victoria Staff was always an “anxious child.” The string that connected much of her young life was using music to communicate with family, friends, teachers, and even therapists. Over time, this coping mechanism developed into a passion for music that would lead to her career as an indie-pop artist. Staff continues to use the written word to communicate with her audience. Her debut EP, Records & Honesty, was released in 2023 under the guidance of Canadian music producer Dan Hosh.
Sophomore EP, I Wake Up Smiling 🙁, is about living in the fact that sometimes you’ll be happy, and somedays you won’t and that’s okay. Happiness is super elusive, and that’s what Staff is constantly reminded of as she gets older. There are days where she actually does wake up smiling, but there are many, many, MANY days where she doesn’t. Sometimes it can feel like you’re chasing down happiness but it’s always faster. Like you’re always behind and can’t catch it but it’s about just giving it your best shot.
I Wake Up Smiling 🙁 features highlighted single, “My Whole Life Long,” the first song Staff has recorded that isn’t sad. Instead of being a cathartic outlet, “My Whole Life Long” is about finding the correct words and finding a way to communicate with someone when you’re lost for words. So many relationships are one sided, but “My Whole Life Long” tells a story where both people were in it together as equals.
Stream “My Whole Life Long” here : https://hypeddit.com/victoriastaff/iwakeupsmiling
‘Records & Honesty’ was about where I was last year, and in contrast, this is all about where I am now. I got to work with some incredible musicians: Will Crann, John Karkar, Luke Fair, and Dan Hosh. I also built ‘I Wake Up Smiling 🙁’ with my sister. She is and always will be my favourite collaborator. Her voice is all over the songs. She makes me a better musician.
– Victoria Staff