originally published: 02/01/2022
VAYA sees themselves as more of a spirit - a way to express yourself through music, colors, and performance - than a traditional band. Based in Toronto, their first concert was in the summer of 2017. Their name is strongly connected to the white wolf spirit. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with VAYA.
Who are the members of the band and what instrument do they each play? VAYA welcomed different musicians on the road I was really happy to share with to empower the all power of it and make it more unique as it started. VAYA is full of soul prints, of human stories, of friend and family ship, of spirituality, of sharing ideas of co creation. And it will continue like that as long as possible. I am really happy to be a part and a witness of it.
Tell me about your latest record. What songs are you most proud of on the record? I love all of them because all together they do the full spine of a strong human story:) so each one has its one importance.
How many records, eps, or singles has the band put out in total? How has the band changed over time? We are only on the second opus. We started with a double album. I think we are more confident to experiment ourself on new things.
What was one of your favorite gigs? I liked the one we said goodbye to Switzerland, it was warm and sincere.
Where does the band regularly play shows? Well today it is hard to say :) But we are working on flying to Japan and then if Universe allows it, doing a little step back to Europe with the first album.
Where would you like to play if you could? Where? JAPAN! And ALL OVER THE WORLD!
What would be the “next step” that you’d like to see the band take? Being renown so we can be able to meet more interesting people and move.
For more on VAYA visit their official website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
The Artist Spotlight series features interviews with artists and bands from around the world. If you would like to be considered for an interview, email [email protected] and provide a link to your website or socials for us to check out. There is no cost to being part of the series. Interviews run at The Penguin Rocks and NewJerseyStage.com
COLUMNS
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 13-19, 2026
Here is a look at shows taking place from January 13-19, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
MORE NEWS
UCPAC presents Lez Zeppelin: The Song Remains The Same 50th Anniversary Celebration on February 21st
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- In honor of the 50th anniversary of the release of The Song Remains the Same, internationally acclaimed Lez Zeppelin — the all-female quartet known for delivering the most powerful and authentic Led Zeppelin experience and the only band personally endorsed by Jimmy Page himself — returns to Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) with a special concert celebrating the iconic 1976 film and its legendary soundtrack! The concert takes place Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents the Matt O'Ree Band on January 23rd
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview
North Jersey Blues Society presents NJBS Showcase Series: Women in Blues on March 8th
UPCOMING SHOWS
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- It's time for the annual Light of Day shows! A time when Asbury Park comes alive with music throughout the city -- everything from singer-songwriter to rock & blues to cover bands and tribute acts. It's a great time to check out new artists, see your favorites, and experience new venues. In addition to Asbury Park, there are shows at City Winery in NYC, John & Peter's in New Hope, Outpost in the Burbs, and Bob's Birthday Bash in Red Bank.
The Newton Theatre presents Queensrÿche
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Crys Matthews
Brook Arts Center presents Gold Rush: The Music of Neil Young
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