Women of Rock: VILIVANT’s Julia Gentile on Her Top Five Female Influences

Today is a special day for fans of hard rockers VILIVANT, for it marks the announcement of their brand-new album! Running On Empty is finished and ready to drop, on March 10th to be exact, with fans being offered a preview of what’s to come with the recently released singles, “Drown” as well as the title track. Empowering and anthemic, the band hit the ground running with this new full-length, which has been at various stages of development over the last three years. Lead singer Julia Gentile began the writing process right around the beginning of the global pandemic, and like many others, it affected her ability to stay determined and focused. Fortunately, she was able to pull herself out of a rut and compose a very relatable record that also includes some empowering moments.

Thematically, VILIVANT zone in on the baggage and effects of heartbreak, feeling drained, being pressured, and coming into your own. The doubts she started to feel at various times during this rather unprecedented time in modern human history ended up being a blessing in disguise because they led directly to certain songs, such as the title track. A big assist goes out to Sam Guiana, well known for his work with Silverstein, who produced Running On Empty.

With the empowering undertones of her music, you can imagine that VILIVANT is inspired by empowering artists. For our latest Women of Rock feature, Julia Gentile has joined us to share with us her top five female artists who have helped mould her into the talented and accomplished artist she is today.

1. Ann Wilson

“Ann Wilson from Heart will always be top tier when it comes to female rock vocalists, in my opinion. When I first heard ‘Barracuda’ and ‘Alone’ I just knew I wanted to become a rock singer and one that could sing like her. She really inspired me to push myself vocally and always improve.”

2. Lzzy Hale

“Lizzy hale from Halestorm has such a boisterous voice. From screaming, to clean singing, Lzzy can do it all. Halestorm was the band that first introduced me to heavier rock music with a female lead.”

3. Taylor Momson

“Starting out as a childhood actor and starring as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Taylor decided to part ways with acting and focus on her music career and her band, The Pretty Reckless. I love the rasp and Chris Cornell vocal style that Taylor has, as well as the power and control she holds over her voice. Her first album, Light Me Up, hooked me in, and I have been a fan ever since.”

4. Meg Myers

“This woman holds so much raw emotion and angst in her voice. I just love it. I was first introduced to Meg several years ago by a friend, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Her music is super relatable, and her first EP Make a Shadow has to be my favourite rock/alt album of the last decade. Since listening to Meg, I started experimenting more with the acoustic guitar and start writing more ballads.”

5. Dorothy

“This woman can sing! Dorothy holds such a bluesy unique tone to her voice that I just love. Her newest record Gifts From the Holy Ghost really grabbed me. From songs like ‘Black Sheep’ and ‘Rest In Peace’ really inspired me to dig back into southern rock style that I’ve gotten to love over the years.”

Tour Dates:

03/25 – Meteor Windsor, ON
04/14 – Rivoli Toronto, ON
04/15 – The Piranha Bar Montreal, QC
04/20 – The Queens Barrie, ON
04/21 – Mavericks Ottawa, ON
04/29 – The Hub Waterloo, ON
05/13 – The Mansion Kingston, ON

Artwork for the single “Running on Empty” by Vilivant