Vana

Hailing from Anaheim but raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Vana has carved out a space in metal unlike any other. Blending the harsh intensity of metal with electro-pop influences, her music embodies a kind of beautiful chaos. With a lyrical style inspired by horror, femininity, and her experiences as a woman in the alternative space, Vana’s songs delve into the absurd and extremist, often veering into provocative territory that challenges listeners to confront their own perceptions.

Her breakout hit, “Beg,” amassed over 7 million streams independently, catapulting her into the spotlight and earning her a significant and dedicated following on social media. Vana’s raw, boundary-pushing sound serves as an open invitation to those who might feel out of place in traditional metal spaces, making her an approachable bridge into heavier music for women and queer audiences.

Despite having no formal music training, Vana is entirely self-taught—a feat that reflects her fierce dedication to her craft. She draws inspiration from artists like Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, and Bring me the Horizon who shaped her early musical tastes, as well as current trailblazing women in metal like Courtney LaPlante, Maria Brink, and Poppy. She is also a fan of collecting absurd guitars.

Passionate about creating an inclusive, empowering space within the metal genre, Vana’s mission extends beyond her music. Her work and her voice in the scene offer representation and visibility, encouraging others to explore the darker, heavier side of music without fear of judgment or exclusion. Through her unfiltered lyrics, chaotic soundscapes, and magnetic presence, Vana is redefining what it means to be a metal artist today.