In Conversation With...Viddy and 'Dangerous Feel to Relax' EP Review
- Angelika May
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Words by Angelika May
Photography by Anya Rose
Viddy’s latest EP, Dangerous Feel to Relax (DFTR), is a continuation of self-discovery, following her debut EP, The Girlfriend Experience. DFTR reflects a more complex and conflicted state of mind, capturing the guilt of feeling comfortable and the fear that stability might dull creative expression, though that’s certainly not the case here. Drawing from the highs and lows of dating in London over the past five years, Viddy channels her experiences as a single woman navigating love and commitment into every track. DFTR takes listeners through the messy, beautiful process of healing and finding oneself. Viddy’s honest songwriting and dynamic soundscapes encapsulate the emotional complexity of young adulthood, making DFTR not just a collection of songs, but a deeply personal narrative of growth and resilience.
The opening track, "Moving Fast," kicks off the EP with a fantastic, fun, club-style beat, soon intercepted by beautifully haunting vocals reminiscent of Goldfrapp’s Seventh Tree album. It's an incredibly upbeat song, elevated by heartfelt lyrics about reclaiming your sense of self and worth. The lively and energetic backing vocals make this a track that will definitely get you in the groove and moving fast.
"Obsessed" shifts the tone with a slow, intoxicating beat. It’s perfect for grabbing onto a lover or a…'situationship' and swaying together. It’s sexy and dripping in soft, melodic vocals. The bridge builds into a slow descent, teasing us with soft and alluring guitar riffs. If edging were a song, this would be it.
The title track, "Dangerous Feel to Relax," follows the same slow-paced, yearning vibe as the rest of the album. The drum beat sets a steady pace, while the piano trickles through as a delicate and lovely interception. As a title track, it’s promising and could easily pass as a James Bond theme with lines like “I think I’m attracted to bad men.” Watch out, Adele—Viddy is coming for you. That said, "Moving Fast" might have been a stronger choice for the title track, as it better sets apart the album's overall tone and stands out more distinctly. Still, the lyricism of "Dangerous Feel to Relax" beautifully encapsulates the album’s nostalgic, romantic, and yearning vibe; seductive, but in a way that feels like a seduction of the self.
The final track, "Right Now," leans more toward an indie-rock-pop vibe, and it’s easy to see this one becoming a hit. It’s trendy, with a great sound and playful, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. There’s a beautifully melancholic juxtaposition between the upbeat music and the reflective tone of the lyrics. It’s a hopeful track that steers listeners into a cinematic, melancholic mood. An easy song to put on while gazing out the window, thinking about that one silly person…
What’s the sentiment behind the title Dangerous Feel to Relax, and how does it reflect the themes of the EP?
DFTR represents the different perspectives I’ve experienced as a single person over the last five years, all tied together by the guilt that came with feeling comfortable. I noticed early on that my music, when based on personal experiences, tends to receive more praise. Because of that, I’ve struggled to appreciate the songs I’ve written unless they reflect something I’ve been through.
The fear that being content with one person might affect my writing crept in often as I was healing from overly intense teenage love—maybe a lingering effect of being in the wrong relationships and wondering if I might be the problem. I took a long break because I was afraid to commit, but I’m just a girl, so I’d still sometimes entertain male attention. The situations that unfolded during that era inspired every song on this EP.
Your EP blends cinematic tension with dance-driven tracks—how did you approach balancing these different sounds and dividing the songs?
I kept writing songs about our generation's fear of commitment, as it was such a prevalent theme in my life and the lives of my friends, whether I’m the one who doesn’t want to commit or the person I’m singing about is the one avoiding it. It all fell into place for me, and since my attention span is pretty short, I don’t mind that the songs might have different influences.
Your EP explores relationships and self-discovery—how did your personal experiences, especially dating in London as a creator in your 20s, shape your songwriting?
It definitely inspired the second half of the EP. I decided to move to London with an open mind about falling in love, but just because I claimed to be more prepared, didn’t mean it was the right timing. From what I heard from everyone dating in London, no one seemed to experience the right timing. Tracks 3 and 4 were inspired by the compromises that came with that.
If you went on a date, ended up back at their place, and they put on a song—what’s the one track that would instantly give you the ick and make you walk out the door?
George Ezra, no particular song, just not a bit of me.
The Girlfriend Experience, released in 2023, drew listeners in with its blend of electronica and tender vocals, creating a world of ‘feelz.’ How has your perspective on romance, heartbreak, frustration, and desire evolved from your debut EP to Dangerous Feel to Relax?
The tracklist order on both EPs represents the growth and progression of what was consuming my love life at the time. It starts with a different mindset than how it ends, taking you through how I navigated that era from start to finish. Dangerous Feel to Relax is definitely the hangover from The Girlfriend Experience. I was scarred by the love that inspired TGE, which shaped me into the person who wrote DFTR.
The title track touches on the guilty pleasures of dating and the thrill of indulging in something or someone that might not be good for you. What are some of your own guilty pleasures, whether in love or life? Mine, for example, is Adele.
I don’t feel guilty about any of the artists I listen to—I just feel guilty about not doing as much as they are.
Which song on the EP gave you the most creative challenges, and how did you overcome them?
Dangerous Feel to Relax definitely had the most versions—I think there are about seventeen, [laughing] and a few of them even have an Elton John-style chord progression at the end. We sat on it for a long time before finally finishing it last.
With your upcoming EP launch and shows, what can fans expect from your live set, and where can they catch you performing soon?
You can expect a very talented band that I'm incredibly lucky to work with. They're all amazing musicians, and every time we play together, I feel so damn lucky.
Listen to Dangerous Feel to Relax
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Catch Viddy live:
10/04/25 Southbank Centre, London. Future Tense x BBC introducing showcase
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