In the realm of music, where stories find their melody, Helaine Vis emerges not just as a singer but as a compelling storyteller. Her voice, a unique instrument, takes us on a poignant journey through the emotions of a young girl transitioning into womanhood in Poland. However, her tales go beyond the stereotypical teenage narratives of love and loss. Helaine’s stories, as she likes to emphasize, are not just about her unsuccessful love life and heartaches. In the age of social media, Helaine, like many of her peers, grappled with deep-seated insecurities and depression on her path to self-discovery. Music became her refuge, a potent medicine for sleepless nights and rough mornings. Through songwriting, she found solace in her most painful moments, turning them into messages of resilience and self-acceptance. “Looking back at my life, I get a feeling that I have been deeply depressed many times, but I didn’t even realize it. I thought that this is just who I am. I wrote most of my songs to cheer myself up. I’d like to inspire people not to be afraid of getting help and taking care of their mental health,” says Helaine. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the importance of addressing mental health challenges. The stage name ‘Helaine Vis’ is a symbolic fusion, combining her grandmother’s name with the Latin word for strength—a fitting tribute to the strong female figure in Helaine’s life. This name, she reveals, gave her the courage to step out of her bedroom where she had been composing songs for over a decade, and onto the concert stage. Drawing inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse, India.Arie, and Selah Sue, Helaine Vis, accompanied by guitarist Grzegorz Skoczylas, crafts music that is soft, melancholic, and irresistibly catchy. The husky depth of Helaine’s vocals finds perfect harmony with the lush textures of Grzegorz’s guitar. Their journey took a significant turn at the Spring Break Showcase Festival, where they caught the attention of Bartek Borowicz, head of Borówka Music, a notable Polish booking agency. Since then, they have graced over 70 stages in 40 different cities across Poland, including various music festivals and a 5-day tour with Norwegian band FLUNK. After a whirlwind of live performances, 2020 saw the duo retreat to the studio to translate their intimate live sound into a rich yet delicate album. “Pretty Cliché,” which released in October 2021 via Berlin label Springstoff, reflects on Helaine Vis’s journey—acknowledging her roots and looking ahead to the future. Helaine’s newest single, “No Sugar,” is a testament to the self-assurance she has earned on her journey. The song, with its laid-back flow and empowering lyrics, emphasizes resilience and standing up for oneself. It draws on a Polish saying: “You’re not made of sugar, you won’t melt.” This metaphor serves as a reminder to navigate through life’s troubles and challenges, staying strong in the face of adversity. In Helaine’s words, “It’s one of those songs I wrote trying to comfort myself that despite the odds, I’m still moving forward. I stumble and wander, but in the end, I manage and I don’t melt in this rain of problems, because I’m not made of sugar.” The artist’s strength, embodied in the line “I might wave in the wind but I’m strong in the core,” echoes the Latin meaning of her stage name—strength. It started as a motivation when she didn’t feel strong at all but has become a fitting nickname earned through the years. “Musically, I was inspired by the Berlin underground music scene,” she shares. “This city is teeming with music, it is saturated with it to the core. You can get lost in it and never come back.” The second verse of “No Sugar” delves into personal resilience, particularly in the aftermath of a toxic relationship, emphasizing the importance of choosing oneself and fighting for personal happiness. Helaine Vis’s musical journey is a captivating narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and the healing power of music. Through her stories, she encourages others to embrace their imperfections, acknowledge their struggles, and seek help when needed. In an era where vulnerability is often masked, Helaine Vis stands as a beacon of authenticity, reminding us that it’s okay to make mistakes and be wrong sometimes.
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