V.V. Lightbody poured sweat into a serene new album

Vivian McConnell, performing as V.V. Lightbody, has unveiled her third solo album, Period Piece, marking a significant milestone after a six-year gap since her last release. The Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist and indie-pop artist took on the lead producer role for this record, crafting a sound that balances delicate musicianship with an intimate examination of personal struggles.

Period Piece builds on the ethereal qualities of McConnell’s 2020 album, Make a Shrine or Burn It, yet it introduces a more expansive and polished sonic palette. Despite the album’s luminous and serene aura, McConnell’s creative process was fraught with challenges; she contended with considerable stress that manifested physically, underscoring the intensity behind the project’s creation. This tension, however, is absent from the final product, which conveys a poised and reflective atmosphere.

In shaping Period Piece, McConnell aimed to capture a relaxed, effortless feel but found the process to be deeply demanding. She wrestled with internal doubts and sought to affirm her artistic identity, both personally and within the broader music industry. This internal dialogue is mirrored in the album’s lyrical focus, which turns inward—addressing self-accountability and everyday anxieties—contrasting with the more externally directed themes found in her previous work.

The album opens with “Practice Smiling,” a track characterized by its upbeat rhythm and subtle bass lines provided by Sam Cantor, the frontman of Minor Moon and McConnell’s fiancé. This song sets the thematic tone for the album, blending seriousness with a buoyant energy that reflects the complexity of navigating personal and emotional challenges.

Period Piece also highlights McConnell’s versatility as she contributes vocals and various instruments, including guitar, keys, percussion, and flute. Her experience producing other artists, notably within Chicago’s vibrant scene, where she supports emerging and predominantly female musicians, informed her approach to this album. McConnell describes her producer role as a therapeutic mentorship, guiding less experienced artists through the intricacies of music creation.

Beyond her solo endeavors, McConnell remains active in other musical projects. In 2024, she toured as a bassist with the art-rock band Finom, contributing to their album Not God, and launched the synth-pop duo Valebol with percussionist Daniel Villarreal from Dos Santos. Her diverse collaborations showcase her adaptability and commitment to the Chicago music community.

The release of Period Piece was facilitated by Virginia’s Egghunt Records, and McConnell celebrated with two headline shows at Chicago’s Hideout in mid-October 2024. These performances underscore her continued presence and relevance in the local indie music landscape.

In parallel with McConnell’s release, the Chicago music scene offers a rich slate of new material. Notably, jazz drummer Jeremy Cunningham’s Passing Fires album features contributions from a host of Chicago musicians and is celebrated with a concert at Constellation. Additionally, the emo band Sweet Bike released Get Off Your High Horse and Raise the Roof and performed at Schubas, while experimental duo Madam Orange prepared to share their Parallax album at the Empty Bottle.

Photographer Jim Newberry’s forthcoming book, Chicago Music, Seen, also highlights the city’s musical heritage with portraits of key figures captured over several decades, reflecting the deep cultural fabric that artists like McConnell contribute to today.

While details about the full creative process behind Period Piece remain limited, McConnell’s latest work stands as a testament to her resilience and artistry. By channeling personal trials into a refined and compelling album, she reinforces her position within Chicago’s indie music scene and continues to expand her multi-faceted career.