As the first band scheduled for Voodoo Music + Arts Experience this year, Veridia will kick off the festival Friday at noon. The electronic and alternative rock band’s influences span from Linkin Park and Muse to Panic! At the Disco, Diplo, and Marina and the Diamonds, according to lead singer Deena Jakoub.
Jakoub joined Brandon Brown, Kyle Levy and Trevor Hinesley to form Veridia in 2013.
When she was a teenager, Jakoub was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, a disorder that prevents her body from producing adrenaline.
She explained after having a stress-related disease for so long, she became accustomed to the lifestyle that accompanies Addison’s disease. She said she takes cortisol— a steroid hormone used to prevent Addison’s crisis, which can lead to a coma — and eats well, and she sets aside time before shows to relax and meditate. Otherwise, she said she doesn’t see the disorder as a hindrance on her daily life.
“Having a disease like this has honestly given me more fire behind my passion, because I know God gave me a second chance to use my voice,” she said. “I fight for that incredible opportunity every day.”
Jakoub, however, has more than one passion to pursue. She not only sings and writes songs, but also designs clothing.
“My mother was a seamstress and I was homeschooled,” Jakoub said. “She really encouraged my creativity. It wasn’t until I got into music and realized it was really hard to shop for unique pieces that I really got into creating my own clothes and then clothes for all of us in the band.”
She said the band aims to connect its music with every part of performing live, including the clothing designs. In many pictures and videos of the band, the members wear almost entirely black, with an exception of Jakoub’s shock of colorful hair.
“We have been into some dark fashion, with architectural accents and bold statements, which goes well with our mechanical, industrial theme,” Jakoub said.
While the band’s image is strong, mechanical and sleek, Jakoub explained in its music, Veridia thrives on the idea that people connect through vulnerability and interdependence.
“We need each other to survive,” Jakoub said. “That’s why we titled our EP ‘Inseparable.’”
She also stressed the difficulty the band experiences in the process of telling personal stories, but it helps Veridia to connect with its fans through “being a part of each other’s stories.” Veridia uses its songs also to tell listeners that no one is “in this life alone,” even in the midst of struggles, according to Jakoub.
She said the band emphasizes personal strength in “Mechanical Planet,” the song she believes best represents Veridia.
“We are unique beings in need of expression, connection, and our differences beautifully contrast each other,” she said of the song’s message. “We embrace being misfits.”
Jakoub embraces her individuality through her passions, believing there’s a reason people have them. She advises those who likewise aspire to pursue multiple passions to look for a way to make each passion contribute to the others.
“It took me a while to realize that my passions for theater, singing, song-writing, and sewing would work hand-in-hand,” Jakoub said.
According to Jakoub, Veridia looks forward to meeting people, watching performances, having beignets and enjoying the entirety of the Voodoo experience. She said the band aims to work extensively in the studio and tour after Voodoo.