The daughter of a Music Minister, Vanessa grew up surrounded by music. She started performing for live audiences at the age of 5, started piano lessons at 6 years old, won her first statewide songwriting competition in 2nd grade, starred in a high school musical, sang in multiple choirs, recorded a demo at 16 - and even had it "picked up" by an industry person. She knew she wanted to be a singer and songwriter long before she was old enough to drive.

Somewhere between getting her drivers license and finishing college, her detour began. Afraid of failure or success or who-knows-what, she started on an alternate path of seemingly sensible choices, like getting married, finishing a degree in History, working office and corporate jobs, substitute teaching (not easy), etc. All the while, slowly coming to the realization that she wouldn..t find the fulfillment she was looking for in anything other than music.

So the musical silence ended. Numerous steps in the right direction, as well as the partnership of Ian Hisert, have led her to completion of her new full-length album, "Cotton-Poly Blend"! Songs are written together by Ian and Vanessa. The album is recorded with star drummer and producer, Atma Anur, and she is pleased to have her long-standing viola player, Eric Golub, and bass player, Derek Yergler, featured on the album.  She also currently sings with the band Lit By Lightning.

Lyrics provide heartfelt, bittersweet and piercingly incisive reflections on the ups and downs in life. She promises that people will hear a piece of her soul through the music. "Maybe I never should have run from my dreams, but my songs reflect a broader life experience than I had starting out at 16. I hope people can relate to that and appreciate it." This music is for anyone who's ever made mistakes, been afraid or just taken the long way to get there.