a constant state of improvement, Virginia to Vegas EP Review

Toronto-based singer/songwriter, Virginia to Vegas is back with a new EP, a constant state of improvement, following up 2019’s Hartland St. EP.

With lead single, betterman already grabbing attention and racking up spins on Spotify (380,000+ at the time of this post) while also getting personal. Earlier in February, when the track was released, he said – “In my personal life and career, I’ve experienced many ups and downs, but ultimately the one thing I’ve found to calm anxiety and doubt is putting in work on myself. This song touches on the idea of growing up following a breakup and the journey home.”

betterman is catchy as hell while also giving that introspective look inside. Maybe it came from him getting ready to turn 30. Maybe it came because songwriters know how to tap into the feelings that come from growth and discomfort. Whatever the reason, it works. The song is a wonderful follow-up to last year’s Just Friends, and we’re into it.

The single doesn’t stand alone though. a constant state of improvement packs a minute-long intro and four new songs into its 13-minute listening time. what are we, one on one, and better with you all feel like they come from the same personal place that Derik (Virginia to Vegas) talked about when discussing betterman. It makes for a great package of connectivity from track-to-track, and it also does what all good EPs do – it makes us wish there was more.

Yes, we are very happy to have these new songs in our ears, and we’re grateful for the depths that Virginia to Vegas takes us to with these lyrics and stories. But, I think we can all agree that we wish there were 10 songs in the collection.

Note: We don’t know if there’s a purposeful homage to Donovan Woods’ Portland, Maine in the lyrics of better with you… but I did think of the Gold single while listening to track #5 on a constant state of improvement.

Related: Virginia to Vegas at the 2018 Calgary Stampede

Here’s what we suggest, hit play on a constant state of improvement and listen to the intro and all four songs. Then, play it again and listen for more details and personal touches in the tracks. Then, go listen to Just Friends and Selfish and Lights Out, because they’re still great too.

Virginia to Vegas/Derik Baker was born in the USA, raised in Canada, and has international reach with his music. He’s earned somewhere around 50 million+ Spotify streams, a JUNO nomination and a growing fanbase. And we have a feeling there’s still A LOT more to come. Stay tuned.

Hit play now and leave a comment telling us which song(s) on a constant state of improvement is going to land on your playlists.

Virginia to Vegas, a constant stage of improvement Tracklist

1. intro
2. what are we
3. betterman
4. one on one
5. better with you

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Joshua Murray

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Sydney Butters

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Photographer and fan of live music that spans genres, cities, and stages!