As Victoria releases a new remix of “Love Zombie” and continues evolving as an independent artist, we caught up with the singer and actor to talk about finding her sound, trusting herself, and what comes next.

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Now Victoria is writing a new chapter of her story through music: experimenting, collaborating, and working toward a sound that feels uniquely her own. From the deeply personal "Treat Myself" to her new remix of "Love Zombie," a song she originally wrote at 17, Victoria is finding her voice as an independent artist.

As Victoria looks ahead to what's next in both music and acting, we caught up to chat about her evolution and look back on some favorite Victorious memories.

Victoria: This independent era has taught me that I'm capable of doing so much more than I ever thought. When you're independent, there are a lot of pros — obviously, there's creative freedom — but it's also really difficult. It's hard not to have that big infrastructure, funding, and resources behind you. 

When I was signed to a label many years ago, so many decisions were made for me that I didn't even know about. Now, being independent, I'm involved in every single decision and every aspect of the creative process.

I think I've shown myself that I'm resilient and that I can really handle it all. It's helped me learn to trust myself and to work harder than I knew I could.

Victoria: As a songwriter and an artist, you write so many songs that never see the light of day — even ones that you love. When the song leaked last year, I saw that the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and people seemed really into it. I spontaneously decided, "I'm gonna revamp this sucker. I'm gonna throw it out there for fun and see what happens," and the reaction was so amazing. 

I wrote that song when I was 17 years old. When I first had the concept, I remember being in a session with a producer and a songwriter, thinking of an idea called "Love Zombie." The other guys in the room weren't feeling that vibe, and I was like, "Okay, that's fine. I'll just take it somewhere else." 

Years later, I worked with Greg Wells and Evan Bogard, and we ended up writing the song. I think my 17-year-old self would be proud to know that "Love Zombie" actually got to have its moment. 

With this new remix, I'm not sure if this will be an annual thing that I'll do. I love Halloween so much, and I threw a party last year that was so much fun. It's been cool to create this "character" and this alternate dark reality through the song.  

This remix is a super clubby dance mix that gives it a new life. I just want everyone to be jumping around, getting sweaty, and having the best time ever.

Victoria: I love that song. "Treat Myself" was the first song that I put out as an independent artist. I released it in 2020 during the pandemic, which was a really hard time for a lot of people. I wanted to put something out that was vulnerable and raw and real.

To hear that it has resonated with people or helped them get through tough times is the most wonderful thing. To know that the music you're putting out into the world is actually making some sort of small difference is all I could have ever dreamt of for that song.

I listened to it recently because I hadn't heard it in so long, and I'm really proud of "Treat Myself." It was written from a very honest place, and I hope it continues to help people. It's a good reminder for myself, too, as someone who deals with self-doubt and anxiety.

Victoria: I always want to continue exploring new parts of my artistry. I constantly want to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone — to do things that surprise me, things I didn't even know I was capable of. That's what makes this whole process so fulfilling.

Recently, I've been writing a lot of songs. I've been in a lot of sessions and working with new people. I feel like I'm growing as a songwriter and a storyteller in each session I do.

I think the way you hone in on who you are as an artist is by throwing many different things at the wall. That kind of ends up forming your own sound. I'm having a lot of fun experimenting, but also writing from an honest and real place.

Victoria: It's really incredible. I don't think I would have ever thought we'd still be having conversations about Victorious, and that a whole new generation of young people would be introduced to the show.

I went to a performing arts middle school where I had singing, dancing, and acting training every day, and that was my life for about three years. I was asked what idea I'd like for a show, and I remember saying, "Why not make it about a girl like me who goes to a performing arts school?"

The fact that that seedling of an idea grew and developed into what Victorious is today is beautiful. I'm very proud of the show, and of the way it's inspired young people to tap into their creative selves and believe in themselves.

I'm so excited for Daniella [Monet]. I think she's the perfect person to be carrying on this torch.

Victoria: I thought it was so cute! I'm happy for Tori. I love that for her. I could also have seen her as a successful songwriter or working behind the scenes — but I love this path for Tori. 

Victoria: "Survival of the Hottest" is one of my favorite episodes ever. I think that might have been my favorite one to film, too. I have fond memories of many episodes, but that one, specifically, I remember reading the script and thinking, This is really funny.

There were a lot of comedic moments for me to play with, and it was super fun having everyone in the scenes together. We didn't have that too often, and I feel like everyone just killed it and was hilarious. There are so many quotable lines from that episode, like "Catherine Obvious" and the "one tongue dip." 

Victoria: I actually wrote three songs that ended up on the show. (Laughs) I wrote "Best Friend's Brother" based on my real-life experience of having a crush on my best friend Audrey's brother in middle school. I also wrote a song called "Make It in America," and another called "Faster Than Boyz." 

It would have to be between "Best Friend's Brother" and "Make It in America" for me. I loved "Make It in America" because it felt like this inspiring, uplifting little bop. I love "Best Friend's Brother" because it kind of taps into my silly, goofy side. 

There's a line in the bridge where I say, "He's such a dream, and you'd know what I mean if you weren't related." I always thought that was funny and kind of tongue-in-cheek. I like that aspect of the song. 

Victoria: In the foreseeable future, right now, I'm focused on music. I'm excited to put out a project that encapsulates where I'm at. I'm working towards an album, and I really want to do that for myself.

Acting-wise, I would love to do something that challenges me and is a role people maybe wouldn't expect to see me in. I would also love to do more comedy. I think that was my first love. I love physical comedy and just making a fool of myself.

That's the exciting thing about this business — you never know what opportunities are around the corner and what could be next. 

Keep up with Victoria on Instagram, @victoriajustice.

Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.