Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dina Valenz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I kicked off my creative journey back in my mid-20s, but now here I am, at almost 40 with more confidence and creativity than ever before.

So even though I’ve got a career that’s totally unrelated to my musical endeavors, I make sure to keep that creative flame burning bright. I’m still jamming away in my bands, writing music, and just soaking up every bit of that artistic energy.

What’s different now, though, is that I’ve got this newfound sense of worth and confidence. I know exactly what I bring to the table, and it feels pretty good. I’m more selective about the gigs I take on, opting for the ones that truly resonate with me and align with my vision.

And through that I’ve been able to be pretty successful music-wise, all while keeping that full-time job ticking along. It’s like having the best of both worlds, where I can indulge my creative passions and still have that financial stability.

So while the journey might have taken a few twists and turns, I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Every step along the way has led me to this point, where I’m living my best creative life, and honestly, it’s pretty awesome.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure thing! I’m a pop rock singer/songwriter from Long Beach, CA. My journey into this industry started back in my mid-20s, where I embarked on a quest to explore and express my artistic side. I’ve always had a love of music but it wasn’t until I started songwriting that I really decided to take my music seriously. It was a bit of a leap of faith, but one that I’m incredibly grateful for. I’ve had the privilege of playing with some incredible musicians, and performed at many notable venues and festivals around the country. I currently play solo and with my trio Dina Valenz and the Lemon Drops. I also provide lead female vocals for the popular Long Beach cover band Jon Franco and the Rebel Scum.

The thing that sets me apart is my passion, experience, and a sprinkle of optimism that I bring to the table. I create catchy tunes with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with people on a deeper level. Whether it’s through live performances or recorded tracks, my goal is to evoke emotion and connect with audiences in a meaningful way.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is my ability to balance my creative pursuits with the demands of everyday life. It’s not always easy, but hey, nothing worth doing ever is, right?

So, if you’re looking for someone who’s not afraid to pour their heart into their craft, and can provide a live soundtrack for your next event, then look no further. I’m here to bring a little extra magic into your world, one song at a time.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Oh, let me tell you about a lesson that took me a while to unlearn…

Back in my 20s, I had this relentless worry that time was slipping away faster than I could keep up with. I was hustling, pouring my heart into my music, but there was always this fear that if I didn’t “make it” before hitting 30, my chances would vanish into thin air.

I remember my 30th birthday vividly. I cried! It felt like I was saying goodbye to all my dreams, like I’d missed the boat entirely. But life is full of surprises! Now, as I’m about to turn the big 4-0, I’m happier and more fulfilled than ever before.

Somewhere along the way, I realized that age doesn’t dictate success or determine worth. It was a tough lesson to learn, but once I did, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Today, I’m still chasing my musical dreams and have found much success along the way. Turns out, the best things in life don’t come with an expiration date. Remember to embrace every moment, no matter what age you are.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, it’s all about the connections. There’s something magical about being able to touch people’s hearts through music. Whether it’s a heartfelt lyric or melody, there’s a unique power in being able to evoke emotion and resonate with others.

But it doesn’t stop there. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey is inspiring others to pursue their passions. Seeing someone light up with excitement and determination because of something I’ve created or shared is truly priceless.

So, yeah, if you ask me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to connect with people on a deeper level and inspire them to follow their own creative paths. It’s a beautiful thing, and I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dinavalenz.com
• Instagram: @DinaValenz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DinaValenz
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dinavalenz