We were lucky to catch up with Valerie Barretto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Valerie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

This is a question I often ruminate on over and over in my mind. It’s definitely hard work being your own boss, payroll, marketing, and every other role it takes to run a business successfully. Especially in the heat of the summer months when the burn out can be real or in the dead of winter when things slow WAY down. However, whenever the thought enters my head, it leaves just as quickly. Sometimes, the imposter syndrome sets in and I think, “Maybe I should just get a part time job to have something steady, maybe some benefits included” – Yet when I try to justify it, I can’t. Working for myself in my own creative outlet is more rewarding than any job I’ve ever had working for someone else. I love what I do and anything else would be a step down. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Valerie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been singing since I can remember. It started with theatre in elementary school and my first role was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Since then, I had taken formal vocal lessons from age 13 up until college and after. Majored in Classical Vocal Performance in college and began performing for the public soon after. It wasn’t until 2020 that I decided to get back into it full time. I was working for a wonderful non-profit organization called The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) at the time and it wasn’t until my schedule got so busy I had to make the hard decision to leave and pursue music.

My style these days falls under the country category. I love the storytelling that country music allows and it is the best outlet for my style of writing. It took a long time to realize that however! (HA!) Since then however, I’ve released two original albums, a holiday single, and have a new single coming out on February 7th called “Still Hurts”!

The thing I am most proud of in my line of work is, just that, making it my line of work. It’s not easy, there are some days I wish I had the come and go luxury of a “normal job” – but this is a constant. I’m exhausted at times and my body aches but I wouldn’t give it up for anything. As I said earlier, I love what I do and am grateful everyday that I get the opportunity to play my music for the world.

As for me on a personal note, when it’s not music, I love traveling, horseback riding, paddleboarding/fishing, a good book, and I’m a big movie buff! You can check out my music and more here: linktree.com/valeriebarretto. Thanks so much for reading!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I would say the most rewarding thing about being a creative is, well, just that. You get to create! I have had random oddball jobs over the years that did not resonate with me and it wasn’t until 2018 working at TCAN, a non profit performing arts organization, that I discovered I couldn’t ever go back to a non-creative profession. It’s difficult and definitely requires things a typical 9-5 wouldn’t but I love every second of it. Performing for me is the best feeling in the world. I’m grateful everyday.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I get this all the time. Some people in the “9-5” realm just don’t understand or better yet, they don’t want to understand. There is a stigma of the “starving artist” and sometimes when you tell people you are a musician they think of you as the stereotypical musician you see in movies that your Mom is upset you’re dating. In reality, we make really good money! We also work far less hours physically than most people in an office job. I’ve had so many conversations with people that end up leaving with a different point of view. I also know for a fact it takes a lot of “guts” to leave the societal norms of the 9-5 and do your own thing, regardless of what avenue it’s on. It scares a lot of people. I would buy a house with all the “I’m living vicariously through you” comments I get. I always tell them, it could be you too!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://valeriebarrettomusic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/valeriebarrettomusic
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/valeriebarrettomusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valeriebarrettomusic1630
• Other: https://Linktree.com/valeriebarretto

Image Credits

Declan Kelehan Media
Erik Fralick
Andrea Skane Photography
Steph Larson Photo