We were lucky to catch up with Velaviee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Velaviee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The first time I realized music was the path for me was in 2017, thanks to an unexpected moment that I’ll never forget. It all started when I met my friend Fabian, an artist and songwriter who lived and breathed music. I was invited to one of his gigs, which is funny because I had actually met him at one of his previous shows! At that time, my mom was visiting from Venezuela, so I thought it would be fun to take her along to enjoy the show, which was at this cozy little spot called Alloy in downtown Miami.
After the show, Fabian and I hit it off, and we started chatting about life. When he asked what I did for a living, I told him I was in the customer service industry but had a deep love for arts, poetry, and music. I admitted that I had been toying with the idea of creating music myself, but I wasn’t sure if it was the right path.
Fast forward to another one of Fabian’s gigs at Bodega in South Beach—he was performing with a full band, and I was just there to enjoy the night. Everything was going smoothly until halfway through the show, when Fabian made an announcement that took me completely by surprise. Without warning, he shouts, “We have a special guest tonight, all the way from Venezuela… VELAVIEE!”
I was at the bar, mid-sip of my mojito, and nearly spat it out! I was definitely not prepared for this. I had never performed live before, and now I was being called up on stage? My heart was racing, and I was nervously laughing as I asked, “What song am I supposed to sing?” Fabian just smiled and said, “I know you’ve got this.”
So, what did I do? I wasn’t about to back down. I stood up, told the band to play “La Flaca” by Jarabe de Palo (a song I hadn’t heard in, oh, about eight years!), and turned to face the audience. They were cheering, the band started playing, and suddenly, the music just took over. Despite never having performed or even rehearsed, I started singing, and the crowd went wild! And when the song ended, Fabian gave me the signal to keep going, but… there were no more lyrics!
In that moment, I did something I never thought I could do—I started improvising. And let me tell you, the crowd loved it. They were going crazy, shouting my name, and I couldn’t believe what was happening. When I got off stage, I hugged Fabian, still in disbelief, and he just said, “I knew you had it in you.”
That night, I knew my life had changed. I had never felt more alive, more connected to myself, to others, and to the world. Music had chosen me, and from that moment on, I made a decision: this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life.
Since then, I’ve poured myself into learning everything I can about songwriting and creating music. It’s funny how life brought me full circle—back to my love for poetry, but now with music as the ultimate expression of my passion for art and design. Music became my way to weave all of my creative loves into one beautiful, powerful form of expression.
Even though the path hasn’t been easy at all, it’s brought so much growth and so many blessings into my life. I don’t regret a single moment. I’m here to stay—to express, to connect, and to share this journey with others. Music brought a sense of purpose to my life that I never knew I needed, and now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m eternally grateful!
Velaviee, 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?
For those who may not have heard about me, I’m Velaviee, (pronounced like C’est La vie but with a V) a singer-songwriter and recording artist based in Miami, originally from Maracay, Venezuela. My journey into music wasn’t a straightforward one—I actually started out studying arts and humanities, with a passion for poetry, illustration, design, all things art related.
Unfortunately the sociopolitical situation and dictatorship that Venezuela has endured for the past 25 years has been utterly detrimental and challenging for my people and our communities. It ultimately forced me to migrate to the United States, as well as over 7 million other Venezuelans around the world who also fled for the same reason, with just one suitcase and $50 to my name. But as tough as it was, it pushed me to rediscover my love for creativity, and eventually, music became my anchor, my compass, my connection with the world and my way of expression and protest as well.
The first time I realized music was my path was in 2017, when I was unexpectedly invited to perform at one of my friend’s gigs. That moment completely changed my life. I went from being nervous and uncertain to feeling this deep connection with music, and I knew I had found my true calling. Since then, I’ve committed myself to learning the craft of songwriting and music production, blending my love for art, poetry, and sound to create something unique.
My music is a reflection of my roots and the rich diversity of sounds that have influenced me—there’s a little bit of flamenco, Caribbean, and Latin American rhythms mixed with alternative pop and Rap. I aim to create music that not only entertains but also tells stories and evokes emotion. Every song is a journey, and my goal is to connect with people on a deeper level, to make them feel something real.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just make music; I create experiences. My performances are meant to be intimate and engaging, whether it’s through live shows, music videos, or social media. I’m always looking for new ways to connect with my audience—not just as an artist, but as a person. I want people to feel like they’re part of my journey, like we’re all in this creative adventure together.
As for what I’m most proud of, it’s the growth I’ve experienced, both personally and professionally. From performing at local gigs to releasing my own music, every step has been a reminder that this is what I’m meant to do. My songs like ‘Prende la Vela’ – ‘Maracay/Bogotá’ -‘DE HIERRO’ have connected with so many people, and seeing that impact is what drives me. I’ve also had the chance to perform at some amazing events like Wynwood Pride Festival, “Locos por Marley Fest” Alongside my good friends Locos Por Juana, a Colombian Grammy-nominated reggae band, and Miami ART BASEL, which have been huge milestones in my career.
But more than anything, I want potential clients, fans, and followers to know that I’m here to stay, to express, and to connect. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every challenge. Music has brought so much meaning to my life, and my mission is to share that with others, to create a space where we can all feel a little more understood, a little more inspired, and a lot more connected.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that everything had to be perfectly planned and executed before taking action. For a long time, I believed that if I didn’t have everything figured out—whether it was in my personal life, career, or creative process—then I wasn’t ready to take the next step. I always thought I needed more preparation, more knowledge, or the “right” moment to put myself out there. I had this belief that before performing or releasing music, I had to be flawless. But that mindset almost paralyzed me.
it wasn’t until that spontaneous night in 2017, when my friend Fabian unexpectedly invited me on stage, that I realized how much I had been overthinking. I had no time to prepare, and yet, in that unscripted moment, I connected with music and the audience in a way I never had before. It taught me that perfection isn’t necessary to create something beautiful and meaningful. Sometimes, you just have to jump in, trust your instincts, and let the magic unfold.
Since then, I’ve embraced the messiness and unpredictability of the creative process. I’ve learned that growth happens through doing, not just planning, and that sometimes the most powerful experiences come from stepping into the unknown.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the deep connection I create with others through music. There’s something magical about translating my emotions, experiences, and stories into a song, and then seeing how it resonates with people on a personal level. When someone tells me that one of my songs helped them through a tough time, made them feel seen, or gave them a sense of joy or freedom, it’s incredibly fulfilling.
Being an artist allows me to express myself in ways that words alone can’t. Music becomes this universal language that transcends barriers and brings people together, and knowing that I can be a part of something like that is so powerful. It’s more than just creating sounds or melodies; it’s about evoking emotions, sparking memories, and creating moments where listeners feel connected to me and to each other. It’s like having a million friends!
For me, every performance, every song, and every interaction with fans reaffirms why I chose this path. It’s about expressing, connecting, and sharing a piece of my soul with the world—knowing that it can make a difference in someone else’s life. That’s the greatest reward of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://velavieemanagement.wixsite.com/–velaviee
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velaviee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VELAVIEE
- Other: SPOTIFY – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yBqeacW7mGI4DkiNsYmaq?si=mw4gRwDoS3OFLik55tS_hg
Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/velaviee/1476323214
Image Credits
Sebastian Comba