We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Viana Valentine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Viana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Oh yeah, it seems like the perfect timing for this question! I’m in the middle of writing my first solo album right now, and it’s been one of the most meaningful things that I’ve ever worked on. After kind of emotionally shutting off after the shit show that was my 2020, I finally feel like I’ve been able to process some of the things that happened and sort those feelings out with a pen and paper.
When I first experience something, it takes me a bit to really dissect how I actually feel about the situation after my walls start to come down. This album writing process has allowed me the time and space to settle my thoughts, (as much as a woman who tends to spiral can). That’s been really important to me.
Every song has started with simple chords, a melody and a conversation that at first I need to have with myself. Then once the layers sort themselves out into a song, I can share with whoever cares to listen and who might be feeling the same way. That’s when everything comes full circle.
Viana, 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?
Hey! I’m Viana Valentine and I’m a singer and song writer.
I honestly just wants to connect with other humans through music because that’s what it’s all about. I’ve been making music since I was a teenager with the skinniest of jeans, a purple duct taped microphone. I spent years fronting rock bands, so having a full band feel for some songs has always been something that’s important to me, especially live. I write about my own experiences with love and loss and trying to figure out who the hell I am as a person and an artist.
I’ve released 6 singles in the last year and am working on my debut full length album as we speak.
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 think that something non-creatives tend to not understand about creatives is how being a creative isn’t the only aspect of our personality or work ethic. When you live as a musician or artist, it’s easy to be seen as just the “creative type” floating through life and making art with no real plan or objective. While I wish I could be that way and still be successful sometimes (hold on while I daydream about only having to sing, play live, and write and record songs) it absolutely isn’t the case.
I can’t just sit back and write songs and sing them and hope that people will hear. I want to grow my fanbase and move forward as an artist, which means I have to be knowledgeable in business, marketing and advertising. Wooo! I have to stay current on social media, design merchandise, book gigs, schedule video and photo shoots. It takes a lot of work besides just writing and recording my songs.
I saw something earlier that said “Didn’t want to work a 40 hour work week in an office so I work a 100 hour work week as a musician…” And it’s so true. I guess what I’m trying to say is that creatives work their booties off and aren’t just hippies who play the piano and make art. This hippie plays the piano, makes art and does a whole lot more to keep the train moving.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Just to feel fulfilled with what I know I’m meant to do in life. I’ve never pictured anything else for myself besides making music, so that’s what drives me. The fact that it’s what I’ve always known is my path.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vianavalentine
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vianasingsthesongs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDbDunUc4AUH4t8L5-OE07w
Image Credits
Photo 1 & 2 : Maurisa Mackey Photos 3 & 4 : Kayla Chin Photo 5 : Holly Turner