VAL’E
Interview conducted on September 15, 2022
By Dan Locke
VALÉ is a fiercely talented vocalist and songwriter from Barranquilla, Colombia. Drawn to music at an early age, VALÉ began performing when she was just 6 years old in her school choir. By her early teens, she had found inspiration in American pop and R&B music, and began writing songs of her own. Influenced by some of her idols, VALÉ started to forge her own unique voice and point of view on the genre. Now at 18, VALÉ has spent time writing and recording in Los Angeles and Barranquilla, assembling her debut collection of singles to be released throughout the year. Produced by Heavy Mellow (Halsey, Jaden Smith), VALÉ’s new single “oop” featuring Cuban-American pop singer, Kat Dahlia is out now alongside the music video. The track is a booming pop anthem with a memorable guitar and hooks that will be undoubtedly stuck in your head all summer. VALÉ’s infectious melodies, catchy hooks, and standout vocals are bound to win fans from all around the world, establishing VALÉ as the leader in a new generation of Colombian pop artists.
What was your first performance at like? Not counting your performance with your school choir at the age of 6?
Okay – without counting my school choir – it was in January of 2022! It was at a local bar/restaurant in Barranquilla in front of friends, family, and strangers as well. I was terrified. But when I went up on stage my only thought was; it’ll last 30 minutes at most, give it your all and then you can chill out, so I did my very best and I think it was well received!
Describe your music.
Constantly evolving, never the same, symbol of my growth. Also alternative pop r&b lol.
What makes a good songwriter?
Someone that’s able to share their thoughts honestly and beautifully, to me, is a good songwriter. There are no rules in art, being a good or bad artist is subjective, so everyone can be a good songwriter, or a bad one too.
Tell me about the song “Red Lights”?
‘red lights’ is a song I wrote about a year and a half ago, I was about to graduate high school and was filled with anxiety about my future. I was thinking whether I chose the correct career path, whether I would reach my goals and succeed or not, it was a tough time mentally. I decided to write the song not only to express my feelings but to let anyone know that feeling this was is a part of life, and it’s normal to be anxious, at any age.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both. Vinyl is for the die-hard fans, a nice staple that says ‘I was here to support this artist’, and digital is just easier and more accessible.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Currently I have “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You” stuck in my head. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” has been a favorite of mine for years, it’s such a beautiful song, it also reminds me of 9th grade when I used to play it during my drums class, it was fun. “Hopelessly Devoted to You” is from my favorite movie’s soundtrack, and I sing that song in almost all of my vocal lesson classes, I love it.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
It depends on how you see it, I think it was good on the side of engaging with fans in a completely different way, way more intimate, which created a solid fan base for artists. But obviously other artists might have had huge step-backs because of the two year long pause caused by the pandemic.
You now have a podcast. This is a continuation of your “Be Somebody Series”?
I didn’t think of it as a continuation – but in theory it is! It’s another outlet in which people can get to know me and the way I think, so I guess it might be a part 2 of the “Be Somebody Series”.
I hope you have more than 5 friends now?
Nope.
What is your feeling about TikTok? With Sony Music and Warner Music strucking an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I have mixed feelings about TikTok. I love to use it as a consumer, but being a creator on it is such a gamble. It’s especially frustrating that it has become essentially the main marketing point for most artists – so everyone is on there collectively trying to go viral and have a ‘tiktok hit’. I feel like it has taken away the magic of music, which is simply to make songs we love, not aim for a viral song. It has it’s good side though – indie artists can have complete control over their marketing strategies, and do it all for free, on the platform. You can also reach millions of people with a few clicks, and have your music be heard literally everywhere, so again, depends on how you see it I guess!
