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Daily Inspiration: Meet Vallie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vallie.

Hi Vallie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve really loved music ever since I can remember.

According to my parents, I used to hum in my crib as a baby. Not going to lie about it, if I had a kid and it did that, I’d probably be freaked out. I’ve seen horror movies; I know how that goes. I guess that’s all to say, it’s just been a part of me from the beginning. I started creating my own tunes when I was a kid and began writing lyrics down as soon as I learned how to read and write.

At first, I was very shy about it and kept to myself. However, as I grew more confident, I began sharing with my family and friends. But, it wasn’t until my mom forced me to enter my middle school’s talent show, that my love grew from just music to the performing and artistry side of it. At that talent show many years ago, I failed hard, but something in me just clicked after that. I just knew music was what I wanted to do. I felt like I was meant to do it after that experience.

After that, I started polishing my skills and learning where my strengths lay with much practice. Collaborating with others was something that really helped me expand my writing ability and exposed me to multiple types of music. With all of that being said, I really didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I had my family’s love and support, for which I am forever grateful. But no one could tell me how to pursue a music career.

I just started doing what I could on this strange and convoluted path that is the music and entertainment industry. Eventually, with hard work and exploring outside of “the box” that was my comfort zone, I started traveling and performing in various areas of my home state of Tennessee. And, although I now travel wherever my art takes me, Tennessee is and always will be home.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As much as I’d like to say it’s all been dandy, that’s not really the truth. Being in the entertainement industry, I’ve faced many, many struggles. It takes a lot from you to be “on” all the time. For instance, I love being able to express the purest and raw form of myself, but that also poses a challenge as an artist/musician.

As being so open can be intense and daunting as it often allows for doubt and anxiety to creep in. There’s a very fine line I tread as I try to uphold the examples of being true to who you are, accepting failure, learning to be comfortable in your own skin, and loving yourself and those around you.

While also remaining honest about how much it hurts to fail, how uncomfortable you feel, and how hard it is to love when you’re hurting. Being genuine can become difficult when you start to feel more and more vulnerable. But ultimately, getting to engage with people while sharing your art – whether it’s deep and meaningful or just fun, is amazing and 100% worth it, every time.

There’s just this amazing connection that happens when you release something you’ve worked hard on, and other people enjoy and relate to it. I think it’s incredible that music can do that!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Of course! I’m an artist/musician. I debuted in 2015 with my first single “5 Seconds” followed by my first EP “Keep Dreaming”.

My music is self-produced and self-written and I tend to have a very emotional and cinematic style. Originally a Pop/R&B indie artist, now having released a total of 3 EPs and one full Album, my discography spans a wide range of musical styles and my lyrics are often witty and inspired by my personal experiences.

They tend to touch on deeper themes such as; mental and physical health, anxiety and trauma as well as individualism, culture, and embracing one’s self. My work also touches on psychological concepts challenging perception and reality.

I like to intricately weave these concepts into more complex visuals for my music videos and cover art. This is especially so with my newest EP “Circumstances”. This EP is the most personal piece of work I’ve put out into the world and I’m so immensely proud and overjoyed to share it! It’s basically a culmination of all of my experiences up to the present, good and bad. It speaks to challenges and my journey through life using thoughts and places to reflect.

Touching on so many deep and important subjects like mental and physical health, trauma, and abuse, it was extremely intimidating and difficult to even make the decision to share my story. After writing these pieces of my life into words, I also wanted to make sure to convey not only feelings but a setting as well. It needed to be cinematic to express the full narrative.

Overall, it was a long process full of many, many emotions. For me, I needed to make peace and reflect, but I’ve also always felt there are so many people in the world that need to hear and be heard too. I think with this record, I’m just looking for some common ground while I’m still learning how to navigate this world like everyone else.

Since all of the stories within the EP connect and flow, it was important that all of the visuals did as well. All 3 of the single’s art for, “Come On Over”, “Alone With You”, and “Please Don’t Go”, are the same style as well as flow into the EP cover art. Their themes continue into the music videos through little hints, so you can see them if you pay close enough attention.

There’s really just a ton of heart and thought that went into the whole project and still is as I’m currently in the process of planning my first tour which will support this newest EP.

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking?
I think in the entertainment industry, you are constantly taking risks.

When you release new music, there’s always a possibility no one will listen. When you put on a show there’s always a possibility no one will show up. At the same time, there’s also the possibility people will love your newly released music or that you’ll sell out a show.

The way I see it is there’s no momentum without risk.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Daniel Morales, Kristin Valdivia, Trend Haus, Antoinette Love Ransom, and Antique Gas & Steam Engine

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