INTERVIEW: VALE Drops New Music and Video for ‘heart’ + Talks Growing up in Colombia, Family, Isolation and Her Pop R&B Sound
At just seventeen, VALE has defined a sound of her own with influences from such greats as Sza, Harry Styles, Fleetwood Mac, and Queen. Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, she started making music at an early age. For such a young artist, she has a sophisticated voice and sound on her debut single, ‘be somebody’ and her new song, ‘heart.’ VALE spends time writing and recording between Colombia and Los Angeles. She taps into themes of finding oneself, self-love, knowing your worth, and surviving toxic relationships. While conquering some of these heavy emotions, her music is still young, vibrant, and definitely worth paying close attention to what she conjures up next. VALE collaborated with hit-making producer Heavy Mellow, who has worked with tons of artists including Halsey and Jaden Smith. Read on to find out more on VALE, as she dishes on her life, including her favs, mentor, sound, and what’s next, as well as the premiere of her new video for ‘heart.’
GLITTER: What was it like growing up in Barranquilla, Colombia. Where do you reside or spend most of your time now?
VALE: Growing up in Barranquilla definitely consisted of always being around happiness and joy. It is such a positive place where I was lucky enough to find people that made me feel comfortable enough to be able to be my genuine self! I currently live here; therefore, I spend most of my time here, but other than that, I’m working in LA or Miami.
GLITTER: When did you start writing and making music?
VALE: I started singing from an early age, but I started making music at 15.
GLITTER: How would you describe your sound?
VALE: I feel like my sound is something that will constantly change along with my own personality as I get older, but right now, it’s very fresh and youthful, mostly pop R&B, I would say. But I definitely want to explore other sounds along the way.
GLITTER: Who are your musical influences?
VALE: Sza, Rosalia, Harry Styles, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, The Beatles, Queen are all people that have influenced my music one way or another.
GLITTER: What is your songwriting process like?
VALE: I normally go from experiences I’ve lived, or even experiences my friends have lived, and write as if it were a conversation or a journal entry. Songwriting has no exact process, in my opinion, but personally, I just write what comes directly from my heart and worry about structure later.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your debut single, ‘be somebody?’
VALE: It is meant to be a wake-up call for those that feel lost within themselves. It’s definitely a fun song, but the meaning behind it is what truly makes it special.
GLITTER: Can you tell us about your new song ‘heart?’
VALE: It’s the third song I ever wrote. It’s a very personal song about realizing your true worth and overcoming relationships that felt intoxicating. Definitely one of my favorites! Hope everyone enjoys it too!
GLITTER: What is the message behind the new video for ‘heart?’
VALE: It shows personal growth and how everyone is able to escape from someone or something that is ‘drowning’ them.
GLITTER: What’s it like working with producer Heavy Mellow?
VALE: He’s amazing, such a talented person, and a lovely human being. I’m incredibly honored that I’ve been able to work with him on my music from the start, couldn’t ask for a better team.
GLITTER: What do you hope fans take away from your music?
VALE: I hope it makes them feel as if every song has a message, especially for them whenever they need it. I hope they can find comfort in my songs, but also happiness and confidence.
GLITTER: How are you connecting with fans during isolation?
VALE: Mostly through Instagram!
GLITTER: When and what, would you consider to be your big break?
VALE: When someone tells me I’m their role model or biggest inspiration, I’d consider my job 100% worthy. Also, if Steven Tyler ever says I’m cool.
GLITTER: Do you have any cool memories you can share from your career?
VALE: Last summer Heavy Mellow and Mark Johns came down to Colombia to write music with me; it was such an incredible week and an unforgettable experience.
GLITTER: What would be a dream collaboration for you?
VALE: Oh, man. Probably Paul Mccartney, Elton John, Adele, or James Blake.
GLITTER: You have a few family photos on Instagram, can you tell us how important your family is to you? How do they support your music and career?
VALE: They are incredibly important to me; they support me in everything I do regarding my career and everything else in my life. I love them to death.
GLITTER: Who is your mentor?
VALE: My mother.
GLITTER: Best advice you were ever given?
VALE: Always choose love.
GLITTER: How do you use your voice for change?
VALES: I try to make everyone feel safe using my voice in songs, I want everyone to know that no matter who they are, they’re worthy of love and acceptance.
GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign; what does self-love mean to you?
VALE: Self-love is taking care of yourself, making time for yourself, working on your mental health, and making sure you’re the best version of yourself always!
GLITTER: What are your thoughts on the #BlackLivesMatter movement? Any thoughts or advice on how your fans can do their part to bring social change?
VALE: I think the BLM movement is incredibly important and a cause everyone should be educated on and should support. I’ve been really involved in sharing petitions and staying updated on what’s happening, so that is what I’d recommend everyone else does. Change regarding this topic is long overdue.
GLITTER: Who’s on your playlist right now?
VALE: I’ve been binge-listening to One Direction and Harry Styles lately, but also Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, The Lovers, and Mac Miller.
GLITTER: What’s a day in the life for you like on isolation?
VALE: I normally wake up around 10 am, chill until lunchtime, then do my singing lessons, and after that, I work out. I try to take breaks from my screen time by hanging out with my puppy Lyon and playing the guitar.
GLITTER: Favorite ways to find your Zen?
VALE: Listen to my favorite music on my record player and write or paint.
GLITTER: First place you’ll go when isolation ends?
VALE: Probably LA.
GLITTER: What are your top 5 binge-worthy shows?
VALE: Scandal, That 70’s Show, Grey’s Anatomy, Lucifer, American Horror Story
GLITTER: Sage or Palo Santo?
VALE: Sage.
GLITTER: Beach or Pool?
VALE: It depends, I’ve been missing the beach lately so I’ll go with that one.
GLITTER: Sweets or Savory?
VALE: Savory definitely.
GLITTER: Any favorite recipes we should try from Colombia?
VALE: Probably a tres-leches cake.
GLITTER: Which are your go-to fashion brands?
VALE: I don’t really have any go-to brands; I usually buy from small Instagram shops.
GLITTER: What’s your skincare ritual? Any fav products?
VALE: It’s pretty normal, I wash my face, use a toner and a serum, and end it moisturizer. I love the glossier skincare products.
GLITTER: What projects can you tell us about that you’re working on next?
VALE: Releasing more singles and content for everyone to enjoy is next!
GLITTER: Name one thing fans might not know about you?
VALE: I’m terrified of ET.
GLITTER: Best social platform for fans to find you?
VALE: Instagram and Twitter are the ones I’m most active on! @valeinallcaps on both platforms!
Check out VALE’s video premiere for ‘heart’ below.
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