21 years old singer-songwriter, Valerie Warntz, has been musically inclined since childhood. Being inspired by Fergie, she entered local school of arts at the age of 9, where studied sol-fa guitar and piano playing, as well as travelled over the Europe with orchestra. As told by Valerie, these knowledge and touring experience play a big role in her DIY music career. In 2010 and 2012, Valerie attempted twice to build a band in her hometown, but this idea didn’t work out. In 2015, being inspired by her favorite artist Lana Del Rey, the singer wrote her first song, I Don’t Love You Anymore, which recieved some recognition over YouTube and Spotify, and started pursuing solo career. After releasing 2 EPs: The Xmas Story (2017), Crazy Dreams (2018) and 2 music videos on VEVO, Valerie is back with new music video Ca$h, which is a single from upcoming album Revelation, expected to be released late 2019.
Valerie confesses that in the hard times of her life music was always with her, while nobody else was around. She believes that lyrics is truly a heart of the song, that’s why she aims to be honest with her audience. Join the journey.
http://twitter.com/valeriewarntz
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
It’s the passion inside, I’m sure. Of course, there are artists I’m inspired by, but it kinda strengthens what’s already here. I just love creating something beautiful and useful out of my experience in form of music and visuals.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I prefer not to be compared to anyone, to be honest. I think, for every artist, it’s important to be unique and to have your own style. I heard many times, that my music is out of ordinary and it’s even hard to attach it to certain genre.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
There were many, to be honest. I’m not ready to open up about them, at least not now, but I can tell exactly, that without them I wouldn’t become the person I am now. I wouldn’t know what I know now and wouldn’t write certain songs, especially from my upcoming album Revelation. That was hard times, and though I didn’t understand it earlier, those situations were meant to happen, and now I realize why.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
It’s all very unexpected. Most of the times, lyrics or melody just come to my head by itself, so I open notes or sound recorder and capture the ideas. I have over 1,000 short recordings there, really. And somewhere around 100 lyric ideas.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
There is really no secret sauce for the fame. The only important thing there, I believe, is true love to what you do. For me having lots of money is secondary; what’s more important is to have people who really care about stuff I create. So that’s what I’m aiming for. I will keep cruising, writing new music and doing my best to increase my audience.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
This is actually a hard question. Around a year ago I would answer “major” without any doubts, but now I’m not so sure. Both has it’s advantages and disadvantages. So I’d say it depends on the contract. About the traditional music industry model — I don’t think it’ll ever be out of the game. Though the popularity of streaming has increased and independent artists were empowered, major labels will always be the source for new music trusted by millions.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
Social media is the place where artists and fans connect. I really love to use my Instagram for that purpose: I often create polls in stories, simply post something, DM my followers. As well as in my fan community. And obviously, people from other countries can’t get to know you except for through social media. So I think without it it’s impossible or, at least, hard to stay visible in the music industry.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Some people treat music only as a business, and I think there’s nothing wrong with doing so because it is really a business, after all. However, for me it’s important to speak about things I really want to speak through my music, so, as I said earlier, many of my songs are even hard to attach to a certain genre. They are not mainstream, but they are honest. That’s my priority at the moment.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Having many people who enjoy my music. Touring the world and all this stuff. And I’ll be the happiest artist in the world.