Rikki Valentina
Rikki Valentina is an artist/singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles. Her latest single “Paranoid” explores the subject of social anxiety. Honest and catchy, “Paranoid” is Rikki’s most personal song.
I am only discovering Rikki’s music but I love how unique and magical her voice is. She’s definitely an artist to watch. Can’t wait to hear more :)
“Paranoid” is available everywhere :)
Photo credit: Kalie Pontes
Hello Rikki, please introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hello - thank you for inviting me! My name is Rikki Valentina and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I'm a singer, songwriter, producer, and all things in between. I recently released my latest music video, "Paranoid" – it's a song about feeling anxious, I think a lot of people feel that way - especially during the holidays. So far the response has been great, a lot of people are sending me messages about how much they relate to the song and how catchy it is.
What did you grow up listening to?
My music genres were all over the place growing up since my parents have totally different tastes. I was raised on classic rock, grunge rock, jazz, 80’s pop, showtunes, and 2000’s pop.
When did you start writing songs?
I wrote my first song when I was 15 called 'Whenever I Stand' and to be honest it sucked (laughs). It wasn’t until 4 years ago that I started to take my songwriting more seriously.
What made you want to write in the first place?
In the beginning I never liked writing. I thought I was terrible at it. I used to collaborate in the past with a producer and he encouraged me to start co-writing with him. After we stopped working together I took a swing at writing because I still wanted to make music. It turned out I had the gift all along. I just needed to trust myself.
When did you know you could sing?
My parents were very supportive of me when I was 6. I’d walk around the house singing and they would tell me I had a beautiful voice. I took their word for it and continued on.
At what point did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
I always knew at a young age I had to be an artist. The hardest part was trying to figure out where to start. It’s always just been something I’ve felt within.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
Definitely my dad, he was always encouraging me to join a band. He was the only person who believed in me when it came to being serious about music.
What lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
There is so much more to the process as an artist then we think. Not only the fundamentals of music but also finding yourself while being a business woman. I've also learned not to depend on others when it comes to your vision.
"Paranoid" is your latest single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
I based this song around social anxiety and how I felt in social situations. I knew I wasn't alone and wanted to bring attention to this topic for others and not just myself. It's one of my most personal songs to date.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song?
The style of my songwriting process is a lot of imagery. I used moments where I felt like I didn't belong. I chose sounds for the production that made me feel uneasy or like I was having an out of body experience.
Who helped you create it?
I collaborated with 3 other talented musicians to help me bring the sound that I was looking for to life. My childhood friend Frankie set me up with her boyfriend Frank for the guitar sections. He is so talented and we were able to get that done in less than 2 hours. Frankie had also introduced me to James who was in charge of the percussion. He is incredible and we never had to go back and forth over anything. The final production was done by Matt James Dougherty and it was amazing to work with him. He understood my creative vision instantly.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I felt very alone at the time while writing “Paranoid” but also very pleased since this song came to me so easily.
What made you want to release "Paranoid" as a single?
I felt like it didn't belong in the world of my EP Daddy’s Girl but I really wanted to release it since I wrote it around the same time as my other songs. I also liked the idea of it being a Halloween release and I had fun playing with that concept.
What can you tell us about the music video?
The music video was based on anxiety and phobias with a twist of Twilight Zone. I used mannequins to portray people at a party to express how out of place I felt as a person. I chose to use scenes of me talking on the phone as well since it was something I had a hard time doing. I've gotten more comfortable with my fears and I'm extremely proud of myself.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
Juggling the job of not only a musician but as a manager, creative director, distributor, and investor. The best would have to be the creative side obviously and hearing feedback from fans. Connecting with others has always been a goal of mine when it's come to my craft.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry?
I can’t stand the music industry at the moment. I think it’s very lazy of labels to only start investing in an artist if they have a huge following. It makes it almost pointless. It feels so rigged. I do enjoy that multiple genres are being appreciated at once. It’s no longer one size fits all.
If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I’d stop my dad from riding his motorcycle so he would still be here. He died in an accident in 2019 and I miss him a lot.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If people preached with facts over opinions.
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