First Look Friday: Vali Is A Melody's Dream Come True

Photo Credit: Ural Garrett for Okayplayer

New York City is home to great singers, songwriters and performers from all walks of life. It is a place where dreams come true, where legends are born and where the world looks to see what's next. If they were to look at just the right angle, they would notice the style and sound of Vali. This New York City-born songstress is a classically trained musician who aspires to become one of the greats. She is already on the verge as her song, "Ain't No Friend Of Mine" continues to get pub at places like Rap-Up and BET.

Signed to Rostrum Records, the independent label responsible for giving us Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller — Vali has cemented herself as a thoroughbred talent with staying power. As we chronicle this colorful creative, this week's First Look Friday is a lover, a fighter and an all-around dope individual. We sat down with her amidst all the craziness that's been going on in the country since President Agent Orange took over the country to talk about her early influences, why her next project will be more of her than before and premiere the Nick Catchdubs remix to "Ain't No Friend Of Mine," which you can hear below. Enjoy!

Okayplayer: For those who have a passion for music, they honed their skills and practiced their craft. Who are your most cherished influences in music and why?

Vali: My most early influences were Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Both of my parents were classically trained musicians. I started piano lessons when I was three-years-old. Once I saw a Michael Jackson video though, and [it was then] I knew performing was something I wanted to do. Artists like Mariah Carey and Beyoncé were also huge influences to me, vocally, and I would imitate them in my mirror and shake my body like Beyoncé till I started getting actual dance training.

OKP: Can you talk about how your life was while developing as an artist? How did you react to your first bits of press?

V: New York is an amazing place to develop as an artist. I did a lot of things on my own because being a performer was something I really wanted to do. I would crash auditions and sign in as my mom so I could be seen the jobs. My mom didn't even believe it was real when I booked my first commercial because she didn't know I was even auditioning for jobs.

OKP: With incidents involving people of color, police and racist occurring almost on a daily basis around the globe — how can your music (and/or others) help to relieve the trauma that is being experienced by the masses?

V: I really think it is an artist's job to inspire people to come together, not separate them. Artists like Bob Marley inspire me so much because it's not just about the artist as much as it is about the music and the way it makes people feel. There has always been racism and incidents involving people of color, this has never changed. I think as artists we can inspire people to change their mindsets. We can bring awareness in an artistic way not using violence or hate as our vehicle.

Photo Credit: Ural Garrett for Okayplayer

OKP: What have been the most definitive obstacles that you’ve overcome in your career thus far?

V: The biggest obstacle I have faced has been patience. Knowing what you are purposed to do, but having to wait for the right opportunities. It was important for me to continue training and working while I was waiting, but it has definitely not been easy to do.

OKP: What are some things that you’ve learned about yourself that comes out in your music?

V: Everytime I write a new song, emotions surface and words are written that I might not even have known I had inside of me. When I listen back to a completed record sometimes I surprise myself since I write each song in the moment and from a present emotion. I have definitely grown through my music, and my next project has some much more of "me" and my personal experiences in it.

OKP: What were some moments from your recent travels that will forever stick with you? Why?

V: I spent my New Year's Eve in Jamaica and it was amazing! I had never been to an island other than Manhattan. The food, the culture, the music, the rum... I definitely left my heart in Kingston.

OKP: What was the first song that you ever wrote entitled? Can you talk about what it has come to symbolize since you’ve entered into the professional life?

V: The first song I ever wrote was called "Autumn Leaves," and it was a piano piece. Unfortunately, only my mother remembers it because I was only two-years-old.

OKP: How can your music speak truth to power in an age where people are so quickly digesting sounds and disposing of artists in a nanosecond?

V: I think it is important to work on performing your music, from the studio to the stage. Music now speaks visually, so it is important to connect and engage people like the artists had done before us. As much as I love a good turn up, I also love to connect to an artist that speaks truth and has real emotion.

Photo Credit: Ural Garrett for Okayplayer

OKP: Collaboration is uniquely a key to the success of certain creative individuals who wish to change the game. Who would you want to work with this year going into the next and why?

V: I would love to work with Pharrell Williams. He is one of my favorite entertainers and artists in the industry.

OKP: How do you get over any anxiety before hitting the stage to perform live? What are some lessons or tips that you’ve learned from others about doing a stage show?

V: Before I hit the stage I always pray for strength and focus. I like to imagine myself as a boxer getting ready for a fight or an athlete about to hit the field. When I put myself in this mindset, it helps me hone my energy in the right place.

Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for more from Vali (and us!) by following her on Twitter @Vali.