At just 19 years old, Claudia Valentina is already making waves in the music industry with her surprisingly deep, soulful, and extremely nuanced voice. Her music conveys messages of heartbreak and liberation, ranging from extreme vulnerability to a “fuck it” attitude. In her debut EP, released last month, Claudia Valentina’s delicate voice flows alongside heavy pop-synths, captivating her listeners.
Claudia’s ambition fizzled into existence at a very young age, leading to her being cast for the internationally renowned musical “Billy Elliot” at the age of 10, for which she and her mother moved from the small lush green island off the coast of Normandy where she grew up to a hectic London. At age 12, Claudia and her mother moved to Los Angeles, where she recounts wanting to pursue kids TV-stardom and falling into the trap of a Hollywood-dream, but being continuously disappointed. To finish school, she would always have to fly back to London, as she was still enrolled there. She soon after realized that making great art takes great life experience, and that was something that Hollywood couldn’t give her so she moved back to London. Claudia Valentina is someone who hustles for their dreams, and this seems to finally be paying off for the 19-year-old on the brink of stardom.
In our interview today, Claudia Valentina talks about why she started making music, what inspires her, and what it takes for her to enjoy life to the fullest. She also shares some interesting facts about her musical journey:
1. What does true identity mean to you?
Being your true self. We all go through things in life which shape our personality and what we think and feel. Every single human in the world has good and bad sides and for me both sides are important to write about in my music.
2. At what age did you start making music and what brought you to it?
I started properly writing in studios at 13 but worked in West End theatre from 10. Before that I had always done full on dance and singing coaching my whole childhood and always knew it was the only thing I wanted to do.
3. What inspired you to make music?
Growing up I used to mess around writing songs in my bedroom and recording them in my really shitty laptop when I was super young. I watched all these incredible artists and was fascinated by music videos and huge performances so it just lit a spark in me.
4. What inspires you most about the city you live in? And what does the city add to your individual sound?
Working and writing music in London has this magic and energy to it that’s indescribable. It feels to me like the scene here celebrates uniqueness and doesn’t chase the trends so I’m always discovering new interesting people to work with.
5. Who are your icons?
I’ve always looked at Rihanna as the god so I’ll just leave that there… but there’s many people that I’m inspired by.
6. Was there a musical experience, a concert, or a performance that touched your soul?
I saw Rosalia in Trafalgar Square and I remember my insides bursting with excitement imagining one day that will be me. Also at Glastonbury I saw Disclosure with Gregory Porter and they were pretty insane except I was up to my butt in mud and couldn’t see much because I’m small..
7. The pandemic has caused many changes in our everyday lives and routines. How has that impacted your regular workday?
It felt like going from 1000 miles per hour to 10 miles per hour, and at first the adjustment was really hard but I think we are all a bit more used to the idea of staying in one place for a while and slowing down. I just keep reminding myself that it’s not here forever and to try to use this time the best way possible.
8. When do you feel most creative and most inspired to make music?
Inspiration can come from anywhere.. I’ll always find myself voice-note-ing ideas while I’m lying in bed and can’t sleep. Also working with other amazing writers brings out so much in you.
9. What are your musical and creative goals for the next few years?
Same goals as I’ve always had…Just make it as big as I can. I’ve been focusing on creating all the things I’ve had in my head for so many years and making them as amazing as I can and enjoying the journey and taking it as far as I possibly can.
10. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give the younger you?
I could write an essay of things I’d like to say but I’d start with telling myself to stop stressing about everything and chill the fuck out… I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best and no matter how good something is, I’ll always think I could do better. I’ve learnt now to be proud of what I’ve done and enjoy myself a bit more.
