Where did the inspiration for ‘Too Good To Be True’ come from & what was the message you wanted people to take away from the song?

The inspiration for 'Too Good To Be True' was essentially how my current life looks, and how I want to break free from it. I believe that at my age, it's really important for one to go out, experiment, get your heart broken, break someone's heart, fail, succeed, because that's what life is! But this past year and a half I have been stuck in this 'bubble' where nothing ever goes wrong, because I don't leave my house at all (lol). I want to break the monotonous everyday life and have fun.

Being from Colombia originally, you have gained not only a US but a worldwide audience, how does it feel releasing music, knowing there are people from your home country listening to it?

It's so great to have both countries listening to me and supporting me. Obviously it means the world to me that my country supports my music and art, I couldn't ask for more.

Do you have any plans to carry on recording more “Coffee Talk with Vale” podcast episodes on Spotify?

Of course. My podcast is my new baby and I adore it. I love making each episode, I have so much fun recording them, I love the concept of it being like a 'coffee date with a friend' type of situation, it feels so warm and comfortable. 

Tell us more about the idea behind Valeffirmations?  

The idea behind these is to get people to spread love!

Whether it's between friends, strangers, or even printing one out to stick on your wall, 'Valeffirmations' were made for people to simply express a kind thought whenever they want to in a super cute way.

Check them out on my website, where you can print your own to give away to others or keep to yourself!

Are you someone who leans into the spiritual side & believes in affirmations, manifestations, etc?

Honestly, I have really tried to get into the journaling side of manifesting and all that jazz, but ever since I was a kid I truly sucked at keeping diaries, it's just not my thing at all. But I totally do believe in affirmations and manifestations! Once your intentions are out in the universe, your job is to act upon those goals with great energy, and it’ll come true sooner or later.

I have to represent the UK! Are there any UK artists you would love to collaborate with? Anyone on your radar?

I love the UK!!! Even though I've never been. I would die if I collaborated with Charli XCX, she's such a star. Jorja Smith would also be a blast, I have been a fan for a while!

What specific things that you are currently taking inspiration from?

Right now, my inspiration comes from what I picture my future as.

I guess you could say I'm manifesting in my songs.

Apart from singing and song writing, are there any other creative outlets that you love?

I love dancing but I'm not amazing at it, I want to get lessons soon because honestly I think good dancers are so so awesome. 

Which romantic movie always pulls at your heartstrings? 

I'm not much of a romantic movie girl, but I do really like "10 Things I Hate About You". 

Which song of yours will always hold a special place in your heart? 

There's one I wrote about 2 years ago called 'On My Own', I really love it, I wrote it for my parents. I hope to release it one day!

You started off in music quite young, any big sister advice for people starting out in this industry? 

I wish I could give some deep advice, but it's pretty straight forward. BE PATIENT AND CONSISTENT! It's such an important aspect of being an artist. You will realise you do so much and see little results, but never let that discourage you. It happens to every single artist, in different ranges and aspects of course, but everyone goes through a patch where they work so hard and see no results, the key is to push past that and you'll see such a difference.

What has been the biggest achievement so far?

There's been a couple of surreal moments in the past 4 years, I have worked with really important people who I never imagined I would be in rooms with, I got a Google sync for 'oop' which was super crazy, and I will finally be able to start playing shows in the US which is so exciting for me!

Similarly, what’s the big goal in your career?

My goal is to become a person millions of people can look for when they need a friend, someone that can make them feel heard, loved, and understood. If that translates to being the biggest artist in the world then so be it, but I truly just want to inspire people as much as my own idols inspire me. 

Any big things we should be expecting soon?

I am going to be playing a couple of shows in LA in October and November, head over to my socials @valeinallcaps to see official details! I'll also be releasing a new song in early December! 

_

Nicola Sebastian is currently studying a journalism degree in her first year in London.