Valntna – Palo Santo

By starrymag | November 25, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) You are often described as an R&B or soul artist, but how would you describe your sound?

 

A) I describe my sound as “from the soul for the soul.”

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’m heavily influenced by Lauryn Hill, India.Arie, Erykah Badu and Mary J Blige.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Palo Santo.”

 

A) “Palo Santo” is based on affirmations so honestly the story behind it is just that…I’m in a space of affirming the person that I want to be…affirming the person that I am and to be able to do that, I must affirm things that I want to manifest into reality.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I, honestly, think it’s the intention and energy behind the song and, of course, the amazing beat!!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Most of the time when writing music, I definitely like to have a foundation whether that’s just like some keys or bassline or guitar melody it definitely sets the mood. But, in general, the writing process is defined from where I’m at and how I’m feeling that will usually set the tone of what I’m going to say.

 

Q) You worked with producer Footsteps on this song. What did he bring to the track that really helped bring your vision to life?

 

A) Footsteps really set the tone of the track. Honestly, he came with the beat and, at first, I wasn’t really sure what I was gonna say or how I was gonna approach it. But It set well with my spirit and I knew this is the one. He came to the studio and myself and amazing song writer I work with, PINK MAYNE, were talking and I just said it’s gonna be an “affirmations song” and it clicked everything just aligned.

 

Q) With “Palo Santo” out, will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Absolutely!! I’m actually currently working on the EP at the moment. Very excited for everyone to hear it. It’s going to be EPIC!!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I don’t necessarily have a favorite place at the moment, but I will definitely say I am very much enjoying doing intimate settings. I perform a lot of shows with a company called sofar Sounds where I do various shows in various different locations, but they’re very intimate and I just love that!

I love the aspect of being in a space where you can communicate with the audience in a very vulnerable way. It just feels very real, honest and grounding.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would love to collaborate with India.Arie, Londrelle, Iniko, HER, Cleo Sol and Muni Long.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’m currently listening to Muni Long. She’s just amazing. I just love the storytelling in her music. It’s so honest, vulnerable and confident. It’s very empowering.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I’m grateful for your support and for aligning with me and my music. It is honestly such an incredible blessing to know that my music touches and moves through people and it’s a part of their journey as it is a part of mine. And I think that is the most empowering thing about MUSIC. I hope I inspire you to share your gift and story to the world.