Valerie Marie, a talented young bilingual singer-songwriter, hails from Miami, Florida. Growing up, Valerie Marie discovered her passion for music and embraced the creative process wholeheartedly. Her music stands out for its distinct lyrics, powerful messaging, and compositions that skillfully incorporate her Latin culture, be it through the lyrics or instrumentation. As a recipient of the prestigious 2021 and 2023 National YoungArts Awards, Valerie Marie’s exceptional talents have been acknowledged on a national scale. Excitingly, Valerie Marie will be releasing new music this year, so keep an ear out for her upcoming releases.
With her single, “I’m Sorry,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Valerie Marie. Read below to learn more about Valerie Marie, the story behind her new single, and what’s to come.
Hi Valerie Marie! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
My full name is Valerie Marie Alonso, but I’ve always thought that Valerie Marie has a better ring to it.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I am from Miami, Florida and am currently based in Miami, Florida.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
From a young age, music has surrounded me. My paternal grandmother, a pianist, taught my father how to play. My mother, a singer in Cuba, performed in her hometown. Inspired by my parents’ love for music, I started piano lessons at eleven and later began singing classes.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Growing up in Miami, Florida has had a significant impact on my music style. The diverse cultural environment of Miami, being a melting pot, has exposed me to various genres of music that I have come to love. As a Cuban-American and influenced by the rich Latino culture in Miami, I enjoy incorporating Latin elements into my music. In my single, ‘I’m Sorry,’ I particularly appreciate the presence of Spanish guitar as it adds depth to the song and represents my unique sound as an artist.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound can be described as a blend of Pop music with distinct Latin elements, reflecting my Cuban-American upbringing.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Since childhood, my brother and I have shared a special bond with our dad through boating trips for fishing. These experiences have become an integral part of our lives, fostering a deep love for being out on the water. Currently, our family takes part in various activities such as lobstering, spearfishing, and fishing, cherishing every opportunity to continue our traditions.
In order to stay creative, I always try to seek new experiences and maintain an active social life. By immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city, I expose myself to fresh sights and encounters that serve as inspiration for my songs.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
My main musical influences are Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, and Camila Cabello. I appreciate Bruno Mars’ emotional delivery, Miley Cyrus’ rawness, and Camila Cabello’s cultural influences. By drawing inspiration from these artists, I aim to create a unique style that combines powerful lyrics, emotional delivery, and my own cultural influences.
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
My ultimate dream music collaboration would be with Camila Cabello. As a fellow artist from Miami, she has been an immense source of inspiration for me throughout my upbringing. Working alongside her would be a dream come true, allowing us to combine our shared cultural roots and create something truly special in the world of music.
Another dream collaboration for me would be with the incredibly talented Pitbull, Mr. 305. Throughout my childhood, I enjoyed listening to his music with my family. His infectious energy and entertaining music have left a lasting impression on me.
What are some of your future music career goals?
One day, I hope to share my music with the world and establish a connection with thousands of people who can relate to my songs.
Now onto your release, ‘I’m Sorry.’ What inspired this song?
One day, I was alone in my room, and I was thinking about how I never had a romantic relationship. I realized that I had always distanced myself from potential partners before anything serious could develop, leading me to believe it was my own fault. My mom would say that I was afraid to establish a deep connection, and it made so much sense. That same day, I decided to write ‘I’m Sorry’ and vent about the situation through my music.
What is ‘I’m Sorry’ about in your own words?
‘I’m Sorry’ delves into the theme of fear and its impact on forging deep romantic connections. The song explores the tendency I have of distancing myself from people that I can potentially see myself falling for.
What is your favorite lyric in ‘I’m Sorry’ and why?
In the process of writing ‘I’m Sorry,’ one of my favorite lyrics was ‘Don’t call me, I’ll let the phone ring. It’s music to my ears, bad at confronting.’ While contemplating the next two verses after completing the first chorus, I was getting a call from someone that I was trying to distance myself from and purposefully let the phone ring. This experience struck a chord, and I found inspiration to write those lyrics, which were both literal and perfectly aligned with the overall theme and tone of the song.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from ‘I’m Sorry?’
The intention behind ‘I’m Sorry’ is to offer listeners a glimpse into the inner workings of someone whose romantic relationships are governed by fear. By sharing this perspective, I hope to create awareness and understanding among those who can relate to this experience. Furthermore, I aspire for the song to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, encouraging individuals who also allow fear to dictate their relationships to learn, grow, and gradually overcome these barriers.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Winning the 2021 and 2023 YoungArts National Competition in Vocal Pop stands as one of the proudest moments of my music career. The news of my winning was an incredibly surreal experience, and it was deeply gratifying to realize that my hard work had been recognized at a national level. This achievement provided a sense of fulfillment and encouragement to continue pursuing my musical aspirations.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
The most valuable lesson that I’ve gained in my music journey is to not let rejections and setbacks consume me. Instead, I’ve learned to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than dwelling on disappointments, I focus on extracting lessons from them, moving forward, and actively seeking new opportunities. By staying persistent and showcasing myself as an artist, I trust that I will eventually reach my desired destination.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Exciting news! In a few months, I will be releasing my upcoming single, “Bonita!” This song blends English and Spanish lyrics, incorporating my Latin culture into the music. I am thrilled to share this fusion of languages and showcase new music to listeners.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriemariemusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ValerieMarie
