Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Hana Haley
We got to chat with Pop vocalist Rikki Valentina, about her song “Daddy’s Home” and growing up in an artistic family.
You grew up with two parents involved in the arts. Was it clear from a young age that you were going to follow in their footsteps?
It’s funny because when I was very young I actually wanted to be a veterinarian, that was until I started singing all the time that my friends and family members told me I had a good voice. I liked not only being cherished for my skill but also sharing that bond and having a connection with my parents as well.
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
I have way too many, but to name a few: The Beatles, Katy Perry, Lily Allen, Radiohead, Gwen Stefani, Francoise Hardy, Lana Del Rey, Nicole Atkins, Freddy Mercury, Connie Francis, Danny Elfman, and Randy Newman.
“Daddy’s Home” is a deeply personal track. Did you find that it was a song that took a while to come together or once you started writing it flowed out of you?
“Daddy’s Girl” took the longest out of all my projects. I had the hardest time making a song about being strong after such a tragedy – I had this idea of using fairy tales for the song to paint a visual of being the oldest and next in line for our home responsibilities. I sometimes think to this day I still wasn’t ready to be optimistic, which is why in my newest projects I will be backpedaling and really sitting in my grief – not everything’s meant to be happy I’ve learned, and I have to accept that. My favorite part about writing the song definitely had to be the verses. I really got to talk about myself and how losing a parent basically makes you grow up instantly. Even though I’m a young adult I still wasn’t prepared.
I love the line “I’m stuck with myself and that scares me” from your song “Dazed & Confused” as I think that is a common feeling when you’re a young adult. Do you hope to capture universal feelings through your work?
I hope that I already am. I do have so much more to unload and I hope whoever is listening will feel some sort of peace knowing they aren’t alone.
Was it therapeutic to work on your EP Daddy’s Girl?
Recording is always my favorite part, along with hearing the final project, but just like any job, the music business is hard work! Especially when you are an independent artist. You have to take on multiple roles. Creating is basically like a roller coaster but once the ride is finished you are thrilled and want to ride it again.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Always be true to yourself and don’t let anyone tell you how you should create.