Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Valle.
Laura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Buenos Ares; an intensely, large city where I was immersed in arts, performing theatre and singing with local bands. These experiences prepared me for my move to Europe to pursue music studies. I resided in Switzerland for 12 years where besides studying classical and jazz music, I toured with many bands from Tango, Bossa Nova, Jazz, and Pop-flamenco. I also sang in radio shows, festivals and large events in Switzerland, Germany, and France.
There was a strong appreciation for musicians everywhere we performed in Europe, we treated like royalty. But that was not enough; I knew I wanted to grow musically, create music of my own and live in a sunny place. Then came Southern California in 2002; as an opportunity for my husband and me to settle down. A completely new chapter in my life and career. It was very hard at the beginning but rewarding through the challenges and opportunities; California awarded me.
Out of the crystal pond into the ocean, that is how I felt for a couple of years until I started to find my musicians, my venues, my way to make a living off music while I became the songwriter/producer/performer I am today. I have met so many incredible artists and producers in California such as; John Chiodini, Ron Kobayashi, Bill Hartel, Guillermo Bordarampe, etc. I was able to perform at venues such as the Ford Amphitheater Los Angeles, Museum of Latin American Art Long Beach and the IV C. Gardel Tango Festival Long Angeles, Make Music Pasadena and many jazz clubs in Orange County.
All these years, I have been traveling back to Argentina, performing and recording music and videos there too. There is an extremely vibrant cultural scene in that city which I wish could gain more exposure to the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always as many struggles as rewards in this career. Confidence and hard work are very important, even more than talent. In my case, I have to work hard to keep believing and not lose my confidence when things do not go my way.
I also found it difficult to balance the artistic side and the business side. Which means being the creator, the performer, the producer, the band director, planning the releases, doing the marketing and social media, and the list goes on and on.
I am now in a place where I can delegate some tasks to people who help me so I can stay focused on my art. Finding the right team is key.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I provide Latin jazz entertainment for public and private events besides from producing my own compositions. I also coach singers in my private studio in Orange County. My shows are a mixture of cover songs, originals, South American and jazz standards.
I love to sing in my mother tongue Spanish and also in English, Portuguese, French or Italian. It is a smooth blend of international music. People say my voice is sultry and my energy very calming. I love bossa nova tunes and soulful, jazzy melodies but I sing a lot of upbeat tunes too, and my musicians take quite energetic moves while they play instrumental solos or follow me in some crazy latin jazz beats.
Songwriting is another passion in my life. My first album “Perlas” was inspired from the music of Argentina, my home town, and in fact, was recorded during my trips to Buenos Aires. The result is a fusion of Tango, Jazz, Cumbia, Candombe, Flamenco and other Argentinean styles with my spin and stories.
In my second album “Charismatic,” I explore my American side of music: Jazz, Pop, Funk, Soul and a little bit of Latin as vehicles to write songs about human nature, relationships, passionate encounters, in an optimistic and upbeat fashion. The musicians who collaborated with me on this album are the most talented Orange County Jazz players such as Ron Kobayashi, Bill Hartel, Sam Montooth, Isaac Sanchez, and Logan Bacharach.
Music education is part of my business too. Working with young students is very rewarding, keeps me in touch with current pop music and obliges me to evaluate and perfect my technique while trying to take other singers to a higher level. In the end, everything connects and makes me a rounded professional.
Pricing:
- The albums are available for download for about $ 10 in all major digital platforms
- Shows are customized to the event. Could cost between $1000 to $ 5000
- PrivateVoice lessons start at $35 (children) or $60 (adults)
Contact Info:
- Address: 5904 Warner Ave suite A Huntington Beach, CA 92649
- Website: https://www.LauraValleMusic.com
- Phone: 714 362 4598
- Email: lvsinging@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauravallemusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraValleMusic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/valle-vocal-studios-westminster-2
- Other: https://lauravalle.hearnow.com
Image Credit:
Alejandro Zapico, Lantz Simpson
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