Daily Inspiration: Meet Janet Cole Valdez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Cole Valdez.

Hi Janet, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been a creative spirit for as long as I can remember—writing my first song at just three years old. Since then, I’ve written musicals, film/tv scripts, and more songs than I can count. Early in my career, I had the privilege of being a staff songwriter for Motown Records, an experience that left a lasting impact on my artistic journey. Later, I was brought in by a Warner Brothers exec, to ghost-write for two of the biggest names in music history. This was just one of my many adventures…
My work has appeared in film, television, and live theatre, including co-writing the theme song for an Emmy-nominated series currently in its 21st season. My original musicals have been produced in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York City. Over the past two years, I’ve had nearly 100 song placements on network television, as well as an emotional ending-credits song in a feature film.

Today, I collaborate with composers, artists, and producers around the globe—thanks to the “magic” of Zoom. Or, if I’m lucky, I can simply walk across the hall and collaborate with my husband, the brilliant composer Tom Valdez.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t believe life is easy for anyone. No matter how effortless things may appear from the outside, everyone carries their own challenges and uncertainties.

In my case, I grew up being told that it’s impossible to succeed in the arts. I spent many years trying to live up to expectations of having a “normal” life and playing it safe. I tried to put “being a artist” on hold while I pursued other career paths….but at some point I realized that art is part of my “spiritual DNA”, so I decided to stop pretending and really go for it!

Early in my music career, I had to navigate being a young woman in a male-dominated industry. I encountered situations where I was offered incredible rewards “if I would just_____ (fill in the blank)”. There were moral dilemmas that I wasn’t prepared for. After a few near-misses, I finally realized that I am responsible for my own decisions. And that I don’t have to bow to peer pressure. Especially if it lowers self-respect. I have lots of crazy stories, but I’m grateful for the growth that inevitably followed.

As far as struggles in my current life, working as a freelance creative means living without the comfort of job security—there is always the quiet pressure of finding the next project, and then the one after that. Yet within that uncertainty lies something deeply meaningful. My work brings me joy and purpose, and allows me to tap into the magic of imagination in ways that can uplift and connect with others.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Sometimes I miss important phone calls because I’m under my headphones, recording a melody taking shape. Sometimes I’m juggling time zones so that I can coordinate with partners in Australia, South Africa, Paris, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and more.

There are practical sides to my work—networking, research, endless emails—but at the core of it all, I create because I can’t not create. My greatest joy is creating a musical moment that “lands” – breathing emotion and life into a story.
When it comes to working with recording artists, my goal is to “channel” their spirit and help them to communicate their unique message to the world – helping them to deliver their passion directly into the hearts of listeners.
Through every facet of my work, I hope to touch people—to make them laugh, to make them cry, and ultimately, to feel more alive.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Life itself is an act of risk. Each time we step beyond our front doors, we do so without knowing what might strike us, lift us, or change us forever. Every artist who walks onto a stage and bares their heart to an audience is choosing that same uncertainty. I believe the truest and most enduring rewards are born in those moments of vulnerability and risk.

I carry more than a few wild stories from the chances I’ve taken in pursuit of my calling—and yet, here I am. Still waking up each morning. Still chasing dreams. Still reaching outward through music and art into a complicated world, hoping to offer something simple and bright—a light for the heart of humanity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetcolevaldez/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.c.valdez.1/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetcolevaldez/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/Yod5QIyDxT0
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-510768307
• IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0170588/