Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Valentine.
Hi Ali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The story begins by a campfire, somewhere in the hills of Los Angeles. Sometimes, what you’re searching for is closer than you think. Hidden right beneath your feet. That’s how it was for me and my best friend, Sean Clark. We’ve been friends since the fifth grade, but it wasn’t until 2016 that we started crafting the first songs that would eventually become “illunis.” Fast forward to 2025, and I’m still performing under the illunis name, joined by a rotating crew of some of LA’s best musicians. Illunis has become that familiar stranger – like new wine, aged in old oak. Fresh yet nostalgic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“The obstacle is the way.” That’s one of the key lessons I took from Ryan Holiday’s book. Life and especially the entertainment world is full of obstacles. They pop up at any time, often when you least expect them. The key is being ready for things to go wrong, because they inevitably will. But within every challenge, there will be growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to think of myself as a poet and vocalist. While I dabble in a few other instruments, my true strength lies in writing songs and singing. I’m my own toughest critic, but that’s what keeps me sharp. My cultural background, alongside my operatic training, gives my voice a unique quality that I believe sets me apart from others in the same space. My voice is my signature, and I hope one day it’ll stand alongside the greats like Freddie Mercury, Chris Cornell, Don Henley, and Chris Stapleton.
How do you think about luck?
I believe luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to have had some incredible opportunities, like working with my producer, Steve Ornest, at Total Access Recording, who’s helped elevate the Illunis sound. I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with talented musicians like Barth Snarski, Kim Bullard, Charlie Paxson, John Pierce, Matthew Dennis, Aviv Cohen, and many more. I’ve also been lucky enough to perform on some of LA’s most iconic stages, including the Troubadour, and work with organizations like LA Kings Care, BeachLife Festival, and the Valley Cultural Foundation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Illunismusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illunismusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illunismusic/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@illunismusicla?si=kzyMZAkHdsnsMwHH
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/illunisband
Image Credits
Aaron Anderson, Keita Hagiwara
