Here at the Philadelphia Globe, we’ve been missing the live music experience more than we can articulate and cannot be more excited that The People’s Light Theater in Malvern is hosting socially distant, drive-in concert events on their grounds. This weekend, Philadelphia’s own singer, songwriter, pianist and composer, Valentina Sounds, will be supporting another Philly favorite, Jeffrey Gaines, in concert on Saturday, July 25th with her trio. We sat down with the Italian born, University of the Arts graduate, Valentina (who’s day job is teaching music at Episcopal Academy) to discuss returning to the stage and her debut solo record, Bring on the Fire.
Phila Globe: What have you been up to since quarantine?
Valentina Sounds: Besides cooking, eating and drinking? I’ve been playing a lot of guitar and piano, trying to get better at my instruments. I have been trying to write a few new songs, but creativity hasn’t been “pouring” out of me. Staying stagnant is not what usually inspires me.
PG: You’ve been doing a lot of livestreaming concerts for your fans in the US and in Italy. How have these shows kept you connected with your fans and connected to your music?
VS: I think it was nice for people to know that there was a steady appointment they could tune into if they wanted to listen to my music and for me it was nice to know that, once a week, I had a music commitment that wouldn’t get cancelled! I have put the live streams on hold for the summer but I’m thinking to pick back up in the fall.
PG: Tell us about who you’ll be performing with on Saturday at People’s Light and how this line up influences your setlist. What excites you about supporting Jeffrey Gaines?
VS: On Saturday the Valentina Sounds Trio will be opening for Jeffrey Gaines, we go on from 6:30-6:50 and I was told that we will be strictly on time (so don’t be late!). The Trio is made up by Sara Mingle and Maura Blanchard on backup vocals/hand percussions and myself on voice/keys. Since Jeffrey is a guitar virtuoso, I’ve decided to only play keys for my set. Most of the songs I’ve picked have lush three-part harmonies.
PG: Is this your first time playing for a socially distanced concert? What are some of your favorite ways to connect with an audience in a live setting?
VS: The only other socially distanced concert I played, was the 118 North Tailgate series in June. I like to encourage our audience members to clap their hands and sing along. It seems like we will be far apart enough where that will be possible, so I’m looking forward to hearing a “response” to my “call and response”!
PG: You released your debut solo album, Bring on the Fire less than a year ago. Tell us a bit about the record.
VS: I’m really proud of the record. Matt Muir (producer) did a great job, I think it sounds amazing. If you haven’t done so yet, you should give it a listen. And be patient and listen to it from the beginning till the end. There’s a story line to follow.
PG: What’s next for Valentina Sounds?
VS: One of the ideas in the works is voice lessons in bite size videos, so subscribe to my YouTube Channel if you’d like to learn more. More songs will be released, eventually! I have a home recording studio set up, I’m hoping I’ll get struck by lightning and I will get the inspiration to record some new things soon.
Who: Valentina Sounds Trio
What: Live, Drive-In Concert Performance
When: Saturday, July 25th at 6:30 PM EST
Where: The People’s Light Theater – 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern PA 19355
Find Valentina Online:
Official: https://www.valentinasounds.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentinasounds/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinasounds
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/valentinasounds
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