Unsigned Spotlight: Valerie Orth
Valerie Orth is a prolific alt-pop songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer with a strong, feminist sense of self. Integrating live instruments with electronic sounds, her Brooklyn-by-way-of-San Francisco-influenced music is unique and authentic.
Please list your name.
Valerie Orth
For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to this?
I’ve been performing my own songs for about 15 years, with various iterations of my band and solo.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
We couldn’t ever decide on a name so we just kept it as my name!
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all the songs. Though I write very personal songs based on my own experiences in a certain moment in time, I feel they’re applicable to others’ experiences. And as a believer in “the personal is political,” some of my songs do end up being political and social commentary. So, depending on the political climate, the details and nuances of topics change over time, but at their essence, they are always rooted in justice and self-awareness.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
That is always a tough question for me, because as hard as I try, I sound nothing like the artists who inspire me, ha! But, still, Bjork will always be my inspiration- her voice and visceral compositions and lyrics. Ani DiFranco will always be a core inspiration as well, because of her righteousness, outspokenness, alternative writing style and hard-hitting and technical guitar playing. As for more current/newer bands and artists: Son Lux, for their cinematic music - and their drummer Ian Chang - plays on my song “Done To Me” on my upcoming album! Tune-Yards for her brave approach to rhythm and melody. Sylvan Esso was certainly an inspiration for a few songs on my album, their ability to exude intimacy and warmth in song. Bon Iver, also a gorgeous and intimate songwriter. This list is not exhaustive.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I used to go to a lot of folk festivals and concerts with a lot of female singer songwriters, especially when I was in college in Boston. I was more of a musical theater artist and these righteous women inspired me to pick up a guitar and express myself through my own songs.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
I used to just practice like crazy. And always tried to add more stuff - songs, technology - anything to keep my fans entertained. Which was actually pretty stressful. But like all musicians, I’ve had quite a long break from actual live shows now, so I’m not sure what I’ll be doing to prepare once venues open again. I’m kinda nervous about it actually! Maybe I’ll change my show completely! Or maybe I’ll just keep focusing on writing and producing and releasing my songs online.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
My favorite live show was at Slims in San Francisco. It was one of my album release shows, the venue was packed, spirits were high and I must have had 10 musicians with me on stage, bringing those songs to their fullest expression.
A more recent highlight that I’m extremely proud of is the first song I produced, mixed and mastered entirely by myself. I’ve only released This Mess We’re In on Soundcloud so far, but I intend to release it everywhere with a few other #covidcovers/ mashups in early 2021.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Bjork. I mean, how cool would that be?
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m excited to release my album Rabbit Hole on Dec 4, 2020. It’s been a long time coming, yet is deeply relevant to these current times that oscillate between despair and hope.