BEHIND THE SCENES AT PFW – DRIES VAN NOTEN SS25
Photography by Louis A. W. Sheridan
IN CONVERSATION WITH CLAUDIA VALENTINA
“I’m very visual with my music and I want it to sound like it does something to you when you listen to it.”
Based between LA and Europe, Claudia Valentina is driven by a passion for music and the fusion of fashion and visual art. Her music is in the realm of modern pop, often with influences from R&B and soulful sounds. With her striking voice and personal lyrics, she has quickly gained a dedicated following, captivating listeners with her authenticity and raw, honest storytelling.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and who are/were your biggest musical inspirations?
I knew I wanted to do music before I can even remember. I grew up singing and writing songs in my basement and just always knew music was the only thing I wanted to do. I loved Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, MIA, Kendrick
Do you remember the first song you created and the first song you published? Do you still resonate with it?
I wrote my first songs was I was very young and started recording when I was 12 but of course they were awful songs lol but that’s where it started. The first song I released was called ‘Seven’ so that song means a lot to me. It’s crazy to see how much I’ve changed since then.
Can you walk us through your song writing process? Where do you usually find inspiration for your lyrics?
My process is all about just having good chemistry with the people I work with. I like to be inspired by a beat and I’ll normally do melody first unless it’s a ballad and I have something specific I want to say. And inspiration for lyrics just comes from the 100 lives I feel like I’ve lived haha
When deciding what kind of artist you want to be, look and styling also play a big role. When did you get a better feeling and understanding for that? How do you use fashion and styling to express your artistic world?
I’ve always been in love with fashion but more so the creative side of it. I’ve been mood-boarding what I want things to look and feel like for as long as I can remember, and I have a whole world that I’m in the process of bringing to life. I even look at my mood boards when I’m making the music because I want the music to reflect that vision.
When it comes to style, what is most important for you? Do you have style icons at all?
Rihanna of course queen. Rosalia I love also. But I really have just been so in love with putting outfits together and making them for so long that I feel like I have my own thing that I love 🙂
Which young designers / brands inspire you currently? do you look at runway shows and trends?
I’m always discovering new up and coming designers online I’m obsessed with Raga aesthetic right now . I wear a lot of 6pm stuff from Ashraf when I’m in Europe. But brands I love Coperni, Prada, Miu Miu
If you had to chose a designer for your most iconic, customized stage fit, who would that be?
PRADAAA
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
Damn – lots. I’ve been doing this as long as I can remember. I’ve been always doing music like my life depended on it since I was 9 and now, I’m 24. The music industry sucks, and I’ve had some tough times to say the least but thankfully everything made me stronger.
How do you look at the role of labels and its change on artists in these days?
I think there’s a lot changing in the industry right now. Artists have a lot more power which I think is great.
What was the last music video that really left an impression on you? Why?
The new Asap rocky ‘Taylor Swif’ one of my newest faves it’s so weird I love it. But MIA bad girls is where my love of music videos probably began.
Are you an album listener or do you prefer single releases?
Equally I would say. But a well put together album tops for sure
You live and work in LA a lot too. How different is life as an artist over there?
I’ve been living half the time in LA for the last 10 years and yeah super different but I’ve always loved it. It’s a great place if you’re on a high but can be very lonely and confusing place if your still figuring it out.
What was your most exciting collaboration so far? and what would be your absolute dream collab?
Got some exciting colabs in the pipeline! But my dream would probably be asap rocky or travis.
What are your thoughts on contemporary pop music and how do you try to influence and push its boundaries?
My whole thing is about pushing boundaries. I hate if my shit sounds like anything else I’ve heard. I can appreciate listening to straight pop but it’s never been what I want to make. I’m very visual with my music and I want it to sound like it does something to you when you listen to it.
What are your long-term goals as an artist? How do you see your career evolving over the next five years?
I’ve always had the same dreams since I started, and they have never changed. I want to make music I’m proud of and create a whole around my music with shows and fashion and everything. As hard as I can go basically.
Are there any genres or styles of music that you haven’t explored yet but would like to in the future?
My music is a melting pot of genres so I kind of listen to everything and take inspo from anywhere and everything I hear.
How do you stay connected with your fans and what role does social media play here?
I love social media for that reason, being able to connect with people that listen to my music is the best part and sharing the process. I also love it as a creative outlet, instagram is like a Moodboard as well.
Can you share any details about upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
My EP will be coming out next year and dropping three songs before the end of the year. I’m so excited to get started on this new journey and see how it unfolds.
