Meet Vali Herrera, a talented young musician who recently released her new single, Cold Shadow. I had the pleasure of speaking with Vali about her latest release, the kinds of albums she envisions creating, and the influences and passions that shape her music.
Reuel
Hello Vali! It’s nice to chat with you. How are you doing?
Vali Herrera
Hey Reuel, I am excited to be part of this, thank you so much. I am fine -pretty busy now at the end of the year but working on some very cool projects and I enjoy the cold and dark season at the moment. Hope you are doing well!
Reuel
Sounds amazing! Congratulations on your new single “Cold Shadow”. How are you feeling about the reaction your single received so far?
Vali Herrera
Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I am very blessed and thankful for the wonderful feedback on my new single! “Cold Shadow” is marking the beginning of a mystical story and the gloomy season was the perfect time for the release. With the song I am telling a dramatic story about lucid dreams, the power of the unconscious and the conflict between imagination and reality. Touching people with my music means a lot to me and I am very excited about the lovely feedback.
Reuel
How would you describe your musical style to someone who never had the chance to hear your music before?
Vali Herrera
I would describe my music as a blend of Indie-Folk and Melancholia with Nordic influence. It definitely does have some dark vibes too and I try to mix those elements in my own music. With the Celtic elements in “Cold Shadow” I wanted to create a mystic and nordic atmosphere.
Reuel
When you think about making future albums, do you plan to create a concept album with a story or just a collection of songs? Since your music already has a storytelling feel, how do you see this happening?
Vali Herrera
The future album is going to be a concept album- or EP. “Cold Shadow” is the first piece of a mysterious story and it is connected to the following songs. They all take place in the same “universe” and the storytelling will continue- so stay tuned! You will definitely feel the mystic and dark atmosphere.
Reuel
Exciting! What musicians did you grow up listening to, and which artists would you say have influenced your approach to music?
Vali Herrera
Oh, there are quite a few musicians and artists who inspired and influenced me. I grew up listening to bands like Nightwish (Tarja Turunen had an impact for sure), Evanescence, Paramore and musicians like Tracy Chapman and Jeff Buckley. I guess they all have influenced my approach to my own music. And of course the sounds of Eivør and her nordic influence.
Reuel
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Vali Herrera
That is not an easy question, there are many great artists! I guess Amy Lee or Eivør. As I mentioned before both of them had a big impact in my life and music journey and collaborating with Amy or Eivør would be absolutely wonderful. They are both amazing musicians and very inspiring.
Reuel
How do you feel about the representation of women in heavy music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?
Vali Herrera
I am very happy to see that more women are represented across the industry! There are so many wonderful and talented female artists! Always excited to discover other female musicians especially in heavy or dark music. And people like you guys from FEMMETAL are so important! I really appreciate your work supporting female artists!
Reuel
Thanks a lot for your kind words and thank you for your time, Vali, and for this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to conclude this interview with?
Vali Herrera
Thank you Reuel! Keep up the nice work FEMMETAL Team! I am excited to discover new artists and music! Feel free to check out my new single “Cold Shadow” and stay tuned for more music in 2025! Oh, and I am up for some cool collaborations with other artists.
