R&B singer Vicky Valentine talks about upcoming debut album ”Let’s Ride”

Introducing new and hot R&B singer Vicky Valentine breaking into the music scene with a new single “I’m A Rida” off her upcoming debut album “Let’s Ride.” If you haven’t heard her yet, then you should be on the look out for this southern sensation.

Introducing new and hot R&B singer Vicky Valentine breaking into the music scene with a new single “I’m A Rida” off her upcoming debut album “Let’s Ride.” If you haven’t heard her yet, then you should be on the look out for this southern sensation. As a matter of fact if you happen to be in the Memphis, Tennessee area Sat.May 12, you can check out the southern girl Vicky Valentine at the Hattiloo Theatre 8pm located at 656 Marshall Ave performing her new single live. Meanwhile, check out her interview with MemphisRap.com as she talks about her upcoming debut album, dealing with men in the Industry, offers her advice to other upcoming artists and more..

MemphisRap.com: Who is Vicky Valentine?

Vicky Valentine: This is a difficult question to answer. I grew up in a small town in Arkansas. I am a person that loves to sing and evoke different types of emotions through song. I feel like my history is told in the songs that I write. Each song is just a little part of who I am in the moment.

MemphisRap.com: What got you started in the music Industry?

Vicky Valentine: I have always loved to sing but never thought the I had what it takes to make it nor did I know how to take the first step. I always wrote poetry but had never written a song. My cousin “Bukwild” from the BHZ was working on his album and asked me to come and sing a few hooks. I caught the attention of Corry Silc who later became my producer and he is the one that helped me mold myself into the singer/songwriter I am today.

MemphisRap.com: So what’s the title of your album project?

Vicky Valentine: I entitled my first album “Let’s Ride” which is a song that I wrote and it will be on this album.

MemphisRap.com: Talk about “Let’s Ride” — the title track of the album. Why did you choose it to represent the album?

Vicky Valentine: I wrote it so fast. It kind of just poured out of me. It represents my letting go of a lot of things that went wrong in my past. Plus it is so laid back and smooth it puts me in a good state of mind.

MemphisRap.com: What can people expect from this album?

Vicky Valentine: There won’t be a lot of ballads on this album. My songs are more fast to mid tempo. They all come from the heart and I think that there is something for everyone.

MemphisRap.com: Do you have a favorite song on it?

Vicky Valentine: I don’t have a song that I don’t like at this point. My favorite….probably is “Let’s Ride”

MemphisRap.com: Who all did you work with on the production and songwriting for the album?

Vicky Valentine: Corry Silc is my producer and he made all of the beats on this album with the exception of “Played Yourself” which was made by Bigg Baby with Anthrax Trax. I write my own songs but I did collaborate with Shy Mac on 1 or 2. He is a singer/songwriter that the label will be releasing later this year.

MemphisRap.com: Are there any other artists you’re looking to work with in the future?

Vicky Valentine: I am open to working with people that are serious about this business and who complement my style. I have issues with people that call me for collaborations but are not doing anything to try and get themselves known.

MemphisRap.com: Who were your most important musical influences along the way?

Vicky Valentine: Back in the day Whitney, Back in the day Mariah, Envogue, Beyonce, India.Arie, Jill Scott. Those are my favorites.

MemphisRap.com: At this present time, who do you feel is the best female artist(s) out there right now?

Vicky Valentine: That is a very hard question. I Love Jill Scott and India.Arie but Beyonce is everywhere and is doing everything. I admire all of them.

MemphisRap.com: Now tell us, how do you handle men in the business?

Vicky Valentine: I just remain true to who I am. I am not going to change the way I am no matter who I’m talking to. A lot of men see women as stupid or as a toy they can play with. I have had some men try to get me to come to their hotel and “hang out” and thought I would actually do this because they where with a celebrity. I couldn’t care less about that. If you are not talking business then we have nothing to discuss… and business can be discussed over the phone.

MemphisRap.com: So are you involved with anyone right now?

Vicky Valentine: I am and I’m happy.

MemphisRap.com: How do you keep a balance between work and your personal life since you’re so busy?

Vicky Valentine: My business is my personal life most of the time. What I do is fun. I also make time for family and friends because to me that is the most important thing. What is the point in getting rich and famous if you are alone.

MemphisRap.com: What are some of your pet peeves?

Vicky Valentine: People that lie is #1. #2 is people that don’t clean up after themselves because I am a neat freak.

MemphisRap.com: What’s your advice for young up and coming artists out there today to avoid getting sucked into the negative side of the music business?

Vicky Valentine: You have to stay grounded and not forget where you came from and how you got to where you are. What I plan to do in surround myself with people I trust and that have my best interest at heart.

MemphisRap.com: What other projects are in store for you in the near future?

Vicky Valentine: I have recently gotten involved with acting and this is a whole new world for me. I plan to continue with the music but I am just enjoying life right now and am focused on living for today.

MemphisRap.com: So what can people expect from Vicky Valentine in 2007?

Vicky Valentine: The Debut Album “Let’s Ride” will be possibly be released by label this Summer so be looking for that. You can also go to www.myspace.com/vickyvalentine for updates. If people want to be added to my fan club e-mail list they can go send a message to noesissound @ yahoo.com.

MemphisRap.com: We want to thank you for your time, and we look forward to doing this again in the near future. Is there anything you’d like to add?

Vicky Valentine: I just want to thank everyone that has shown me support past present and future. Much Love.