We’re looking forward to introducing you to Melanie Valentine. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Melanie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Out of all three of these things, I would say, intelligence, energy, and integrity are all essential. In the professional world, whether it be in music, such as it is in my case, or otherwise, all three of these qualities are essential. Intelligence without integrity is a recipe for a Machiavelli complex. Integrity without intelligence is how you get taken advantage of in music, and in business in general. Acting with intelligence and integrity, but without energy, will not take you very far.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello reader, I’m Melanie Valentine. Professionally, I am a musician, ghost writer, painter, graphic designer, and diviner. As a musician, I am a vocalist, lyricist, percussionist, and ghost writer.
I am the founder and co-owner of Hoodbat Records, the founder and co-owner of Texas Bat Records, and the owner of Dazzling Divination.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I would say that, it was less of a moment, and more of a time period, that shaped how I see the world. Around 2014, when I started getting involved in the booking and stage production side of the music industry, I began to fully understand how much power dynamics, morality, (or lack thereof,) and the acquisition of resources make the world turn, so to speak. This further reinforced to me that good people are few and far between. I also learned that the world of business, and, thus, the music industry, can be very dark and unforgiving.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
What suffering taught me that success never could, is exactly how much I’m capable of enduring.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is who I really am. There was a brief time period where my public persona was a bit more tame. I used to be a bit hesitant at the idea of p*ssing people off, but, once I let go of that, I stopped hiding any bit of who I am. Unlike quite a few artists, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
What I think people might misunderstand about my legacy is the way that they might interpret my art. Some might view my willingness to heal through music and so easily put my pain on display as whining, or as a “woe is me,” type of thing. However, I find healing and solace in my music and art. I also make music for those who can relate to those same dark and often unpleasant feelings. If anyone misunderstands that, my music is not for them, and that’s okay.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/track/3PrnsdT7gaxZemGRMd6iSN?si=e7v2OC-CQr6uEa4C4TxJfg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wr1stsl1tvalent1ne?igsh=aWdhdXg3b2tncDN3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C8A7B74eY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCmZOunaL5hPH08lSfP0Bq4w?si=lV88SCXKBIxDUd8c
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/oMO93asjwKBQBu4bqQ
Image Credits
Luke Hancock (image with tarot card,) (middle four photos by myself, Melanie Valentine,)
Jacob Morrisey “grimstxne” (last image that is pink and black)
