Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Barretto
Hi Valerie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town on the South Shore of Massachusetts where not a lot happens. Yet, singing, performing, and playing guitar have been a part of who I am from a young age. Singing has always been my true passion. I was involved in music programs all throughout middle and high school and in college I graduated with a degree in Classical Vocal Performance. Needless to say, music has always been a large part of who I am.
I enjoy all genres of music and believe that live music, performing, and songwriting are one of the truer forms of therapy. However, being a writer and storyteller at heart, I knew my niche was country music. I love the raw, gritty, storyteller style and I found that I always try to bring that same style into my writing and in turn, my original music. Some of my big inspirations are Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Childers, and Taylor Swift. I released my debut original album titled “Hurt & Healing” on Sept. 30th 2022 which earned me two different nominations including Rising Star, Massachusetts for the 2023 New England Music Awards and Country Act of the Year from the 2023 Boston Music Awards. Having just recently released my second album, “Lucky Ones EP” on August 2nd 2024, more nominations followed including New England Music Awards Country Act and Performer of the Year as well as Song of the Year for my single “Rattlesnake Road”. Download it today!
One of my favorite music moments was getting the opportunity to sing the American and Canadian National Anthems at Gillette Stadium in front of 30,000 people! Currently, I’m working on setting up tour dates across the country!
Outside of the music world you can usually find me horseback riding, traveling, going on bike rides, or being with friends! I’m a big fan of summer and sundresses, neat hats, and a good old fashioned! I also believe life is too short not to laugh, be weird, and have fun!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As is life, there are obviously challenges to overcome. My first record, “Hurt & Healing” is all about breakups, loss, and learning to love the new person you’ve become during all the turmoil. In 2019, I went through an extremely difficult breakup and went through a long stretch of depression. However, I was able to “learn to put the heartache into the songs that I sing.” Which is actually a line from my original song “One Man Rodeo”. The song, “How Do I”, which is also on my first record, is about losing my Dad in July 2020. It came suddenly and again made me dive into my music and focus on it more than ever. Writing about how you feel can be so unbelievably cathartic and I thank God everyday for giving me this outlet that I am able to share with the rest of the world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I became a full time musician in 2020. I went to school for classical voice and have always been involved in music but realized it was the one and only thing I wanted to do during the pandemic. Having a classical background really helped in my vocal ability and I feel sets me apart from the majority. Not only that, but my storytelling style of writing created a perfect outlet for the style of music I produce.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
One thing, I wish I stuck with it earlier. The world will tell you that you need a “real job”…don’t listen. If you want something bad enough you can make it work! That’s just it though, it’s work. Don’t shy away from it. Keep remembering you’re doing what you love. Don’t give up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valeriebarrettomusic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/valeriebarrettomusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/valeriebarrettomusic
- Other: https://linktree.com/valeriebarretto
