Interview with Valentina Cherico

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

• I grew up with music my whole life. My father played professionally for years and I have two older sisters who sang professionally as well. Even my cousins either sing or play an instrument so I was bound to be a singer as well! Now I am currently in the band “Casanova & The Divas” with my dad Mickey Cherico, my sister Alexandra Cherico-Shirley and many more wonderful musicians!

• If I hadn’t gotten into music I would be an Esthetician which focuses on skin, waxing, and makeup. I just graduated beauty school and about to get my license. Music is my passion but education is important and you should always have something under your belt just in case.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

• I love spending time with my friends and family. I am my happiest when I am with them! My friends and family are so supportive of me and encourage me every day. They influence me to keep doing it and to keep making more music.

How long have you been making music?

• I started making music and recording when I was 14 years old. Before that I still sang and did lots of musicals and plays. But I wanted to take a step further in music and start writing my own songs.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

• I was born and raised just right outside of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has so much talent here whether that’s music, acting, etc. There have been so many celebrities that were born and raised in Pittsburgh. It’s filled with talent and I think just being around it and seeing all of these talented people truly inspired me. If so many people made it from here so can I.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

• I recently just performed at Beaver County’s Light Up Night and the crowd was wonderful. They just brought such positive energy and the whole show was just perfect.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

• Around the summertime I do a lot of shows at large festivals in and around Pittsburgh area and it’s always a blast. My dream is to one day perform at the PPG Paints Arena. I have seen so many wonderful performers there and if I could perform there one day that would be my dream!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

• Definitely Lady Gaga or Pink. They both are such icons and it’s my dream to open up or even perform with them one day.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

• The best advice I could give to someone starting out and to my younger self is that this business is not easy. You have to truly want it and work at it every day. Especially starting out a lot of people will reject you or not take you seriously. But no matter what never EVER give up. Trust me when I say you will get somewhere if you work hard every day. Just keep pushing and never stop no matter what anybody says.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

• One of the songs of mine that means the most to me is “Believe In Yourself.” It means a lot to me because I wrote it at a time where I was stuck in my career and I wasn’t taken seriously as an independent artist. I was just so tired of not getting anywhere and being put down that I just went up to my room and started writing. So it talks about that advice I just gave is to never give up on your dreams and to always Believe In Yourself.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

• In the band “Casanova & The Divas” my sister and I sing the latest Lizzo song “It’s About Damn Time.” THAT IS MY FAVORITE SONG! And it goes over so well too! But I get the most requests to do my latest song “Believe In Yourself” or everyone wants me to sing a Whitney Houston song.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

• I usually will hear a hook in my head and write some lyrics to it. I then bring it to my dad who helps me write my songs and he adds the magic to it. Once we know what we want we take it to the studio to record. But I get my inspirations from listening to other artists and their music.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

• I always try to give out a positive message in all my songs. I try to portray a message in my songs that everyone can relate to but in their own personal way. This world is filled with hate and negativity and I think we all need a little bit of positive energy and love. I believe that music is our therapy so why not make it positive?

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• Hopefully to continue making music and get somewhere further in my career. I am releasing a ballad that will be released the beginning of 2023. I will also be filming the music video for the ballad so stay tuned for that! And I am currently in the process of writing new songs to be released very very soon.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

• You can follow me on Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, and Facebook under @valentinacherico. Also be sure to check me out on Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, etc. to listen to my music!