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Writer's picturevalarijex

Welcome To LA - Part 1


Boy, it was surreal landing in LA! After a 2-day delay, we finally got on the plane and headed to the city of angels. One of the earliest films, or perhaps the first ever I have watched, was 'Golden Eye - James Bond'. Since then, I've loved James Bond films, particularly Piece Bronsan's character portrayal. He is smooth & charismatic yet action-leading and is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Although surfing the tsunami seems like the stupidest thing ever now, let's be honest; it's not as bad as flying into space. You know what I'm talking about. Don't get furious.


But back then, I was just a kid, and it was all larger-than-life. So perhaps it's from then that my love for Hollywood came. Whatever the reason, it felt fantastic to go not only as a tourist but also as a professional, to network with people there, to travel for my music and go halfway around the world. I experienced a bit of that when I was practising martial arts. But nothing at this level. It felt good to have the confidence to take something I've worked on for the past few years and share my music with a new demographic.


The following day after I landed was a blast. So many people coming in and out of the studio caught me off guard. Granted, I was told it was 'just one of those days. It's not usually this crazy.' I met studio engineers, mastering engineers, musicians, and songwriters—all sorts of people from different musical backgrounds.


I'm a very individualistic artist and like to do things my way. Not because I feel it's the right way or somehow better, but because music creation is personal to me. It's a space I can let go, and no one has an opinion about me. I can create anything I want without restrictions through my imagination and willingness. So, to be together with so many different creatives, it was fun to sit back and watch. See how other songwriters create music and how they collaborate.


I found that in those environments, we all have a shared love: music. There is a connection immediately because they get what you're going through. However, being so independent and having worked so long with only a small team around me, I found it difficult to relate to how they would bounce ideas off each other. I'd much rather sit in a room and work on my own. That's just how I work when it comes to my music.


Don't get me wrong. I'm outgoing and social. I'm definitely what you'd call an 'extrovert'. I love meeting people and fellow musicians, but I become very introverted when writing and creating music, especially when it's my work. Over the years, I've learnt not to fight it but embrace it. Furthermore, considering that aspect, coupled with the past few years, I'm proud I put my best foot forward and embraced the new experiences.


I felt at that moment I'd made the right decision. I'm where I belong.



Much Love,


Val




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