Rising Music Star Valentina: “Together, women are stronger; we stick together and can get through…

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Rising Music Star Valentina: “Together, women are stronger; we stick together and can get through anything”

“A Strong Woman Gets Back Up No Matter How Many Times She Gets Knocked Down” As a woman, this quote has always hit home for me. It inspires me to be strong and know my self worth, while people (especially in this music business) try to break you down and tell you what you can’t do. Through all of the haters and the fakers, always believe in yourself. Together, women are stronger; we stick together and can get through anything.

As a part of our series about rising music stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Valentina.

Pittsburgh, PA native Valentina Natalena Cherico (Valentina) grew up in a musical family; her father and older sister assembled a group called “Casanova” and Valentina spent her youth watching and listening to her family members perform.

With a natural flair for acting, Valentina pursued a career in musical theater early on. She attended Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School to hone her talents in acting, vocal performance and dance. She appeared in musicals at The Strand Theater, The Comtra Theater and as a member of the Pittsburgh CLO; and quickly became successful in various roles working beside Broadway actors.

Inspired by the “power of music” and song, Valentina’s interest in music expanded beyond musical theater. Driven by her passion, she redirected her concentration to write and perform. She studied piano and joined the family band, renamed as “Casanova and The Divas;” the band plays at festivals, nightclubs and country clubs, and local corporate and community events.

As part of her solo endeavor, Valentina is also a model and actress. Her musical journey has led her to work with renowned music producers in Pittsburgh, Nashville and New York. She recorded her first original tune, “There’s No Stopping Me,” alongside Grammy nominated and multi-award winning music producer, Roy Hamilton, III. The empowering tune made its debut in August 2021.

Inspired by her musical idols (Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and Selena Quintanilla), Valentina infuses shades of Pop, R&B, Gospel and soul into her vocal performances and musical productions. With the objective to create music that “moves, heals and lifts” people, the young entertainer’s ability to connect with her audience through her music is a God given gift.

Can you tell us the story of how and where you grew up? How did your upbringing shape your personality, character, and outlook on life?

I am a native of Pittsburgh, PA. I grew up in a musical family. My father formed a group called “Casanova” which included both of my older sisters. Throughout my entire childhood, whether I was listening from home or from a big stage at a festival/fair, I would always love to listen to my family sing and play. It brought me so much joy and inspired me as an artist today.

Share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

My family, their musicianship and artistry, has been a huge inspiration to me. As a little girl, I used to watch videos of all of my favorite singers and performers. I remember watching Michael Jackson performances on YouTube; I just knew I wanted to do the same exact thing.

Tell us the most interesting/exciting story, or event, that has transpired or you have experienced since you began your career?

I auditioned for American Idol when I was 16 years old. I didn’t end up making it to the live audition. However, out of the 5,000 people, I was 1 out of 10 who was selected to go to the second round! It was so exciting just to be selected.

Share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve made during the early part of your career? Tell our readers about the lesson you learned from that experience.

I had just released my first single, “There’s No Stopping Me Now,” and it was the first time I ever sang it live. The intro began and I forgot the words to the first verse! I was so embarrassed; but it happens to singers all the time. Like they say, “fake it until you make it.” I did!

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now and what are the plans for the projects?

I will be releasing my new single, “Lifted Me,” on December 3, 2021. I’m very excited to share it with you all. I am also heading into the studio very soon to record my next single. So, stay tuned!

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Please share three reasons as to why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music? How can that potentially affect our culture and the genre over all?

I like to pull from different styles and genres of music; I feel that incorporating an assortment of different styles enables me to create a unique sound of my own and makes me a better performer.

Offer some tips would you recommend to young entertainers in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

My advice is to continue to learn new music and challenge yourself everyday to reach higher goals. You can also explore different genres and musical styles.

Your career will position you to have enormous influence; if you were to inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

I hope to empower women all across the world to overcome their struggles and adversities with strength and perseverance.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person, or persons, for whom you are grateful that have helped get you to where you are? Can you special share a story that demonstrates that?

I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my parents. They have done so much for me and my career, and I am so very grateful!

My older sister, Alexandra, also helped me and inspired me over the years. As a child, I would always love to sit and listen to her beautiful voice. When I would listen to her sing, I would always think to myself “I want to sound and be just like her when I grow up!” Alexandra’s voice, personality and strength have inspired me to be the woman I am today.

Please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“A Strong Woman Gets Back Up No Matter How Many Times She Gets Knocked Down”

As a woman, this quote has always hit home for me. It inspires me to be strong and know my self worth, while people (especially in this music business) try to break you down and tell you what you can’t do. Through all of the haters and the fakers, always believe in yourself. Together, women are stronger; we stick together and can get through anything.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? How would you shape the conversation and what questions might you ask?

I would enjoy sitting with Selena Quintanilla in a private breakfast or lunch. Selena had such a beautiful soul and was beautiful inside and out. I would ask her: “How do you stay so positive and so kind, no matter the circumstances? Who was your biggest inspiration? What was the process like for you to get where you are now?”

Where can our readers follow you online?

Website: www.valentinacherico.com

Instagram: @valentinacherico

Facebook: @valentinacherico

TikTok: @valentinacherico

Twitter: @ValentinaCheri6

Thank you for these fantastic insights!


Rising Music Star Valentina: “Together, women are stronger; we stick together and can get through… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.