Grace Valerie

Right now, of course, it's all about this brand new Holiday EP, This Christmas -- What actually prompted your decision to record and release a seasonal album?

Christmas is my favorite time of the year! I love to spend extra time with my friends and family, watch Christmas themed movies and listen to Christmas music. That's why this year I wanted to create something special for my fans and loved ones.

With that being said, what are some of your favorites things about this particular time of the year?

I love how people decor their houses and backyards, go ice skating, and hot cocoa is a must! :)

Being an international artist, of course hailing from Moscow, Russia, what is it really like during the holiday season in your native homeland? Is it completely different, tradition-wise, than it is here in the U.S.?

I think all nations unite when it comes to Christmas and the New Year. Kids are excited to meet Santa and get presents. Adults enjoy holiday shopping and hot beverages. The only difference in my country is that we don't celebrate Christmas on December 25th. Our Christmas is January 7th.

Your first real taste of success came courtesy of your 2011 debut single "When the Lights Go Down," produced by Randy Jackson, of A.I. fame, who ironically enough was the one who also discovered you the year prior -- In having said that, what particular string of events led up to this union?

I moved to L.A. in 2010 and was lucky enough to meet Randy Jackson through mutual friends. Randy played a major role in my career.

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

I always knew I was born to sing and help people through my talent. As a kid, I imagined myself singing and dancing on a big stage in front of a huge crowd of people.

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

Beyoncé is my biggest inspiration! I still have her poster hanging in my room in Moscow *Giggles* She is an incredible singer and dancer. A perfect role model for the youth!

How then would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

My genre is electronic pop dance music. I love writing emotional lyrics for crazy electronic club beats, so people can relate to my songs and have fun dancing at the club at the same time.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don't already have in other performers?

I am mixing two cultures in my music; European and American. When I create my music, I always think about my listeners; will it touch their souls or make them happy? In my opinion, you can also hear electronic European vibe in my tracks. In addition, my team and my dancers are international and multi-racial. I love to be different and invent something new for my fans all the time.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

It's hard to work in the music industry...Being a female in the industry is even harder. I've had some unfortunate events in my life, but I am very grateful because it only made me stronger, wiser and more determined to keep pushing forward.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to relate to my lyrics, fall in love, have fun with friends, get inspired and dream big!

When can we, the masses, expect some new music from you?

I'm planning a major release of my next single in the end of February. It's gonna be a sexy EDM track; perfect for the summer!

Longevity, what do you feel has been the ultimate key to your success so far?

Staying true to myself and practicing. Working on my dance moves, writing (and) perfecting my vocals, are my day to day activities.

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I'm seriously thinking about acting. And, I also love to cook :)

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Pop-ular music? And, being that you are, as I mentioned earlier, an international artist, has the entire transition over here to the United States been somewhat of a difficult one for you?

Adjusting to a new place is always difficult. However, I am very blessed to be in L.A., enjoy its beautiful weather and travel the world! I am happy with (the) Pop music scene. Every year we discover super talented singers, not only from USA but worldwide! Sam Smith is one of my favorites this year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him for the GRAMMYs.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?

I've been blessed with a lot of exciting moments in my career, but hearing my song on the radio in (the) U.S. was EVERYTHING!!

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would name a few; of course Beyoncé...Drake and Justin Timberlake --Brilliant entertainers!

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

The O2 Arena in England. I want to make history and become the first Russian born entertainer to play that venue.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

My upcoming single, "Magic." It's a romantic, positive, very sensual love/dance song. I can't wait for you to hear and see what I am talking about ;)

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Grammy Awards winner, international recording artist, mom and wife --That's my goal!

As for the immediate future, what's next for you?

Working on my debut album and a few other secret projects. Also, setting up a U.S. club tour in 2015.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Follow me on InstaGram: @msgracevalerie

Twitter: @msgracevalerie

Facebook: GraceValerie

Any "closing" thought(s) for our readers?

Stay tuned for my new music and never give up on your dreams! Educate yourself and spread love!

By: Todd Davis - Todd Davis

International pop sensation Grace Valerie will be ending her year of 2014 with the release of her debut Christmas EP “THIS CHRISTMAS” on Tuesday, December 9th via iTunes. Inspired by her own love life and excitement of the romantic air, Grace is releasing this EP for her fans to enjoy the holiday season and joys of being able to spend time with loved ones. The EP contains three previously unreleased tracks, “Underneath the Mistletoe”, “This Christmas”, and a cover of the Christmas classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” now accompanied by Emmy Award Winning violinist Damien Escobar.

Grace’s music has been heard world wide and featured on various stations including SIRIUS/XM’s 20 on 20. Her first single released in the States was received with positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The single, “When the Lights Go Down” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB03ltpenv0) quickly reach #17 on Billboard’s club play chart with its music video quickly hitting a total of 1.5 million views. Her response and follow-up single “Don’t Wanna be Waiting” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuYfEOZB5wY) was produced and co-written by Grammy winner and former American Idol host Randy Jackson. In just two days, “Don’t Wanna be Waiting” raced to the No. 1 position on KingOfSpin.com. Grace released her third single, “Not for Love” recently which she wrote while writing in Nashville, TN.

Grace states, “As a Top-40 dance artist, I’m very excited and proud of the bold statements in my latest release – both the message of the video to my fans and the world, and bridging the two Music Cities of Los Angeles and Nashville together. It’s a very exciting time in my career!”

Fans of Grace can follow her every move as she continues to tour internationally and release new music via her social media sites. Check out her website at http://www.gracevalerie.com/ or keep in touch via the social networks at https://www.facebook.com/gracemusic (.5 million followers) and https://twitter.com/MsGraceValerie (103K followers) http://instagram.com/msgracevalerie (9.7k followers) - Dan Harr