Today, we’d like to introduce you to Vale Peñaranda.
Hi Vale, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with music began when I was ten years old. I started taking piano lessons at the National Conservatory of Bolivia at that age. For several years, my life revolved around spending entire afternoons practicing classical music. After eight years of study, I discovered singing very unexpectedly and casually amidst gatherings with friends who listened to rock and blues at college. I felt that I enjoyed singing much more than anything else, so I decided to dedicate myself to it 100%.
I pursued a degree in Contemporary Singing at the Conservatory. In my final year of studies, an opportunity emerged to audition for entrance to my dream school: Berklee College of Music. Without hesitation, I auditioned, and to my surprise, I was accepted and awarded a scholarship!
In 2015, I moved to Boston, and the following years were filled with so much exploration, discovery, and learning experiences, not only academically but in all the fields of my life. While at Berklee, I pursued a degree in Contemporary Writing and Production, something entirely new, yet it equipped me with essential tools for everything I did after graduating. It was here that I met many artists and influential people in the music industry, such as Natalia Lafourcade, Noel Schajris, Rosa Passos, India Arie, Victor Wooten, Terri Lyne Carrington, The Suga Mamas (Beyoncé’s female band), and others.
After graduating from Berklee, I continued my education. I received a scholarship to pursue a master’s in “Music Composition for Film and Music Production” at the Frost School of Music in Miami. While at Frost, I have studied under the mentorship of prominent professionals such as Carlos Rafael Rivera (Grammy and Emmy award winner), Randall Barlow (Composer and producer for Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Cristian Castro, Shakira, and many more), and Camilo Rodriguez (Award-winning producer and engineer).
I recently graduated from Frost in May of this year. Since then, I had more time to focus on my career as an independent artist, freelance producer, arranger, educator, and performer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It wasn’t an easy journey at all! Moving to the US meant leaving behind my home, family, and comfort, which deeply impacted me. The initial years were challenging, as I faced significant cultural and emotional shocks.
For a while, I struggled with insecurities about my talent and abilities, especially in a place like Berklee, filled with incredibly gifted individuals. Despite these challenges, these experiences helped me build resilience, and I now feel that I can inspire other artists, particularly women artists, in my country.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Bolivian music producer, arranger, songwriter, engineer, musician, and educator. Currently, I teach various music subjects to both kids and adults. As a freelance engineer, I mix sound at various live events. I also produce music for emerging independent artists.
Amidst all these roles, I am focusing on my career as a solo artist. I’m the songwriter, producer, engineer, and singer of my songs.
Being a Latina woman in the music industry sets me apart in a beautiful but challenging way. Being a female music producer and artist is rare in an industry where men dominate. However, I am fortunate to connect with other talented women on a similar path.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love that Miami is such a multicultural city. It’s a melting pot where diverse forms of expression are celebrated, and we have the opportunity to blend and learn from one another. The prevalence of Latin culture makes me feel at home in a country with many more opportunities than my own.
However, I do wish it were a bit more affordable. As an emerging artist, the high cost of living in such a beautiful city can present some challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valepenarandamusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valepenarandamusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valepenarandamusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vale-penaranda-b01558189/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuUIJi8BnSVa4Q-KZSl_wRQ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/13YHhzUBivbPadtQTpsVoP?si=Uj0i3ni-R7G7Qd974P8s_g
Image Credits
Victor Terceros
