We recently had the chance to connect with Ivan Valles and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ivan, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am happy to have found my path a long time ago. I continue to serve others through music although the actual projects have change significantly from working for other companies, to doing a lot of independent work and on to creating my own projects. It’s been a blessing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ivan and I found my calling serving others through music. My journey has taken me through many challenges but also through many wonderful accomplishments, such as working with Mexico’s Premier Composer Armando Manzanero, independent filmmaker Michael Moore, billboard best-selling artist Jorge Correa, among others. I’m happy to have recently celebrated over 130 Million streams through my brand of music for relaxation: Musical Spa,
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I learned a great deal watching my dad. His work ethic was impecable and he managed large projects in his field of work (construction) with responsibility, perseverance and goal setting. I believe this must have permeated into my work life as these are traits I seek in everything I do. I did have to adapt into a more balanced life as I became a parent and will always be thankful as music remains an important part of my life, but it is no longer all there is in life for me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
We are meant to go through struggles in all categories of life. When we choose to face these challenges we grow from them and each time we do we come out of it wiser and stronger. Success is not about avoiding pain, it’s about facing it and learning through the experience. In a very dynamic field of work as music, I’ve already seen the transition from CDs to downloads, to streaming, where the music world became more an more independent and less controlled by a few powerful players. This has led to many opportunities to succeed.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I always do my best to let the truest version of myself come out. A great short book I recommend on this topic is “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. The very first agreement is to be impecable with your words or speak your truth. When you learn to be the real you despite any circumstances, you don’ t have to keep up with false stories with others,
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
To some degree I did what I was told for many years and even finished what my parents considered a “serious” college degree in computer science. I don’t regret going there as I met great friends and learned so many valuable things about managing businesses successfuly, but, after graduating, I decided to follow my higher self and become a musician full time. Serving others through music is truly the path I was meant to walk on. I’ve worn many music hats such as producer, engineer, drummer, etc, but very happy as it’s been decades now following my heart and it has taken me to some blessed places!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://musicalspa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalspa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-valles/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ivmmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicalspa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/musicalspa
- Other: https://ivmmusic.com/
