Featured Junior/Teen Artist ~ August 2006

Valerie Webb

Listen to Valerie's Song Clip ~ Black Butterfly

Bio

Born in upstate N.Y. in August of 92, Valerie got her musical start on alto saxophone. She quickly added tenor sax and piano to her musical interests. At age 11, it was guitar that won her heart and she immediately started writing her own songs. After a few months of lessons, she was ready for an open mic. With a warm crowd reception, she was hooked on performing. Motivated and encouraged by teachers and other local musicians, Valerie took on an ambitious live solo performance schedule and began work on an independent CD. The result, "Chords & Chaos" was released in June 2005. The radio friendly tunes were produced by Chris Fisher (former bandleader of Conehead Buddha) for Easter Island Productions, and featured Valerie's teacher Brian Kaplan (The Brian Kaplan Band) on lead guitar, family friend Steven Clyde (Rumdummies) on bass, and Valerie's Dad, Kevin Webb on drums.

Valerie's songs now had full band arrangements but Valerie was lacking a full time band. With the help of area music teachers, students were hand picked to fill the positions. The lead guitarist was first to be found. Peter Kansas, now almost seventeen, took Valerie's songs to a whole new level and has become her most trusted creative partner. The word prodigy is often used where Peter is concerned. Next on board was bass player Kristin Hoeg, now age fifteen. Kristin was classically trained on French Horn and quickly learned each and every note. The equation became complete with the addition of self taught drummer Ben Zeigler, also now fifteen. Ben can only be described as insane, intense, and incredibly talented. The four teens are now known as "Valerie Webb & Venomentality" and can be heard playing all over the upstate NY area. In June of 2006 Venomentality released their first two song demo, "2 for 2."

To read more about Valerie visit her website at: http://www.valeriewebb.com

Interview

How old were you when you started writing songs and how many years have you been writing and performing?

I've been writing songs and poems all my life. My first instrument was saxophone when I was 10 but at age 11 I fell in love with guitar and found an outlet for my songs. I started performing right away. Now I don’t go anywhere without my guitar!

Who were your major influences with your music?

I am all over the place with music that I listen to and love. I've been heavily influenced by other local musicians like The Brian Kaplan Band, and Conehead Buddha. I love young female artists like Avril Lavigne and Flyleaf that write their own songs and play instruments. I like the “Indie” sound of artists like Death Cab for Cutie. I also REALLY love classic rock like Rush, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. I also appreciate the females that paved the way for my generation like Janis Joplin and Chrissie Hynde.

How would you describe your music?

When I first started writing I was more pop less rock, but as my songwriting is developing I am definitely heading in a more rock, or alternative rock direction.

I know you have a demo, are there any future CD projects in the works?

The demo I have is my most recent recording (June 2006) and it’s the only recording with my band, “Venomentality.” In June of 2005 I released a seven song cd as a solo project entitled “Chords & Chaos” which is available on CD Baby. In January of 2005 I had the privilege of contributing two acoustic originals on a compilation cd "Decaffeinated - Unplugged Performances Inspired by America's love affair with Music and Coffee" produced by Yodeling Loon Records, with some very good friends of mine called the Caffeine Crew. I'm very excited to announce that next week I’ll be going back into the studio with my lead guitarist, Peter Kansas, to record an acoustic version of a new song called “Hero” that will be featured on a compilation to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Have you received any special honors or awards with your music?

Yes, in October of 2005 I was selected by ASCAP to be a featured artist at the 2005 Pop Songwriter’s Workshop in Manhattan, NY.

My band and I were the second place winners in the “Palace Challenge” also in October 2005 and we performed at the Palace Theaters’ Rock 2 Rebuild™ in Albany NY to benefit the Katrina Hurricane victims.

What is your favorite venue to perform live and why?

I’ve performed at outdoor festivals, cafés, big theaters, and everything in between but my favorite by far is at schools in front of my peers. Teens are the most energetic audience and we can feed off their energy.

Are you affiliated with any other music organization besides Indiegrrl?

Yes. I’ve been an ASCAP member for about a year now. I am also a featured NY Capital District area artist at www.rkstar.com. My band and I are part of the Rock 2 Rebuild™ Family. (www.rock2rebuild.org) My songs can be heard on www.crumbs.net, www.evolvingartist.com, and www.localmusicnow.net, as well as many Albany area radio stations that support local music.

When you are writing songs what do you pull your inspiration from?

Everyday life, situations, relationships, and my faith. I just write what I know.

What does it mean to be "Indie" to you?

Indie to me means you are independent from what the major labels are turning out. It’s like you have more freedom to be more true to your music.

What advice can you give to someone your age who is just starting to get involved in the Indie music market?

First off, go to open mics. Get used to being in front of crowds. Surround yourself with REALLY talented musicians and teachers who are already out there in the music scene. Listen and watch live shows to learn how to connect with an audience. And lastly, be true to your music. You can listen to others advice but don’t be turned into something you’re not.

Did you play a part in the production of your recording project?

Yes, I worked very closely with my producer and always listened back to the tracks and had input on what I liked or didn’t like.

What all instruments do you play?

Guitar, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and I mess around a little on piano, drums and percussion.

What is your current main focus for your music career?

Ok, now don’t laugh, but I SERIOUSLY want so badly to be on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. I love Conan. Besides that, I just want to focus on developing and maturing my vocal and guitar skills.

What is your most important long term goal for your music career?

I want my songs and lyrics to affect people and make a difference. I want to continue writing, recording and performing as long as I can.

What does Indiegrrl mean to you?

It means women supporting other women in music. I’m learning really young that this business is still run by men so we need to stick together.

Is there anyone you would like to thank that has helped you along in your career or in the music industry as a whole?

My teacher, Brian Kaplan, has believed in me and inspired me since I picked up a guitar and started writing. He is an INCREDIBLE musician. (www.briankaplanband.com) Also, Chris Fisher from Easter Island Productions, who taught me so much about recording. My bass player Kristin Hoeg for balancing out the boy/girl ratio in the band! My drummer Ben Zeigler for making me laugh constantly. And thank you to Peter Kansas, my lead guitar player, for being my best friend and creative teammate. Lastly, thank you to my parents for supporting me and providing me with what I need to be successful.