Valere
“have fun, make art with friends and be yourself”
- Valere
Shana Llorando, also known as Valere, revisits her smooth, emotionally raw tune "like that" with a more stripped-down acoustic take on Beat This’ new exciting project Sessions Worldwide on Youtube. The channel’s new project features a talented array of Filipino artists from all over the world, including Valere herself who is currently based in New Zealand.
The song, which discusses the battle of falling for someone and hoping they do too, was recorded and produced over one day during 2018's Songhubs Sphere hosted by APRA AMCOS and Chelsea Jade. It initially started with Valere’s idea for a chorus, claiming that she was “inspired by a pink sunset and the painting Married by Dendy Sadler''. It now features as the sixth track on her 2020 album colours, a blend of understated but powerful songs that work in harmony with each other, all showcasing a similar vibe that feels reminiscent of reading or writing in a quiet, calm garden. This could be in part, due to the studio in which Valere worked on "like that", stating that “Songhubs session made this come alive! We were set in a beautiful studio space in Roundhead Studios, with Japanese floral dividers, a haiku coffee book we used for lyrics and feminine magic!” (referencing the women she worked on the song with, including lau.ra, October, and Brooke Singer). I believe the calming aesthetic they were surrounded by whilst writing this song has helped to translate that feeling to audiences.
Being in the music scene since 2009 and studying music at the University of Auckland helped kickstart her solo career. During her time there, she met people of the same music community that helped to inspire her throughout her musical journey. Her influences are drawn from artists like Sampha, Jessie Ware, Natalie Lauren, Madison Ryann Ward, Yebba, and Lauryn Hill—her favourite artist amongst the others.
The recent release of Valere’s stripped-down version of her loved track "like that" (with the addition of Valere playing along with electric guitar) offers the same relatability and catchiness of the original release but an even more raw and warm approach, making it a very enjoyable and personal watch.
Inspired by the likes of 90's R&B artist Aaliyah as well as Mya and Ashanti, Valere’s revisit to her tune originally released last year reminds us of her ability to connect with audiences with her honest lyrics about heartbreak, love, and the conflicting emotions that come with it.
“Do you ever think about me like that?” Lyrics from "like that"
Above all, Valere insists that it’s important to “have fun, make art with friends and be yourself” when it comes to giving advice to her fellow artists and musicians. With her current first album colours showcasing her impeccable songwriting talent and ability to connect to audiences, her live rendition in addition reminds audiences of this.
About The Author
For Stephanie, her passion for writing has always been there, whether it was writing poetry, songs, essays or articles. Over the years, her involvement as a Singer-Songwriter in the Philippine music community combined with her passion for a wide variety of music makes her a great ear for hearing which arising artists stand out. She is currently making music with the pop electronic band SYLAS.
