62. Interview: Virian

Intro: This is my second of many potential interviews, here I present to you a full fledged written interview my good friend Virian and I. Just for reference I will be the one asking the questions, and she will be answering them. Let’s get started!

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1. Questions: Let's start with Introductions! What is your full name, as well as your online username?

Answer: Hey! My full name is Virian Gonzalez Valdez, but I prefer just Virian. Whether it's my website or social media platforms, you can search me up as @v1rian. Keep in mind, on music platforms it's just Virian. :)

2. Questions: Have you ever done something like this before? What made you agree to do this interview in particular? 

Answer: I have done many interviews and to be honest, they are fun! I agreed to do this because why not! lol

3. Questions: Can you tell us a little about your past? Mostly focusing on the younger childhood years, including where and when you were born? 

Answer: I was born in South Los Angeles. I grew up between South LA, San Pedro and Mexico. My best childhood memories came from living in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.  I think it's because the culture is different there, than it is here in the city of LA.

4. Questions: Okay let’s keep going a little deeper, of course taking into account what you are comfortable sharing. Did you have a typical normal happy childhood or would you say you had a rough upbringing?

Answer: Growing up in Mexico was amazing, but it wasn't until reality struck moving back to LA. I always had something to compare LA to, and my happy childhood memories came from Mexico. LA was tough in many ways, certainly not the easiest childhood.. But I survived.

5. Questions: Were there any adversities that you had to deal with growing up? How did they affect you back then? (Poverty, abuse, disabilities, family issues, etc..)

Answer: My mother raised three children, I'm the middle child. She had it rough as a single mom working twelve hours a day, six days a week. She divorced my father when I was 2 and my sister was only a few months old. Unfortunately it was a domestic violence situation, that would change our lives forever. I'm thankful she received help from 'Rainbow Services', an organization that helps families such as mine. We lived in a shelter for a while, just until she could get back on her feet. We couldn't see my father for years, unless it was at a police station. I've dealt with all forms of abuse, but I will leave out those disturbing details for this interview...

6. Questions: If you had to pick, what would you say was your life's darkest or lowest moment(s)? Such as an event that pushed you to your absolute limit? (Examples: Death of a cherished loved one, sickness, mental breakdown, etc..)

Answer: One of the most impactful and darkest moments of my life, was when I lost a close friend in highschool due to suicide. Our group used to walk home everyday after school.. His name was Michael Rafael Martinez. 

*(Author’s note: I remember that that day when it was announced he passed away.. I never knew him personally, but it was still so sad to lose a fellow student. I’m so sorry for your devastating loss Virian.. Also rest in peace Michael..)

7. Questions: How did you overcome all of the adversity’s or problems that you had growing up? Also how else did they mold who you are today?

Answer: How I overcame the adversities in my life, is like a rollercoaster! First, I just went numb and sank into a deep depression. The death of my friend sparked something in me (unhealed childhood trauma), so I began to drink heavily each day. Which is why I am now sober. I'll be seven years sober in October 2024! This all molded who you hear when you listen to my music or watch me dance. Without the darkness, I wouldn't have the light I have now to share. So, despite all that I persevered!

*(Authors note: Congratulations on being seven years sober Virian! I’m very proud of you for beating your addiction!)

8. Questions: Now let’s delve into more positive stuff! You are now grown up and live on your own, what does your immediate household consist of? 

Answer: I live alone with my plants, senior cat named James, and my husky malamute named Jaxx. They are my emotional support animals. My plants keep me engaged with nature whenever I need it. My cat helps me breathe if I have an anxiety or panic attack (he hops on my heart which feels like a weighted blanket and soothes my breathing; it's pretty cool how he knows when to do that). My dog forces me to go out, not only to get some fresh air but to socialize, which I struggle with some days.

9. Questions: What is a typical normal day for you? What is the routine for Virian? 

Answer: Virian's normal-typical day routine is to sleep in whenever she gets the chance! Since I perform at night, singing, dancing, and plus I work long shifts.. Sleeping is essential for my well being. If I don't get enough sleep, I have a really tough time in the world. You can find me in a robe sipping on tea or coffee in the morning (when I have to wake up early). During that time I will move very slowly, and be as quiet as a mouse! 

10. Questions: How has your love life been? Do you have any romantic interests at the moment? Are you actively looking or is that something that is not an interest to you right now? 

Answer: I don't have the capacity for that right now. Sometimes the idea of a relationship overwhelms me, given my career situation and being a performing artist. Though I've had opportunities to pursue this, it hasn't been my priority. There are days, where I wish I could see what that life would be like.

11. Questions: Assuming the readers have no idea what you do. Can you explain what you currently do for a living? Also what is your eventual dream job?(If you have one):

Answer: What I do for a living: I am a licensed cosmetologist in California. I run a small business in West LA. I offer services such as haircuts, coloring and image consulting. I've had management experience and sales, but nothing beats the one on one time with my clients. The clients who had made my dream into a reality, which is to get back to performing again! After years of developing my artistry and working on my latest music album: "SAINT". I'm finally on stage again! I started the first part of a tour, by opening for another band (who I happen to dance for) in August. We have performed in LA and Santa Cruz. Our next run starts again in LA and finishes in Mexico by November.

12. Questions: Now for the fun stuff! What are all your hobbies you like to do? Which one is your absolute favorite? 

Answer: So for fun, I enjoy going to the beach any time I get a chance! However, nothing beats flying out of LA and just staying in Nayarit, Mexico with my Godparents! We have great conversations about life, and enjoy all the nature that surrounds our family's land. I love picking my own mango and standing in the tropical rain!

13. Questions: Music and singing is definitely something you love to do! What made you get into it in the first place? What's the full story?

Answer: It's hard to say what got me into it, sometimes I think it was just meant to be or an accident. Music is in my blood, but it wasn't something I really got into until highschool. I was in musicals, started bands, sang in shows and parades. I'll never forget being in a Metal band by the age of 16, singing at bars. This led to me joining a Blues band by the age of 17, where I learned so much and got paid!

It wasn't until I left the band and got my first real industry cred as a featured artist/writer with Klaypex. One of the guys happened to get a haircut from me one day and asked if I knew any artists that wrote their own lyrics? Naturally, I said "well there's me". He made me sing a song and the next thing you know, I'm at their studio recording "1941". By August 2014 and some years later, it had made it to top the charts in Japan and Spain to name a few. Later it played at every Golds Gym, then was distributed by Sony Canada for the "in theatres now" movie trailer for "Hotel Transylvania 2”. Also raves played the song too, which by the way I still have never been to a rave! lol

*(Authors note: You have never been to a rave? As a die hard raver, I’m now legally obligated to take to your first rave! lol Let’s make your first one happen!)

14. Questions: What keeps you doing the music and shows? Also what were some of your absolute favorite songs and shows you have done?

Answer: What keeps me doing music, is seeing my growth. Over the years it is finally paying off. Some days are harder than others, like anyone can relate to that I think? But knowing that I have been successful before motivates me to keep writing, singing, dancing and performing on stage. Also fans that reach out with thoughtful messages brings me joy. Its because though we may be strangers, music connected us and that's special!

15. Questions: Have you made a lot of friends and connections doing various events that you have done? Are any of them famous or very well known?

Answer: I have many friends and enemies in the industry. I don't really like to name drop, but let's just say I've been in the room with many well known industry folks. They are the kind that have private parties and don't have to post about it. The enemies I've made have always been due to jealousy, insecurity or gatekeeping. There are people who have tried to kill me because they thought I was stealing their man, simply because we were in the same band like what the fuck?

16. Questions: What would you say is the greatest benefit to doing music, shows, modeling, activism, etc..? What is the best part of it?

Answer: The best part of performing is the action itself. Nothing makes me feel more alive! Personally, I don't enjoy crowds or louds venues especially when you're trying to have a normal conversation. But I love the rest of it!

17. Questions: Now for the opposite, what would you say are all the negatives of doing those ventures? Also what was the worst experience(if any) you had doing any of them?

Answer: One of the worst experiences was when I was in the Blues Band. We played a show and normally crowds are chill. But this night, this one particular guy got weird! He took the microphone stand from the stage and began a rumble! The whole crowd was in a fight! We ended up getting kicked out and banned, even though it wasn't even our fault!

18. Questions: In reference to what you do. Would you recommend all the various ventures you do(music, shows, modeling, activism, etc..) to anyone interested in doing them? What advice would you like to give to people new to any of that?

Answer: My advice to anyone? BE YOURSELF! Sure it can be harder in some places because you may feel as though you don't fit in, but you stand out! I find that has been what's gotten me this far!

19. Questions: Lastly, Let’s end this section of the interview with a (positive) curve ball… If you had to pick, what would you say was your life's brightest or happiest moment(s)? Such as an event that brought you absolute joy and fulfillment? (Examples: Graduating from a certain school, birth of a cherished family member, being hired at your dream job, etc..)

Answer: One of my most cherished memories that has brought me absolute fulfillment, was learning later on as an adult that I have always had amazing Godparents that love me unconditionally! I don't have a close relationship with my parents (I've tried), but my Godparents are always there to share wisdom on life and having that is one of the greatest gifts!

20. Questions: Now for some post-interview questions for flavor! What did you think of this interview in general? Did you think we pretty much covered everything or was there something we missed you wanted to share? It can be anything! 

Answer: I enjoyed this interview. I actually prefer this style as it gives me more time to really think about the questions, and dive deep for authentic answers. Rather than just whatever comes to mind.

21. Questions: How can your friends and fans support you? What do you suggest or want them to do, to help further your works and passions in a positive way? 

Answer: This is a great question! 

The best way for anyone to support me is to checkout my website: www.v1rian.com 

There you can find my work, all my social media and music streaming platforms. By visiting my site you can follow me on any of those platforms, to help me grow and/or follow my journey as an artist. If you have spotify, following me will help me so much! My short term goal right now is to hit 1,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel (I'm at 750)! Subscribe here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoyHkQMit3R5uRZKXVLWpw

*(Authors note: I’m happy to announce that I have played my part in helping, by subscribing to all your pages. I encourage you all too as well!)

22. Questions: Time for shout outs! Did you want to shout out any shows, albums, someone special, any links, or anything else? Or Maybe make an announcement or show a preview of any future endeavors? Here’s your chance to do it! 

Answer: My shoutout goes to my music producer: Chay Alexander Wright. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me when I need it. Working with you has influenced me in a positive way, and I'm so grateful for that! My latest and first official album 'SAINT' is streaming on all platforms, you can find it here:

https://hypeddit.com/dpd29n

Also, you can check out the dates for my upcoming shows online and/or on the flyer I added!

23. Questions: What do you think of my Blog website and my blogging venture as a whole, what's your opinion on it all? Also is there anything you would like to see from it going forward? (Examples: more of the usual stuff, more new ideas, more interviews, expand into other fields, more collabs, videos, etc..)

Answer: I think your blog is something our community needs. Collabs and discussions are something that I think we all can use, to create a more vibrant and creative community. I wish you much success and look forward to seeing it continue to grow!

24. Questions: While we do go back since High School, we only really met and got to know each other personally after High school.. What were your first impressions of me? What about me do you like as a friend and why personally do you think we have such a great friendship? :)

Answer: That's right Jacob, we met officially at our Highschool reunion. You were super easy to talk to. I also didn't hesitate to connect with you at all, especially because your girlfriend was there. I think that's what makes our friendship special. We not only went to the same high school, but Trina is awesome and to have you both as friends is a blessing.

25. Questions: Last, but not least! Are we going to see you back here someday? Would you be willing to do another collab in the future? (Be it a second Interview or some other fun idea we come up with!)

Answer: I wouldn't hesitate to come back for a second interview, or for any new fun idea you come up with!

*(Authors note: Oh I think I can come up with something everyone will love! It will be one day very soon! :) Stay tuned everyone!)

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Outro: That will be all for this interview. Thank you so much Virian! I had such a fun time learning and see all the amazing forms of art you create! You are such a go getter, full of energy, and even more full of life! What an incredible person you are with so much potential, you said you were excited to see my growth and success.. Likewise, I’m also excited to see how you ascend and reach the stars of success! I will always be there for you in anyway I can. I also wish you the absolute best of luck and I hope you see you on here again soon! Take care my friend! :) 

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*If you are a public figure and you want to be interviewed or know of a public figure who wants to be interviewed, feel free to contact me and we can discuss the details of a potential interview! I’m open to all serious collaborations. 

**For anyone interested in following Virian, to keep up to date with her current and future ventures. Her link and show schedule(as of this posting) is provided below for anyone to follow! 

Link: www.v1rian.com