Interview: “It was either him or no one else,” Valentina Ploy discusses her latest release, “I Miss My Friends,” and collaborating with Phum Viphurit
Valentina Ploy is a 29-year-old Thai-Italian singer-songwriter under What The Duck agency. She made her debut on February 28, 2019, with the digital single “See You In Life.” Since joining Warner Music Asia in April, Valentina Ploy has already released 3 singles “Bla Bli Blu,” “Berlin,” and “Camera Roll.” On November 11, 2022, Valentina released her 11th English digital single, “I Miss My Friends,” featuring Phum Viphurit. HALSUG had the chance to talk to her about the single, collaboration, and her hopes for her music.
Photo Courtesy of Valentina Ploy
Although released 2 months ago, the song was written during the peak of the pandemic and is simple and relatable. It talks about being stuck in a room, longing for life to go back to normal to meet friends—something all of us desperately hoped for. “I wrote the track on a very lonely day during the peak of the pandemic. It pictures exactly how I felt. I wrote many more songs during that time as it was a period where I was forced even more to be with myself and my emotions. A couple of these songs will be in my upcoming album, something I am excited about. One of them is titled “I’m ok,” so please look forward to it.”
The song “I Miss My Friends” is inspired by some memories Valentina made with her friends. “My friends are one of the most important parts of my life. I miss them every day. They have given me so many memories. I could start a never-ending list but recently I have been looking at some pictures and videos of my best friend and me running and laughing around Stockholm. It made me smile a lot. Hopefully, I’ll see them in the summer in Europe.”
The song also features “Lover Boy” singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit. Valentina shared her experience of working with him for the first time. “Working with Phum has been a dream come true. I have been a fan of his music and character way before I got to know him personally. He is a genuine human and an amazing musician. Artistically, I felt connected to him as a third culture kid and I think his voice is timeless. For this track, it was either him or no one else. I am happy that it was possible. Working with him was natural and fun.”
Whether it’s a collaboration or working independently on your music, both offer pros and cons. We asked Valentina if and what is the difference between the two for her. “It is different for sure but equally beautiful [laughs]. I have been writing alone my whole life, and it was almost like a personal journal, a dump of very specific and clear emotions I want to channel. But then I started working with other writers too and had a writing camp last year as well. I realized writing with others is a bit like adding value to a song and sharing experiences through different brains and feelings. It is always interesting to watch a song come to life in a session. It is exciting because you never know what to expect. The energy collaboration creates among the people in the room plus the expectation of the unexpected is the main difference. There are different challenges to both [collaboration and working independently].
Valentina’s songs are extremely relatable and a true peek into her real life. Being a public figure means that a part of your life will always be exposed, but having the willingness to share takes courage, and only a few tread that path. We were curious if she ever felt hesitant about sharing so much with her listeners, all of whom she doesn't personally know. “It sure is a thing. I always felt the fear of being so open with my audience. But I believe that doing so and learning to be comfortable in our shared vulnerabilities can inspire my listeners to do the same. Courage is contagious. My core reason for making music is to connect with people and hopefully make them less lonely in any given situation. When shared, certain things may not be as scary as they seem to be. My reason is stronger than my fear so I feel at peace when I do this. The purpose is deeper than it seems. I vowed to myself that I will stay true to it, no matter what.”
If you want to know Valentina, the best way is through her music. She talks about the songs she would recommend. “Well, all songs are my babies! [laughs] It’s hard to choose one. It depends on the kind of energy you need at the moment. If I really must choose, I would pick some underdogs in my first EP Satellite. Later, as people tend to know more, I recommend the ones with higher numbers. There’s one called “More Than Gold” that I wrote for my parents. I wrote “Satellite” for my listeners and everyone I care about in my life.”
While working on her music, Valentina always makes sure there is “something new” she can include and offer. “I like honest lyrics and strong melodies. I like playing with melodies and twisting and turning sentences. Also, I am a concept person and I like to create things that have never been done before with my words like “Bla Bli Blu”, “See You In Life,” and other personal touches like that.”
Photo Courtesy of Valentina Ploy
Born in Italy to an Italian father and a Thai mother, Valentina is the daughter of two cultures. Thailand is one of the places Valentina calls home but her take on her music is international. “As a person split into two cultures since I was born, sometimes I don’t know where home is. For sure there is a sense of home in Thailand as it is where everything kick-started professionally, but hopefully, my music can travel to many places around the world.”
And while that happens, she hopes she can improve her music. “There is always room to improve everything [laughs]. Specifically, I want to try to get more into production. I have been doing everything by ear when it comes to communicating my production needs. Technology and I are not the best of friends [laughs]. So improving my technical skills would help me become better and be more involved in production.”
While holding the belief that there is room for improvement, Valentina also has things she is proud of. “I am proud looking back at my journey. I made music honestly that made people find comfort and feel good.”
Valentina can visualize her music growing alongside her. “My music and I are strictly connected. My music is an expression of what I am and what I feel. Therefore, growth is and will always be intertwined. From lyrical content to wiser approaches on and off the stage, taste in sounds, curiosity for the new and so on—hopefully you will see growth in every sphere of my music.”
What is your favorite song by Valentina Ploy? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or Twitter.
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Artist Facts
Name/Nickname: Valentina Ploy or Ploy, or Vale or Valen or Tina or VP
Birthday: December 03, 1993
Nationality: Thai-Italian
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
MBTI: ENFP
Day or Night?: Day
Fave Foods: Pizza, pasta, cheese, french fries, gelato
Fave Drinks: Italian water, coffee, margarita, aperol spritz, peach ice tea
Fave Movie: Matilda, forrest gump, about time
Song You’re Most Proud of: “See you in life” my first official baby.