My Interview With Valerie Wood
Interview By Rebecca Kane
When I first laid eyes on Valerie Wood, I was immediately captivated. I saw her at a Vaudevillian show, mesmerizing the audience with her velvety vocals. I was compelled to write an article about her. She sounds like Alison Krauss meets Peggy Lee, mixed with the dreamy mysterious sensuality of Jessica Rabbit. I had to know more about her.
Valerie Wood grew up in Eastern North Carolina, where she was surrounded by a huge family that loved music. She inherited her musical gift from her grandmother, who played piano in church, and her father, who loved to sing. Valerie would sing with her sister, Jenny, who played all kinds of instruments. Her mother was a nurse that travelled a lot, and would encourage the arts by taking Valerie to everything from Broadway and operas, to camping trips. They vacationed in Europe together as recently as a couple years ago.
Valerie describes herself as slightly shy, and her friends and family encouraged her to sing. She started performing in school musicals, which she enjoyed, although her love for words made her feel that she leaned towards being more of a writer.
Valerie invited me to a brunch in Chapel Hill with her band mates, and a room full of her closest friends. I could see that she’s surrounded by a community of artists that support her. Talking with her friends, it’s obvious to me that Valerie has found her niche.
I accompanied Valerie into the studio, where she is venturing into a new experience by writing all original material, and recording her new album with her band A Mad Affair.
RK- “I just love your retro jazzy sound. I was wondering, who were your top three influences vocally?”
VW- (without hesitation) “Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant, and Ella Fitgerald. I actually started out singing jazz standards.”
RK- “Can you tell me a little about your songwriting process?”
VW- “After I write the lyrics, I write a simple chord structure on the ukulele to go with the feel of the song. When I introduce it to the band, they colour it in, and add the finishing touches.”
RK- “I first saw you at a Vaudevillian Revue. Do you get a lot of gigs within the Vaudevillian genre?”
VW- “I have put all gigs on hold for now, since we are recording the new album in the studio. I have been quite lucky because I’ve been asked to play gigs at the Lincoln Theater, Eno Festival, NFL Streetfest, and the Pourhouse. I’ve played weddings, parties, and various bars, including the Vaudevillian Revue, mainly by special request. I’ve also put my other band on hiatus, The Lasting Happiness, to concentrate on recording.”
RK- “I can certainly understand why your talent is in demand. Did you pursue music in college?”
VW- “I felt like the music industry wasn’t very stable, so I went to culinary school. I really got into inventing recipes, and trying to make existing recipes healthier. I’m into dance and yoga, so health is very important to me. Eric, my bass player, is also a yoga instructor.”
RK- “This is a really nice studio. When is your album set to come out?”
VW- (smiles) “We are hoping to release our album by late May.”
As I parted the studio, Valerie left an impression on me. She’s the kind of personality that’s easy to make friends with. She’s extremely sweet and generous, and has a great sense of humour, along with a silly side (she loves to make funny faces). She lives completely in the moment and talking with her is effortless. I cannot wait to indulge myself in A Mad Affair, with the incomparable Valerie Wood.
by: Rebecca Kane
Valerie has a voice that captivates the soul and offers the listener entrance into the realm of the magical. A band whose music feels like a lover’s embrace and inspires the audience to dance.
You guys sound great! I cannot wait to see a live show. I can tell already I will want to dance the night away!
Great interview! I’m so excited to hear what they come out of the studio with.
Truly beautiful stuff! I have also had the privilege of hearing Miss Wood sing her delightful tunes with “A Mad Affair,” and I much look forward to the album. Thanks for the article, Miss Kane!
I absolutely adore the talent that is emodied in this group! I look forward to seeing them perform live! Valeries vocal talent spoils me every time I encounter it!
Listening to A Mad Affair is like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. They mix slaphappy and sly standup bass, a genre-bending genteel guitarist, and of course the effortlessly singular singing and sugar-coated songwriting of the vivacious Valerie. Truly a gift of spirit as well as sound!
I’ve been a fan ever since I had the fun and privilege of listening to the band preform at The Pour House in Raleigh last year. I’ll never forget my 1st encounter with Valerie, she was dress in a stunning blue sheath with long blue gloves to match, and she came off the stage to dance with me. A scintillating and beautiful blue bird of happiness, indeed. Love the vibe, love the band, adore Valerie !
Great interview Rebecca! Soulful and perceptive and sweet.
Great job by a beautiful and talented great niece!
Aunt Jane & Uncle Ken
Valerie, my car stereo can’t wait to wear out your CD.