Valeree is ready to transform her struggles and healing journey into soulful melodies with her latest album, “Interrupted.” This rising artist has crafted a collection of songs that works as a chronicle of her personal battle with mental health, which has led her to the path of healing through self-acceptance and vulnerability.
Under the stage name Valeree, Megan Mortensen is sharing her introspective indie pop music with the world. Originally from Pittsburgh, and now established in Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter has an impressive story that includes two EPs, a nomination for “Best Pop EP” and going viral on social networks. Her sound combines mainstream-ready melodies with R&B and jazz elements, with subtle winks to artists like Fiona Apple. She uses her pen to advocate for women and mental health by sharing her experiences with vulnerability and bravery.
With “Interrupted,” her most recent production in the shape of an LP, Valeree continues her journey toward healing. Developed over several years, the concept album unfolds as a poignant narrative exploring PTSD, addiction, and mental health challenges, ultimately culminating in a powerful exploration of vulnerability as a path to healing. Valeree describes it as “going from a deeply wounded person who was completely closed off to the others and her own emotions, to finally cracking the armor and beginning to learn to feel and be open again.”
Opening with the stripped-down “Don’t Wanna Grow Up,” the artist tells about the difficulties of keeping up with the pace, checking both sides and looking at how everybody succeeds, feeling the pressure of expectations, and fighting with adult life’s routine. She says about this song, “It’s a bit all over the place, which I think is an honest representation of the journey that’s being portrayed in the music.”
A song that stands out is “Worth Remembering.” The mix of groovy vibes and fun energy is contrasted with the narration of a night of excess that will surely end wrong. “The Key” is a special song for Valeree. Inspired by the brutal honesty and original melodies of Fiona Apple, the track is a central piece in the story. It confronts the outsider’s perspective of roughness with the inner turmoil that makes it impossible to change this reality. “Therapy Sessions (Get Better)” is one of my personal favorites. It uses sarcasm and irony to treat complex subjects, balanced with the honest intention to work through all this emotional weight. Finally, it closes with “Good Days.” In this song, there is a retro-funk/pop sensation that transmits the excitement and positivity of better days that are yet to come once you open up and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
“Interrupted” promises a level of honesty Valeree has never shared before. She mentions, “This album is the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in my music and the most openly I’ve talked about some of the darkest experiences of my life.” This honesty creates a sensation of familiarity and allows listeners to connect with her story. The hardship the artist had to live not only created an impactful album, but it is also a story to learn from. Just like Valeree herself mentioned about the album, “I only hope it can help some of those people make sense of their own experiences and feel understood.”
Connect with Valeree: INSTAGRAM
