Halloween is upon us, and indie-pop princess Rikki Valentina is as ready as ever to celebrate! This year will be extra special for the LA born and bred singer/songwriter, as she’s also celebrating the release of her latest single “Paranoid.”
Whether you’re heading out to party, taking your younger siblings trick-or-treating, or simply binge watching your favorite horror films at home, promise yourself you’ll make your Halloween a spooktacular one. Here’s how Rikki does Halloween!
What is your absolute favorite part about Halloween? Do you have any special traditions in particular?
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, I love dressing up in fun and spooky costumes. People that know me know that I’m very go-hard or go-home when it comes to celebrating Halloween. Before COVID, I used to host the best Halloween parties, my friends would come over in amazing costumes, in character, and we would just have the best time. This year I’ve decided to celebrate differently by releasing a Halloween song. This is the perfect time to talk about the things that give you goosebumps, and dealing with anxiety is one of them. “Paranoid” is about dealing with your fears, the agony that anxiety puts you through – talking on the phone used to be a huge phobia of mine, and that’s why I included it in the music video. I hope everyone enjoys this song as much as I do!
“Paranoid” touches on the very real feelings of anxiety we’ve all felt at some point. How has music helped you during times when everything has seemed super overwhelming?
I’m a firm believer that music is the best therapy, if there’s something going on in my life I just write a song about it! It really does help me to transform my insecurities, fears and pain and turn them into a purpose. I still feel insecure and anxious sometimes, especially right before I perform in front of a live audience, but once the music starts playing, I feel like the stage is my home.
Growing up, both of your parents were heavily involved in showbiz. What made you decide to pave your own creative path?
I feel like everyone has a mission in life and mine was to be an entertainer. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been interested in music, acting and being a performer, it’s in my blood. One thing that made me want to focus on music was losing my dad, he was an amazing musician and I want to honor his legacy. I know he is proud of everything that I have accomplished, he is my biggest inspiration.
Your first single “April Fool” arrived right before the pandemic. What are some of the ways you feel you’ve grown the most as an artist since then?
Before the pandemic I wasn’t dealing with grief which is a topic I’ve been writing about lately. It takes a lot of healing and self-reflection to sit down and deal with your emotions. I’m still learning how to cope with everything that I’m feeling, but like they say, you have to live one day at a time.
Are there any artists in particular you’ve looked up to since then for motivation?
Yes, I’m a huge Lana Del Rey fan, she’s been a huge influence in my life. I think she’s a genius! I also love LIGHTS, Audrey Hepburn and The Pierces, their music always puts me in a good mood. I love to listen to all kinds of music!
If you could star in a remake of any Halloween movie, which one would it be and why?
I’d love to do Samara from ‘The Ring’, I think she’s an absolute badass. I also love other female Halloween icons like Wednesday Addams and Emily from Corpse Bride.
RIKKI’S TOP 5 FAVORITE HALLOWEEN SONGS OF ALL TIME
- (You’re The) Devil In Disguise – Elvis Presley
- This one is self explanatory, it’s a classic and everyone should add it to their Halloween playlists. I have this song on repeat all year!
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (movie soundtrack)
- This movie soundtrack is the embodiment of rock & roll and a must-listen if you want to feel chills and thrills!
- “Heads Will Roll” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- An absolute banger that makes you want to stand up and dance till your head falls off. The beat and the lyrics are just pop perfection, you can even find some amazing remixes online that will give you chills!
- “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
- This one is self explanatory, probably the best Halloween song ever created. MJ was an absolute legend. I remember watching the music video on MTV when I was a little girl and trying to learn the choreography in front of the TV. The video is super spooky and it’s one of my all time favorites.
- Sally’s Song – Evanescence
- Shoutout to all Disney fans and scene kids from the old MySpace days, this song really set the mood for Halloween!
2021 may be winding down, but Rikki isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon! Rikki hopes to release even more music throughout 2022, and is already working on her next single. “One goal for me is to connect with more people through my music,” she says. “The feedback and love that I’ve been receiving lately is fenomenal, and I feel like I’m on the right track with my career. I want to do more live shows and hopefully start touring, that would be amazing! Keep an eye out for me next year.”
Check out Rikki’s personal Halloween Party playlist here, and of course check out “Paranoid” below! Happy Halloween ♡
Keep up with Rikki Valentina on Instagram @rikkivalentina
