Spotlight: Ricky Valido
Your latest album, ‘A Collection of Songs’, presents a unique blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds. Where do you find yourself getting inspired most often?
Inspiration comes from personal experiences, my environment, and the people around me. I often pull from the juxtaposition of the modern world and vintage sounds that inspire me. Growing up near the Florida Everglades influenced my music deeply. Its beauty and wildness shape my perspective as an artist. While my music draws on my own life and experiences, my new project, ‘Dear Everglades’, will focus more on nature itself, particularly the Florida Everglades. This project dives into environmentalism, conservation, and how our relationship with nature shapes us.
The title suggests a compilation rather than a single concept. Can you share how the tracks came together and if there’s a common theme or thread linking them?
While ‘A Collection of Songs’ might sound like a compilation, there is a thread tying it together. Each track reflects different stages of my life, blending personal stories with metaphor and fiction. The songs move between emotional, reflective moments and upbeat, traditional country vibes. At its core, it’s about authenticity—each song tells a part of my story. The diversity in style reflects my range as a writer and performer.
‘I Miss You Mama’ is one of my personal favourite cuts from the album, showcasing your versatility perfectly. How do you decide which direction to take with each track, both musically and lyrically?
Each song dictates its own direction. Sometimes it starts with the music, while other times it begins with a lyric or a feeling. For ‘I Miss You Mama’, the lyrics came from a personal place—it’s a tribute to my mother and great-grandmother. I wanted the arrangement simple to allow the message to come through. The story blends fiction with real emotions, depicting an outlaw on the run while reflecting my family connection. This song is personal and cathartic, both a tribute and an emotional release.
How does ‘A Collection of Songs’ reflect your musical journey up until this point, and in what ways do you feel it represents your growth as an artist?
This project is a culmination of my journey so far. I’ve blended traditional influences with a contemporary sound, pushed myself to experiment, and incorporated honky-tonk, bluegrass, and rock into my music. ‘A Collection of Songs’ represents my growth as a writer and performer. While I’m proud of this project, I’m even more excited about what’s next. ‘Dear Everglades’ will be a concept album tying my love of nature with artistic exploration. The shift to a more focused approach reflects my evolution, and I’m eager to see where this chapter takes me.
Which track on the album was the most personal for you to write or record, and why?
‘I Miss You Mama’ was the most personal track to write and record. It channels my love and loss of my great-grandmother. Writing it was emotional, and the recording process was cathartic. I felt a need to honour maternal figures, and the song resonates with those who have lost loved ones. The emotional vulnerability is something I’m proud of—it’s a piece of my heart I’ve shared with the world.
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