Valeree’s Rise Shall Not Be “Interrupted”
Megan Mortensen, better known as Valeree, possesses a voice that enthralls within just three seconds. Her vulnerability is evident, yet it is paired with a resilience and strength that reflect her formidable vocal talent and personal grit. Originally from Pittsburgh, this queer artist deftly blends R&B, jazz, and rock influences, crafting lyrics that resonate deeply, often laced with the cynicism of someone who has faced life’s challenges and emerged wiser.
Valeree transforms her tumultuous past—marked by substance abuse, rehab, and homelessness—into compelling narratives that carry a hopeful message for anyone willing to listen. Her work candidly explores mental health and the complexities of womanhood, offering insight and connection.
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With her debut EP “Masochist” released in 2020, Valeree quickly gained recognition, earning nominations for multiple awards. Her sophomore project, “it’s fine, i’m fine,” featured several tracks that gained traction on TikTok, showcasing her talent for blending catchy melodies with poignant themes. However, 2024 now bears witness to her highly anticipated new concept album, “Interrupted”.
Written over several years, “Interrupted” is a journey through a mind besieged by trauma, addiction, depression, and the paradoxical escape from this tortuous downward spiral. Valeree reveals: “This album explores my journey as a young woman with the aforementioned issues, 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,” adding “I received a diagnosis of PTSD in 2020, after unknowingly suffering with it for many years. This album follows the before, during, and after of that diagnosis”
“Interrupted” emerges as a deeply personal exploration of vulnerability as a tool of personal power and healing, alongside complex themes of womanhood and avowed feminism, reflecting her experiences and struggles in a world that often challenges these notions in expected and unexpected ways. While the themes of gender and societal expectations were not initially planned, they naturally crop up throughout the album, as they grew out of Valeree’s genuine perspective.
The album opens up on the alternative 90s power ballad “Don’t Wanna Grow Up”, which right off the bat shows you Valeree’s amazing emotional and musical range, with the next couple of songs “Just One Night” and “Worth Remembering” that acerbic wit and cynicism make an appearance, the songs are kinda upbeat and fun, yet the subject is deathly serious, and she doesn’t let us forget that. With songs like “Bottle of Whiskey”, and “Be Alone”, Valeree ups the ante, showing us just how heart-rending and dramatic her vocals can be.
What follows must be heard to be truly believed. Up to “Be Alone,” the album is already impressive, but it cannot prepare you for the musical ecstasy found in tracks like “Therapy Sessions,” “The Table,” and the closing song, “Good Days.” Not only does Valeree showcase her remarkable emotive power, but she is also accompanied by a delightful jazz fusion flair that leaves listeners in awe, especially with the fantastic drumming that elevates the entire experience. This sets Valeree apart from the cacophony of sameness that many of her contemporaries, unfortunately, fall into. By appreciating such polished and dexterous performances, you begin to realize how much analog and instrumental mastery is missing from much of the current musical landscape.
“Interrupted” encapsulates a pivotal chapter in Valeree’s life, but it also marks a pivotal moment in her career as well, as the excellent quality of the production and the deeply fascinating sounds she’s provided will surely win over anyone and everyone. Truly a remarkable and beautiful album that we’ll be playing a lot over the next few weeks.
