Valentina Sounds’ Latest Album Explores the Theme of Survival
Italian-born Valentina Sounds, now based in Philadelphia, is gearing up to release her second studio album, “What Keeps Me Alive,” on May 16, 2026. Spanning 11 tracks, this album was crafted over a period of five years and is described as a reflection of navigating through uncertain times while redefining personal identity.
Valentina intentionally presents a dichotomy in the album, showcasing two distinct sonic worlds. The first is filled with full-band Pop/Rock arrangements produced by Ron DiSilvestro, while the other reveals intimate piano-and-voice recordings produced by Matt Muir. To mark the album’s launch, Valentina and her band will offer a sneak peek of the new songs at The Queen in Wilmington on April 17 and then headline at The Fallser Club on May 16.
In Valentina’s words, “Life is a chaotic and complex amalgamation of good and bad. You stay afloat by holding onto the positives as life preservers. This music is what kept me going through some of the darkest moments of my life, and I want to share it with others who might be going through a similar experience.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Valentina wrote the stripped-down tracks with just a piano and her voice. These recordings, produced by Matt Muir at Retro City Studio in Philadelphia under strict pandemic safety protocols, reflect the delicate reality of that time.
Valentina faced another life-altering experience in June 2021 when she suffered severe burn injuries in a home accident. This resulted in an extended stay in the ICU, numerous surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy to address issues with her shoulder and hand. Music became her refuge and a crucial component of her recovery journey.
With a strong determination to return to performing, Valentina continued to work on her physical rehabilitation while rehearsing with her trio, comprised of bassist/vocalist Molly Hebert-Wilson and percussionist/vocalist Sara Mingle.
The upcoming album by Valentina Sounds invites listeners to reflect on their own answer to the central question: “What keeps you alive?” To celebrate the release, Valentina will be performing live at The Crown at The Queen in Wilmington on April 17 for an album preview concert with Cait9001 and at The Fallser Club in Philadelphia on May 16 for an album release celebration accompanied by Kate Mills. Tickets for these events are available for purchase in advance.