Independent artist Frank Valier of San José, Costa Rica, just released his first album, Sueños de medianoche, on September 13. He joined us to talk about his love of music and what making the album has meant to him.
Frank: Hello, Distortion Radio audience! I'm Frank Valier, and it's a pleasure to be here with you to share my album Sueños de medianoche (Midnight Dreams).
Where do you find inspiration for your songs?
Frank: The inspiration for each of these songs comes from personal experiences, from life itself. Each song reflects a deeply personal journey, a specific fragment of my life. I wanted to capture emotions that are universal—experiences we all go through at some point. Things like the end of a romantic relationship, saying goodbye to someone or something important, or the grief of losing a loved one. These moments, filled with vulnerability, are at the core of this album. I hope the feelings I've poured into these songs resonate with listeners and make them feel understood.
Who are a few of your favorite artists and how have they influenced your music?
Frank: I grew up surrounded by music. My grandparents introduced me to tangos, boleros, cumbias, and rancheras. My mother and uncles brought me closer to trova, romantic Spanish songs, and Latin-American regional music. Meanwhile, my friends and I listened to rock and pop from the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s, as well as more modern music from the U.S. and England. I've also been influenced by genres like new age, electronic music, and styles from around the world. It's difficult to name specific artists because my musical identity is a blend of many genres, opening my mind to endless creative possibilities.
What motivated you to make this album?
Frank: Sueños de medianoche is a dream that began about 30 years ago. I remember telling one of my best friends, "I'd love to make an album with original songs, sung by me." Back then, I dreamed of having it on vinyl. During the pandemic, in a time of isolation and reflection, I realized it was time to make that dream a reality. I felt deep inside, almost as if my soul itself was urging me, that I needed to do this. I started writing and transforming my experiences into songs. Perhaps because of the intensity of that moment, the lyrics are often raw and emotionally-charged. Since rock has always been a big part of me, I decided to channel that energy into my music.
What was the recording experience like?
Frank: Recording was a thrilling experience, and it still is every time I step into the studio. At first, I would walk an hour to the studio and back before going to work, which helped me connect more deeply with the process. Standing in a recording booth with a microphone in front of me was intimidating, and it still makes me anxious today. It was fascinating to find the right balance between lyrics and music, but the financial challenge was real. I had to sell personal belongings to fund the project. When you have a dream this big, you're willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to bring it to life.
How would you describe the album, both thematically and stylistically?
Frank: Describing Sueños de medianoche in one style is tough because, although it's mainly rock, I wanted each song to have its own identity. The album incorporates elements of pop, progressive rock, alternative, indie, country, blues, jazz, roots, funk, and even hard rock. My goal was to offer a wide musical range so people could get to know Frank Valier through diverse sounds. But if there's one common thread running through all the songs, it's resilience. Each song is about the human capacity to overcome adversity and keep moving forward.
Which song is the most meaningful or important to you?
Frank: It's hard to choose just one song as the most significant because they all represent different moments of my life. Each song tells a unique story and reflects a very personal experience. Maybe over time, one will stand out more for me, but for now, they're like my children: each has its own place, and each needs to grow in its own way.
Are you planning to do any live performances or touring?
Frank: More than planning, I've dreamed about it. And as a dreamer, I dream big. I picture myself on stage with a grand show, offering the audience an unforgettable experience. Although I've never done a live performance of that magnitude, the idea excites and challenges me. I might get stage fright, but that's part of the journey. Right now, I don't have sponsors to cover the costs of such a show, especially on the scale I envision. But I don't give up on the idea. I dream first, then make it a reality, whether for one person or 100 million. I also want to highlight how important the support of radio stations like Distortion Radio and the audience is. Without them, this dream couldn't reach more people.
What do you enjoy doing other than music?
Frank: I've always loved sports, even though I never competed professionally. Nowadays, I enjoy running, and I also love my job as a physical therapist, where I help people recover from injuries and return to their daily activities. It's rewarding, though it can be tough when the only thing I can do for someone is improve their quality of life as much as possible during a serious illness. I'm also learning English, hoping to speak it fluently one day. Beyond that, I've been singing in a Catholic choir for the past 32 years at a church called Virgen de Loreto, which is near the U.S. embassy.
Is there anything else that you want to share?
Frank: I want to deeply thank Distortion Radio for supporting my music and for this opportunity to do the interview. I also want to thank everyone who listens to my songs and takes the time to read this interview. I invite you all to keep listening to Sueños de medianoche, to add me to your playlists, and to share my music with your friends. Don't be afraid to explore music in Spanish. Even if you don't understand the language, music is a universal language we all connect with. Sueños de medianoche is for everyone looking for resilience and hope during tough times. I hope these songs give you strength, joy, peace, or reflection, and remind you that you're not alone. I hope you enjoy every song as much as I enjoyed creating them. See you soon, and stay tuned—because the best is yet to come.
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