Going by the name of Valeree, Megan Mortensen is a queer LA-based artist who is already generating quite a bit of buzz with her music. Originally from Pittsburgh, Valeree has used her music to express her troubled life, from hospitalizations, rehab centers, being homeless and even spending some time in jail. Her songwriting is an avid reflection of how cruel life can be sometimes. Valeree is a powerful advocate for mental health, which is often present in her lyrics and vocal work.

Her highly anticipated debut album, “Interrupted,” delves deeper into the raw and honest themes of mental health, trauma, addiction, vulnerability, and the challenges faced by women. Composed of twelve tracks, each one offers a different experience. 

The album starts with a heart-wrenching performance on “Don’t Wanna Grow Up,” an immediate standout. Valeree’s soulful voice, carried by a bittersweet melody, dominates this emotional opener. In “The Key” Valeree takes heavy inspiration from Fiona Apple, crafting a heartbreaking track, one that will get your attention the moment she lands on the first note. Throughout the album, Valeree is not afraid to experiment and take risks with her sound, offering different takes within the album such as the danceable track “Worth Remembering,” with a catchy rhythm that will get you dancing in no time. 

“Therapy Sessions” takes a deep dive into a difficult period in Valeree’s life, turning personal pain into a compelling and powerful track. “Good Days,” the final track, serves as a perfect conclusion to “Interrupted” with its retro-funk/pop-inspired feel. The song captures Valeree’s resilience and positivity in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is still hope.

Queer Artist Valeree Is Turning Pain Into Poetry Within Her Debut Album “Interrupted”

“‘Interrupted’ is a concept album. It is a collection of songs written over the course of several years which come together to tell a chronological story about PTSD, addiction, mental health hurdles, and more. As I was writing the last songs of the album, trying to connect the dots between what I already had and what was missing, I thought the album was about trauma. It’s only now that it is finished and I’ve had a bit of space from the creative process that I’ve realized what it’s truly about – vulnerability.” — Valeree 

Valeree’s “Interrupted” is a fearless dive into the depths of human vulnerability. With raw honesty, she lays bare her soul, creating a masterpiece that resonates deeply. This album is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s imperfections. Listening to this album, it’s an experience that liberates and inspires.

Connect with Valeree on socials: INSTAGRAM