We caught up with New York-based singer Deadbeat Girl (Val Olson) whose new single ‘Everything You Wanted’ released with it’s gritty, grunge inspired track born out of the push and pull of a toxic relationship is sure to be a hit.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how did you got into music and the industry, what was your big break?
I started making music in high school when I was about 17 years old, bored out of my mind during quarantine. I then met a producer back home in South Florida who brought my vision to life, and I immediately became addicted to creating music. I started releasing my music when I was 19 in September 2022 and the music began to gain traction on the Internet. I would say my big break as of recently was the international tour that my good friend Ari Abdul asked me to open for.
For any of our readers who would like to get into your profession, what advice would you give to them?
I would say just go for it, commit to it, and stop worrying about what people think about you. There have been many embarrassing videos I’ve had to create to promote my music, and many times that I’ve had to force myself to go up and talk to an important person, and it has all absolutely worked. Without getting over my fear, there is no way I would be where I am right now.
Talk us through what inspired your new single ‘Everything You Wanted”?
The new single is inspired by moody, alternative music, more notably, The Neighborhood. I’ve really been into moody, melancholic, but badass sounding alternative music.
What’s your views on TikTok from a music consumption perspective?
I owe a lot of my current career to TikTok, I think it is a great way to share your music with the world with just a few clicks of a button. However, to make your music popular on the app, of course the music to be good as well!
How did you celebrate your 2.3million streams?
I’m not gonna lie, I had a little cry about it, it’s just so exciting. Always celebrating these wins with my good friends doing fun things throughout NYC.
What is your coming-out story? Sorry, but everyone loves a coming-out story…
My coming out story wasn’t too pretty haha. Growing up in a conservative town in a Catholic school was not ideal for a queer person like me. However, this experience pushed me to move to New York by myself at a young age, and chase my dreams. I couldn’t be more grateful.
If you could use a magic telephone to call yourself at a younger age what would you say?
I would tell my younger self to have patience, and to work hard as hell towards their dreams.
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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My wonderful girlfriend told me to work hard and be a good person, and that everything else will fall into place. That is a recent piece of advice that has been on replay in my head.
What’s the queer scene like in New York, where do you go out?
The queer scene in New York is absolutely insane, I feel like every gay person is here haha. I typically go out in the West Village and Brooklyn with my friends.
Who are your role models and why?
Music wise and career wise, I am absolutely fascinated by Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford. To me, they are the two coolest artists of our generation and my absolute idols. On top of that I also have to say my parents, they are some of the strongest people I know, and they made me realize that quite literally anything is possible.
Who’s your favourite artist you’ve worked with?
My favorite artist that I’ve worked with has to be Ari Abdul, she’s an absolute angel and extremely talented.
What was your favourite gig?
It’s really hard to pick one, but I had the absolute best crowd in Paris! The energy was unmatched, I literally cried when I got off the stage.
Has a fan ever given you something strange or unexpected?
A fan in Toronto actually handed me a bag of gummy worms and asked me to sign it!
What’s the last note you wrote in your phone?
It’s actually a list of cool-sounding, rhyming words that I put together while messing around with a new song.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
100% Billie Eilish
What barriers have you come up against in the industry?
I think the hardest thing that I’ve had to deal with are fake, shallow people. If you don’t have your guard up and protect yourself, this industry can chew you up and spit you out. I always urge fellow young artists to form a team of supportive people before going into it!
What’s it like going on a world tour?
It is freaking sick, but it is also extremely exhausting! Almost every morning right after a late night show, I had to get up at 6 AM, hop in a van, drive for nine hours to the next venue, get out of the car, immediately Soundcheck, and then play the show. I got basically no sleep, but the shows and the random days off to sightsee made it all worth it!
When can people see you next perform?
I will be performing in DC and NYC April 12 and 13th as direct support for the band Stolen Gin! Ticket links are in my bio on Instagram and TikTok!
We hoped you liked this interview, let us know who you want us to interview next.
Love Team Nonchalant xx
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
