American singer-songwriter Valerie Broussard first began discovering her serious passion for songwriting when she moved abroad to London at the age of eighteen. Her original music continues to evolve organically and has caught the attention of millions around the world. With features on numerous TV shows, including Lucifer and Riverdale, reaching an audience has become seemingly effortless for the singer. Since the beginning of her songwriting days, Broussard has collaborated with some of the biggest producers in the industry and signed with Palm Tree/RCA Records. Most recently, she is focused on her latest single “Killer.” In an exclusive interview with CelebMix, Valerie Broussard opens up about her new single, musical influences and more.
What can you tell us about your single “Killer” and the music video that you made to accompany it?
I was talking to Louis and James from The Gifted, who produced and co-wrote the song, about our mutual love of true crime podcasts when we came up with the idea. These sorts of stories are really prominent in our culture right now, as odd as that is, and we thought we would write a song that sounds like it’s about someone’s actual crimes when it’s really more about crimes of the heart.The video showcases that idea, with us turning the concept of someone breaking your heart into a rather literal thing. Lots of fake blood! It was really fun.
What artists or bands influenced your music as you were growing up and who influences you now?
My parents are big fans of Fleetwood Mac and that is something I inherited from them. I’ve had a lifelong obsession with the band and the different members’ distinct songwriting styles. Sting has also always been a hero of mine. No one tells a story quite like he does. These days I find myself looking up to Sia, but that’s nothing new. I’ve loved her since her Zero 7 days. She’s constantly evolving which has been really cool to watch.
Speaking of other artists, you are currently featured on Kygo’s popular track “Think About You.” What is it like to see the success of that track come to life and have you heard it while you were out in public yet?
It’s been amazing. We just wrote a little song on a quiet afternoon in Nashville and it’s been crazy to watch it grow with Kygo and his fans. At first, it felt like everyone heard it in public except for me and then I was in the Las Vegas airport with my manager on my way to play the song live with Kygo actually and it came on. I grabbed his arm and went: “Oh my god!” He looked at me like I was crazy! It was so shocking to hear it in public that I couldn’t get the words out, so he stood there for a few seconds thinking I had gone insane before he heard what I was hearing.
You have also toured with Kygo! What was that experience like?
It was great! His fans are some of the best in the world. They have incredible spirit and energy and I’ve loved every second singing for them. Plus, the whole team on his tour is wonderful. It’s like a family!
You also have a collaboration with the incredible Galantis called “Roots.” What does that track mean to you and what would you say is its overall message?
“Roots” is about finding a new home somewhere (or with someone) after a long period of not really having one. In my line of work, I do a lot of traveling and I’ve found myself missing LA… a place I never thought would really become home. Sometimes people and places surprise you, and suddenly you realize you’re right where you’re meant to be.
Speaking of working with other producers, who else would you like to collaborate with in the near or distant future?
There are so many! Top of the list right now are Odesza and Illenium.
For fans who are desperate to hear what’s coming next…what can they look forward to coming soon?
I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ve been lucky to do some cool television collabs in the past and the next song is something in that vein. It’s also a cover!
For more Valerie Broussard, make sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter. You can also listen to “Killer” here.