Valentina: Haunting New Track ‘Hands’ Personifies Depression
Valentina
Valentina, the English-Italian vocalist, songwriter and producer, has unleashed her latest tour de force, ‘Hands’: a chilling descent into the labyrinth of depression. Fresh off her acclaimed 2023 EP ‘All Are Lost’ and a coveted songwriting session with Kanye West, Valentina now invites us on a haunting journey through her musical vault.
Unearthed from her archive of unreleased tracks, ‘Hands’ emerges as a timeless spectre, its resonance more powerful for Valentina today than when it was first created. Written during a turbulent chapter five years ago, this rediscovered gem is a stark contrast to its original title, ‘Comfortable’, instead laying bare the raw complexities of mental health.
In this track, depression takes on a life of its own, with lyrics that paint a vivid, almost tangible portrait of depression. Valentina’s vocal performance is nothing short of transcendent, her voice a conduit for despair and isolation that cuts straight to the soul. It’s a deeply personal yet universally relatable experience that will resonate with listeners long after the final note fades.
Collaborating with close friend and producer Tev’n proves to be the perfect partnership for this emotional tour de force. Tev’n’s intricate instrumentals and haunting soundscapes weave seamlessly with Valentina’s vision, amplifying the song’s gravitational pull. Pushing the boundaries of indie electronica, this release not only showcases Valentina’s growth as an artist but also highlights her ability to craft emotionally charged, lyrically emotive music.
Reflecting on the song, Valentina shared:
“This song talks about depression as if it is a person. The idea of losing oneself to it. Of being so pulled under that you don’t recognise yourself – even the parts of yourself you know best. The line ‘I can’t see my hands in the dark’ describes this. I wanted to try to give words to that cloud that surrounds you, that warps everything, even those moments that should feel good – when you can no longer see the hope and beauty in things.”
‘Hands’ adds another impressive entry to Valentina’s growing discography. Described by The Guardian as “a bit of a secret weapon in the world of indie electronica,” she has already made significant waves in the industry. Her collaborative work includes partnerships with UK heavyweights such as Kano, Lil Silva, Hot Chip, and Kindness. Valentina’s solo career has seen the release of four EPs: Wolves, You Know Where My Happiness Went, Nature, and All Are Lost. Most notably, her track ‘Gabriel’ with Joe Goddard was reworked by Kanye West as ‘BEG FORGIVENESS’ on his chart-topping album VULTURES 1. With ‘Hands,’ Valentina continues to prove herself as a formidable force in the indie electronica scene, blending vulnerability with artistic innovation.