We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Valentine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, what do you attribute your success to?
One of the most important factors behind any success that I have achieved is persistence. Rain or shine, you show up to your post. You do what there is that needs to be done. We usually tend to look at the big picture, and that’s great, (because you need to) but sometimes, we need to take things apart one by one. Starting with the smallest thing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m the Persian pop star turned rocker. I came to this country when I was three years old, and music was my way in. With the support of friends and family, I made it onto Persian satellite TV, radio, and performed in front of thousands at the Las Vegas Riviera all before I was a teenager.

In fifth grade, I took on my first big challenge signing up for the talent show where I’d be singing publicly in front of my peers (not in my native tongue) for the first time. The song I performed was Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On. The rest was just the tip of the iceberg. From there, I joined countless projects and bands, which eventually led to 2016 when my best friend and I started Illunis by a roaring campfire.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to all the other indie musicians and bands out there hustling, grinding, and chasing their musical goals. Despite the odds stacking up against them day by day, they still put their best foot forward. Also, to people like Ari Herstand, who provide free public resources where we can hear the success stories of musicians who were once in my shoes.

Website: https://www.illunismusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illunismusic/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/illunisband

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illunismusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqC5-WUPHQMm-5SC9zSpCqg

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1IWjG8Kul4xpDF0u2xwheh
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/za/artist/illunis/1118999575
Bandcamp: https://illunis.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
Evan Morton
Keita Hagiwara
Emily Hafele
Tyler Disney

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.