Meet Brandon Valerino | Musician & Music Educator

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

Hi Brandon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music has always been a part of my soul since childhood when I started learning the saxophone at age 9. When I had to think about what I wanted to do with my life, I decided I wanted to do something I loved, rather than trying to make as much money as possible. That’s what led me to pursue saxophone performance as a degree, where I attended New England Conservatory in Boston. Since then, I’ve lived in Los Angeles for the last 11 years performing with several original projects as well as cover bands, sat in for recording sessions and different collaborations with artists. This work has it’s seasons but when it’s time to perform or play my saxophone, there isn’t anything that lights up my whole being more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Okay – I’m going to get a bit philosophical here haha…

I have found that the road to success is never ending one, and I’m still on my way. I have been blessed to perform all around the United States as well as internationally. I’ve toured with amazing people and bands as well as performed at some amazing events. I have been a part of creating some amazing original songs and music videos and collaborate with geniuses. And yet, I feel like I’m just getting started.

I think one of the keys for me is that this never feels like work. Sure, there are challenges and obstacles in the road but overall I have always enjoyed what I’m doing. I have not earned the amount of money that would make me a millionaire (yet) but that doesn’t motivate me or deter me. I know everything takes time to come to full fruition.

I believe it’s taken me many years to fully align myself with the people I’m meant to be surrounded by, and the only reason for that is it’s taken me this long to fully accept myself – every part, glamorous or not so much. I spent many years rejected parts of me which ended up attracting people to personify those parts, and I’m grateful for those experiences. Every experience is a part of the journey. But once I fully accepted me for me, I began to move into true alignment of those people and experiences that resonate with my being.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok so depending on what time you arrive, first things first from LAX (the airport) we would pop over quick to the beach, I’d give the choice of either Venice or Santa Monica because it’s close by…and if they let me choose I’d say Venice. There’s so much to see and do there with a very famous history. Once there, we’d have to go see the ocean because you’re not truly in California until you’ve visited the beach and touched the ocean!

The next day I’d suggest we do the touristy things, like head down to Hollywood to check out the walk of fame and the Chinese theatre, maybe stop in the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum for a laugh and an instagram worthy photo with Taylor Swift. We could hit up Mel’s Diner for lunch or grab a drink at the Snow White Cafe. If they’re feeling up to it, hike the Hollywood Sign trail or the path up to the Griffith Observatory. We could finish the day off with a celebrity bus tour and a drink at Beetle House LA (Tim Burton inspired bar) and get a fish bowl cocktail (amazing – but deceptively strong!) We could head over and get a nightcap at Good Times at Davey Waynes while catching a cool local band perform, all you got to do is walk through the refrigerator door in the wall and you’re there! Anyway we swing it, there’s plenty to see and do in Hollywood.

I’m not much a thrill ride person, but going to Universal would have to be it’s own separate day. We’d start at City Walk and get some amazing food before entering the park. While inside Universal there’s so much to see and do, you could visit Hogwarts or Moe’s Tavern for a beer. I’d make us go on the Studio Tour because you get to see the lots where they shot many famous movies and some of the sets are still there to see, it’s a movie lover’s dream! On your way out of the park, we’d stop at Voodoo Donuts and get some of the best donuts in the city!

There’s many places to check out live music, some of my favorites include The Greek Theatre in Griffith Park, The Hollywood Bowl, The Troubadour or The Roxy in West Hollywood, and even Harvelle’s Blues Club in Santa Monica for some more local music.

Basically there is ALWAYS something to do in Los Angeles, whether you want a chill day at the beach or want a day full of adventure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my band KingQueen and it’s leader Sabrina Petrini. I have collaborated and performed with dozens of bands around the Southern California area for over a decade, and this band and it’s leader are a rare find. Not only is everyone so talented…but they also are humble and have a work hard attitude. They leave the ego at the door and know how to work collaboratively work together toward a common outcome, whether that be a live show, a music video or the latest single. Sabrina has also worked with many people and projects since her time in Los Angeles, and she knows how to treat people like people. She is a hard worker who won’t stop until the end result is perfect while making sure everyone is having a good time and feeling great. Like I said, she’s a rare breed.

Website: https://kingqueen.band/

Instagram: https://kingqueen.band

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingqueenband

Other: Spotify:

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@kingqueen.band

Image Credits
The pink background photo:

@sofinchphotography

All other photos were taken and given to me to use as I want