Ana Valentina / Gonzalez
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is Ana Valentina, and I’m a Venezuelan music producer and DJ based in Dubai. My journey into the music scene began at a young age when I first picked up instruments at just nine years old. As I grew older, my passion for music naturally evolved into producing electronic beats, and that love has only deepened over time. Creating music that brings people together has become my ultimate drive. For me, house music is about more than just the beats—it’s about the connection it fosters, not only with the music itself but also with the people who truly understand and feel it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
Music has always been my passion—it’s all I’ve ever wanted, like it was set for me from the start, as if my future self had already chosen this path. From there, I developed a deep love for music, and as I grew, I was drawn more and more to electronic genres.
The real turning point came when I discovered Ableton and started producing my own electronic beats and DJing. That’s when I truly fell in love with the genre—the creative freedom it offered was unlike anything I had experienced before. Growing up, one of the artists who really inspired me was Avicii. His ability to blend melody and energy in such an accessible way inspired me to push my own boundaries and explore how electronic music could connect with people on a deeper level.
My friends, even though they aren’t musicians or producers themselves, have always been a huge source of inspiration. I produce for them and for anyone who feels the joy and connection my music can bring.
How would you describe your style and sound?
I’d describe my style as a mix of Afro, Latin, and progressive house, with a focus on using synths in ways that feel fresh and surprising. I love experimenting with different sounds to create something new while keeping that rhythm that gets people moving.
What really sets me apart as an artist is the inspiration I get from the people around me, especially my loved ones. They are the ones who keep me going and remind me why I create.
At the end of the day, it’s all about making people happy, and that’s what drives me. My music is for the people who truly get it, and that’s one of the things that makes my sound unique.
Tell us about your latest release.
I produced Free My Mind with the idea of how important it is to enjoy the moment. I wanted to create something that reminds people to step back and enjoy life. I was inspired by my friends, who always remind me to stop stressing about the future and focus on the present. My hope is that this song gives people a chance to feel free and be themselves.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
I want listeners to feel a sense of freedom and release. The message is simple—let go of the stress and just enjoy the moment.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
I wanted to create something different with this track. From the very beginning, I knew the drop had to be the heart of the song—it’s the part that really hits, making you feel like you can fly and giving you that pure sense of freedom and release.
As I was producing, I played around with different sounds, trying to capture that feeling of letting go. I focused on adding catchy chords that would stick with listeners, something they could easily get lost in. It was important to me that the music had a flow, like it was guiding you to that moment of release. Every note was chosen to bring out that feeling of escape. I really wanted listeners to feel the freedom in the music, almost like it was a place to leave everything behind for a while.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
This release is different from my previous work because it has a drop that’s much bigger and more unexpected than anything I’ve done before. It’s unique in the way it builds up and hits, and I really wanted it to catch people off guard in a good way. While my other tracks have great energy, none of them have a drop this powerful.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
I think one of the biggest challenges for artists in the electronic music industry today is standing out in such a crowded space. At the same time, with so much access to production tools and social media, there’s pressure to constantly be creating and sharing. Balancing the need to stay relevant with staying true to your unique sound can be tough sometimes.
However, I truly believe that if artists stay authentic and create from the heart, the right people will find and connect with their tracks. Authenticity and finding your unique sound is key!
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Events, collaborations, and labels have played a big part in shaping my career. Working with Cafe De Anatolia on my latest release, Despacio, was such a great experience. I’m also really excited about my upcoming release, Free My Mind, and the new opportunities it brings.
DJ gigs in Dubai have been just as important. Playing live for such an amazing community of people who truly enjoy my music is a special feeling. It helps me grow as an artist and inspires me to keep creating. Every gig, collaboration, and release helps me stay connected to my passion and reminds me why I love sharing my music.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
My advice would be to stay true to yourself and your sound. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or compare yourself to others, but the most important thing is to create music that feels authentic to you.
Consistency is key—keep creating, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Also, connect with others in the community, whether it’s through collaborations, playing live, or just supporting fellow artists. Building genuine relationships can open up a lot of doors.
And remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, so be patient and trust the process. Keep doing what you love, and things will start to fall into place.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
Fans can definitely expect a lot of exciting things coming up! My next release, Free My Mind, drops on March 20th, and I’m really excited for everyone to hear it. I’m also working on more new songs and collaborations that I can’t wait to share.
On top of that, I’ll be playing more DJ sets here in Dubai, so I’m looking forward to connecting with everyone live and bringing more energy to the dancefloor. There’s a lot in the works, and I’m grateful for all the support. Stay tuned!