Entertainment
Alt-pop artist Rikki Valentina shares a visual for her new song “What Happens When You Die?”
Rikki Valentina delivers a visual for the new single “What Happens When You Die?” a catchy song that displays her versatile songwriting and entertaining, vibrant vocal performance.
“This video is based on my younger mindset regarding the afterlife. As a child, I was raised in a Catholic household and was taught about what happens in the end by religion. Now that I am older and experiencing grief firsthand, I am questioning everything. The line “you never say hi” is based on multiple people telling me that my dad is always with me when it feels far from that,” says Rikki Valentina.
Rikki Valentina had a conversation with us and answered our distinctive 8 Questions. Check it out below.
Honk: Could you tell us how it all began? What encouraged you to start playing and making music?
Rikki Valentina: Growing up, I was surrounded by many musicians, thanks to my dad. He was a drummer in various bands, so I am an artist now. I have been singing since I was 13 years old, and it was in 2018 I started pursuing my career as an overall artist. I knew I couldn’t make it in the industry alone as just a singer. I had to act on the creative and business part of the industry as well. I just trusted myself, and sure enough, I made my way.
Honk: Talk me through your creative process when you write new music.
Rikki Valentina: For this particular song, I knew I wanted this song to start as a piano ballad but end in a film orchestration. The four songs I had in mind when it came to making this song were “Smother Me” by The Used, “Pretend” by Lights, “Welcome To The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance, and “Don’t Forget” by Demi Lovato. These songs were my favorites growing up and worked perfectly with the formula.
While writing new music, I like to sit by myself and make different suggestions on how I want a particular song to go. As an artist, I never appreciated just putting out multiple songs that sounded like one another. I don’t see any fun in that. I want to treat each piece as a film to tell my story.
Honk: Can you tell us about your new single, “What Happens When You Die”!?
Rikki Valentina: The inspiration behind this song comes from my experiences with death. In 2019, my father was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. That was the first time in my life I had experienced someone very close to me pass away. As time passed, more loved ones around me started giving, which was surreal. I was terrified but found comfort in writing this song.
I grew up in a Catholic household and was taught what happens when you die, but my grief had me questioning everything. During the funeral, people would tell me that my loved ones were always with me, which frustrated me. I wondered why I didn’t feel the presence of others and felt so alone. In a time of weakness, we want to know the answers and feel comfort. I made this song to make others feel comfortable when it comes to questioning the great unknown.
Honk: What do you like most about being a music artist?
Rikki Valentina: My favorite thing about being a music artist is that I can express myself through music. I can show a different side of myself through my vocal abilities, and I’m able to connect with others who enjoy my music as well.
Honk: What projects do you have coming up? Can you give us any info on them?
Rikki Valentina: I have yet to make anything come out for the rest of this year, but I am excited to show you what I have coming up. I can’t speak too much, but I know you will love it!
Honk: Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to enter the game of music?
Rikki Valentina: My most extensive advice to anyone looking to enter the game of music is to find your sound and do what works for you. My mantra is, “If you put yourself out there and work on whatever you believe in. You can do it.”
Honk: How do you solve productivity/scheduling problems and reduce overwhelming situations?
Rikki Valentina: I’m a bit of an advocate on the downsides of Social media and how it hurts our generation with anxiety, depression, etc. So #1, GET OFF of social media – it’s distracting! I’m into fitness and take pride in going on long hikes. It gets the creative juices flowing and helps me keep a clear mind. I also have a daily planner that keeps me on track to stay calm on a fully booked day. Writing things out has always helped me not get overwhelmed and feel in control.
Honk: Name Three things you can’t live without when recording in the studio.
Rikki Valentina:
- One thing I can’t even step into the studio without having is a good night’s sleep. It keeps my voice healthy and keeps me alert when it comes to the creative aspect.
- Secondly, Drink WATER. It’s essential. I make sure to hydrate myself constantly.
- Thirdly, it would have to be sweatpants. I am more creative and free when I am comfortable, lol.
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HTP Zacariah Takes the Crown with Ambitious New Banger ‘Himinem’
HTP Zacariah makes a striking impact with his latest release, “Himinem.” This track is a bold artistic statement, characterized by its high-energy production and confident lyrical delivery that commands attention. Zacariah’s flow is precise, executing complex rhyme schemes and syncopated rhythms over a beat that seamlessly blends contemporary trap elements with the foundational grit of classic hip-hop.
“Himinem” encapsulates Zacariah’s aspiration, adversity, and achievement narrative. The lyrics pay homage to hip-hop pioneers while establishing his unique identity within the genre.
The production features a compelling hook that enhances memorability alongside verses designed to engage and challenge the listener’s cognitive and emotional response. His atmosphere is a hybrid of anthemic celebration and motivational discourse—a track engineered for those moments of self-empowerment.
“Himinem” is a meticulously crafted piece that is best experienced at maximum volume, aligning perfectly with Zacariah’s artistic vision.
Celebrity
Queen Bey – Beyoncé Shatters Records With Her Unprecedented 2025 Grammy Nominations
Beyoncé is once again making headlines. After dominating the music scene, blazing through a record-breaking “Renaissance” tour, and launching a successful whiskey brand, SirDavis, weren’t enough, she’s now rewriting history at the Grammy Awards. In March, she took the world by storm with her eighth studio album release, COWBOY CARTER, which continues to echo across the charts. This year, the superstar has earned a stunning 11 Grammy nominations, setting a new record as the female artist who has ever received the most nominations in a single year. Once again, Beyoncé has firmly redefined what it means to be a trailblazer in the music industry, proving there are no limits to what she can achieve.
The 11 nods mark a new personal best for Beyoncé, who previously shared the long-standing record with Lauryn Hill at 10 nominations apiece. Hill achieved the feat in 1999, and Beyoncé first met that mark in 2010. The sheer range speaks volumes about her artistic versatility, relentless ambition, and unmatched status in the music industry. But with 2025 nominations, Beyoncé genuinely shines brightly in major categories like Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. Queen Bey’s fierce presence reinforces her iconic status in music in a highly competitive Grammy race that includes powerhouses like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Eilish.
This news arrives at an exciting time amidst swirling controversy. Despite COWBOY CARTER’s undeniable genre-bending success and Beyoncé’s well-received pivot into country influences, she was left out this year at the Country Music Awards and the People’s Choice Country Awards. With 17 nominations at the PCCAs, she walked away empty-handed, raising eyebrows across the industry. While Beyoncé soars on the Grammy stage, she’s faced notable snubs in the country music realm. A legend of the genre, Dolly Parton even commented on the snub in an interview with Variety, reflecting, “There’s so many wonderful country artists that, I guess probably are in the country music field, they probably thought, well, we can’t really leave out some of the ones that spend their whole life doing that.”
But for Beyoncé, this year’s Grammy nods are more than a consolation prize; they validate her impact. As she heads into Grammy season with 11 nominations, it’s clear that while the country music world might still be playing catch-up, the Grammys recognize Beyoncé’s immense talent. For enthusiasts and music lovers globally, one thing is sure: Beyoncé isn’t just making history. She’s actively reshaping it. Her work demonstrates that there are no limits within her sphere and that records are not intended to endure; instead, they are designed to be rewritten. Consequently, according to her vision and standards, she possesses the ability and intent to continue influencing the music industry.
