Artist Spotlight: Vale! ULB

New Orleans, LA — Genre-defying Latin fusion band Vale!ULB returns with their vibrant new single “Devoráme,” an irresistible track that blends the sensual pulse of Brazilian funk with the soulful swagger of New Orleans and the grit of modern hip-hop. Translating to “devour me,” the song is as daring as its title—an invitation to move, feel, and surrender to rhythm.

This Q&A gives fans a rare glimpse into the mind of one of music’s most respected voices.

Eye On Pop: What was the first song you ever wrote, and what inspired it?

Vale! ULB (Deezle): It was called "Apples and Rice.” It was inspired by life lessons and sometimes having to suffer through things that didn’t make sense to you. So sometimes, you gotta eat your apples and rice.

Eye On Pop: How did you get started in the music industry?

Vale! ULB (Emiliano): My career in music started as the best mistake I ever made. I grew up in a family full of professional athletes, so naturally I wanted to do sports as an elective in school. Instead, they put me in music class, and even though I complained, they couldn’t change it for a month. On the first day of class, we were asked to try an instrument, and I couldn’t play anything…until I played the trumpet, and a small sound came out. The teacher immediately gave me the trumpet to take home. I practiced a little, and when I heard Mile Davis I fell in love. The next month, my family offered to change my classes, but I stuck with music. Eventually, I played more music than sports. I liked being in my head developing my talent, vs something that felt competitive.

Eye On Pop: What challenges did you face early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Vale! ULB (Anier): Coming to the US from Cuba was a big change for me. I first arrived in New Orleans to play music with a legendary band, and it was amazing being part of such a talented community. I think the most difficult thing was believing in myself and my abilities throughout that process. I overcame that by simply pushing forward, no matter the circumstances!

Eye On Pop: What’s the story behind your favorite song you’ve written?

Vale! ULB (Emiliano): It’s called “Dame Tu Fuego” meaning give me your fire. I was feeling very passionate and powerful as a man the day I wrote that song. I was feeling like THE guy that day. When I write songs, I am usually inspired by something I experience or my general vibe for the day. I am a melodic guy, and as a trumpet player, the melody always sets the mood, and the lyrics come to me based on how I’m feeling.

Eye On Pop: What’s something about you that fans might be surprised to learn?

Vale! ULB (Deezle): They would surely be surprised to learn that I did ballet and sang opera.  

Eye On Pop: What’s the most significant change you’ve seen in yourself since starting your music career?

Vale! ULB (Val): I learned how not to take anyone and anything too seriously. In the music industry, we tend to be stressed out about everything, but at the end of the day you’re making music and it’s fun. I also learned how to create my own character and how to bring that character to life when I perform through dance and stage presence. It’s really about having a great time with everyone around you!

Eye On Pop: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

Vale! ULB (Emiliano): Playing basketball with my son. I also like to play football with him. It’s always a challenge when we play, we fight, and then we go on a donut run. Family time with my kids is important.

Eye On Pop: How do you balance your personal life with your music career?

Vale! ULB (Anier): When I’m not performing, I’m with my family. Family is very important to me and it brings me a different kind of joy which I use to inspire my music.

Eye On Pop: How do you define happiness and fulfillment in your life and career?

Vale! ULB (Deezle): My happiness has never been defined by my success in music, and always by my personal growth as a human and humanitarian.

Eye On Pop: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your career?

Vale! ULB (Val): I learned to enjoy the process. Everything takes practice. There’s no point in rushing and trying to get to the finish line if you don’t enjoy it.