Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Stewart.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a guitarist, vocalist, and singer-songwriter whose multilingual performances blend Latin, folk, jazz, and Americana influences. My original music has earned recognition from the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and the International Songwriting Competition. My recent Latin album Raíces reached #1 on the RMR World Chart in 2025 and received two Wammie Awards in 2026, honoring Best World Artist and Best World Album.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I moved to the United States with my family at the age of two. My musical identity has always been rooted in both cultures—shaped by the Argentine folk music my parents and their friends sang at family gatherings, and by the songs of artists like Cat Stevens, and James Taylor. After getting my first guitar at 12, music became a constant companion.
As an immigrant, mother, wife, teacher, and songwriter, I find my greatest fulfillment in connecting with all types of people through music. My songwriting feels less like a deliberate process and more like something from the subconscious. I am drawn to how delicate and profoundly heavy moments in our life can be, and those experiences continue to shape my work. Whether connecting with my preschool students or speaking with audience members after a performance, I’m reminded how music creates such a meaningful human connection. I currently teach preschool part-time in Falls Church, Virginia, for a program that helps families in transitional housing. I spend the other half of my time dedicated increasingly to booking shows, preparing promotional material, being a band leader, and finishing a new album.
Although I came to music professionally later in life, I see that journey as a strength rather than a setback. Raising my two sons and pursuing other roles gave me experiences that eventually informed and deepened my songwriting. Music has remained a constant thread throughout my life.
My debut EP, The Alchemist’s Journey, was released in 2020 as part of the duo Luna. In 2024, I released Raíces, my first all-Spanish album, co-produced with guitarist Kevin Dudley. My latest album, On a Wing, grew from an unexpected collaboration with Grammy-winning Argentine producer Leandro Alvarez. We met while performing at an Argentine fundraising event in Maryland alongside legendary accordionist Chango Spasiuk. After discovering Leandro’s work as a producer, I began collaborating with him one song at a time. Starting with “Aires de la Pampa,” we transformed my home-recorded demo into a fully realized recording, uncovering a shared artistic vision. The result is a nine-song collection of original music, primarily in English, rooted in folk traditions while embracing a broader musical landscape.
Centered on the theme of flight, this latest album On a Wing explores movement across borders, cultures, and personal transformation—reflecting my
emotional journey while maintaining the authenticity of my voice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not always smooth… my earlier challenges had to do with lack of confidence, such as stage fright related to being sort of an introvert, someone who wasn’t used to the spotlight at all. I would then hide behind other players and I never felt confident enough to sing anything solo for a while. I became really good at harmonies and became more comfortable in front of microphones and audiences at open mics I would perform at with my sister in law. My guitar playing was solid enough but sometimes I got real spooked by the whole performance thing. I think I really found my voice and confidence once I took opera singing lessons. I slowly believed in myself more and it began to show on stage. This became a confidence that eventually took me to songwriting and again, slowly believing in myself there too. Comparisons were always a constant challenge – meaning in my head I never felt I measured up to some of the folks in my music community. I was learning more and more to keep focused on my own work and repeating the mantra that all voices are individual and special and creating is too. If I envied a certain singer I would feel unworthy at first, but over time learned to see that people would not want to hear the same thing all the time and somehow there is room for all of us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist, musician, a singer songwriter and guitarist. I’m also a part time prek assistant teacher for a nonprofit that I initially volunteered for. It’s called Homestretch, and they provide temporary housing and services for families experiencing homelessness, so some of my students are from this program. It’s very meaningful to me. I love both of my jobs and am very grateful and proud to be able to have both in my life. My skills as an empath and nurturer/mother definitely fit the prek work well, and it’s great having a job that can help support a blossoming artistic music career (providing both time and financial benefits).
What sets me apart the most is probably being from another country, being bilingual and weaving both my culture and language into the music I play. I’ consider myself half American- maybe more American since I came to the US at such a young age, so both musical cultures play a part in my songs.
What makes you happy?
Being on vacation with my husband Steve, He’s the biggest supporter of my music dreams and cheers me on with each new success. It’s not always been easy being parents, following a military career, being married so long, but we are still each others’ best friend and our time together is super special.
I love playing concerts for people – especially those who appreciate my music and the connection I make with them through my music. It’s my art and my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valeriastewartmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewartvaleria/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriastewartmusic/
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@valeriastewartmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/valeria-stewart
