VAL KINZLER
Interview conducted on March 04, 2021
By Dan Locke
The Val Kinzler Band (VKB) is comprised of veteran rockers supporting Val with a strong passion for creating inspirational and original music. The talent, chemistry and diverse, creative impact of these players has evolved impressively since the band formed in 2013.
What was your upbringing?
My mom said I came into this world with a rebel’s yell! The Doctor announced, “It’s a girl!” and the nurse said…., “That’s a girl?” Mom always said, “Valerie, be a lady.” I was the only girl among four brothers and my Dad was old fashioned European. Women are kitchen, cleaning and children, ya know? I was tight with my maternal Grandmother who survived as a single mother during the Great Depression raising three daughters after her husband died from lung Cancer. The piano became my fortress of survival and I simply buried all my frustrations, hopes and dreams into our ivory keyed Wurlitzer baby grand.
My oldest brother and I never got along, still don’t. He is bi-polar and got arrested for stalking Pat Benatar in California prior to receiving his diagnosis. But, he turned me on to some amazing bands and that led to me getting deeper into music.
He introduced me to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Chicago, John Fogerty, The Doors, and Janis Joplin. On the day Janis died, I was in a boat on Upper Greenwood Lake in New Jersey with Fred. Janis’s Cheap Thrills record was pouring out from the speakers of the Beach Cliff Inn and I asked him; “Wow! Who is that?” He said, “That’s Janis Joplin, she OD’d today.” I was like, “What’s an OD?” Joplin’s haunted me ever since.
Some folks, who saw Janis live, say that I remind them of her. I never try to imitate but I believe our spirits are definitely in sync. She was an empath and also very well read. Loved Leonard Cohen, drove to her own rhythm. That’s me.
How did you start to write music?
The first time I played piano I was 5. Started taking lessons, loved it and began playing recitals where my teacher always encouraged me to include an original composition. Later on, I had a horrifying experience where my brothers wanted to piss me off, they stole my diary and gave it to our dad. I got into a bunch of trouble cuz, I was messing with cigarettes and my friends and I had just discovered alcohol and boys. It crippled me psychologically, the betrayal. I wound up locating where my dad had my diary hidden in his office and burned it in the back yard. Then I climbed up into our tallest tree with my recorder and played for what felt like hours.
An owl came out and answered me back after about twenty minutes and I knew music was my salvation.
In the 1970’s we had The Runaways and I was kind of clueless, but some girls in the neighborhood heard I played piano so they invited me to join their band. At that point, I got tired of playing covers and started adding words to my instrumentals.
We had a nut job manager who was always trying to hit on us, he was a born again Christian.
He never really proposed a threat as we were totally wise to him and he kept getting us paid gigs.
What is your guitar of choice? (year, model, etc)
I love my Taylor twelve string! I got it at 30th Street Guitars from Matt. It was a second guitar on the Black Crowes first tour, but, they barely touched it! Sounds like an entire orchestra!
Then, I have two amazing Martin Guitars with easy playing necks that I use regularly. One is an artfully collaged DX! Dreadnought that my bandmate and beau Joe Vasta got me on eBay for my birthday last year. The other is a black OOOCXE with a built-in tuner.
But, currently, I am looking for a cherry red American-made Fender Stratocaster. Because I was talked into selling mine years ago by my manager at the time to get an acoustic. Big mistake on my part.
What is the process of writing your music? What makes a good songwriter?
In my opinion, the best songwriters are born of authenticity. They have signature their particular style of telling the same old story in a brand new way.
The emotive content, melody, lyrics and arrangement must be in place before any fancy production tricks take precedence. A great song resonates with everyone’s heart of hearing!
Tell me about winning your first award. (John Lennon songwriting award)
When I sent in my demo for “Love Won’t Break” to the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, I couldn’t believe that I’d actually place in the top fifty. It was a crappy recording of just vocal and piano, but, case in point. That song still makes people cry when I play it live.
Recording Artist’s Development helped to expand my creativity because Philip Carrol is a wonderful classically trained musician but also into multi-genre songwriting. That gave me the freedom to develop my craft further. When I won, again, I wasn’t sure why they picked me. There were many great vocalists and strong instrumentalists who played before me. But it was a beautiful thing because I almost didn’t go to the audition. Michael McHugh, a dear friend and booker/songwriter that I’ve known for many years, was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack. I went to visit him and had my guitar with me. He insisted that I must go. So, thank you MQ!
Women In Music awarded me with a Martin guitar scholarship at Dusquene University.
When that occurred, I was in the process of suing a producer for money he took from me to produce an EP. I had the receipts and was en route to small claims court. But, the scholarship time frame conflicted with my court date. So, I chose to move on and accept the scholarship. It was there that I wound up conceptualizing my Music Cool World songwriting program for at risk youth. Serendipity!
How did VKB form?
I met Joe Vasta through Thommy Price. Thommy and I had worked a bit together and done some recording at Avatar in NYC. After not seeing Thommy for some years, I happened to accidentally run into Stefunny, his wife with their daughter Brooklyn. By this time, I was also a mom and Stefunny and I started talking. Then, they invited me and my son to their daughter’s birthday party where Joan Jett was also in attendance because Thommy was Joan’s drummer for like thirty years and I was introduced to Joe.
We stayed in touch and he came to see me play with my band “Validation” in Brooklyn at the Grand Victory. Joe is a tough taskmaster. He liked my theatrical style and the songs but, he felt I needed cleaner arrangements. Anyhow, I guess he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse as we’ve been partners for the past eight years! It was not a smooth transition and there was a lot of work involved as, Joe is a more studious musician, his dad played with Dizzy Gillespie and he’s been in top notch professional bands signed to every major label in NYC. I am more of an intuitive artist but, have grown musically under Joe’s wise guidance.
How did you get your name (Val Kinzler, Valkyrie Von Kinzler)?
When I was recording my “RESUME” record with producer Larry Russell of Muzik Jakit, we were trying to refresh my overall artistic profile. I mentioned to him that my dad was German and my birth name is: Valerie Birgitta Von Kientzler. But, for business reasons, my dad changed our last name. Larry thought Von Kientzler was dramatic sounding like my style of music. But, we determined that the original spelling might be confusing. So, it was then that I became Val Kinzler.
Title of your first original song?
“Dream a Little Louder”
I went through some addictions, afflictions and restrictions as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and developed anorexia/bulimia, chain smoked, drank, etcetera….. till it nearly killed me. At fifteen, I wound up in Long Island Jewish Hospital not really knowing who I was or why I wanted to die. A good friend’s parents took me in and later on I got counseling and realized my addictions were coping mechanisms. To survive in a dysfunctional family, one adopts para addictions and sometimes “out crazies” the crazy stuff that goes on. My Mom suffers from bi-polar disorder, my dad had anti social personality disorder and was a complete rageaholic, and I had two brothers with mental illness. There is one good brother who I love very much and we are very close, thank God. “Dream A Little Louder” was written as a prayer. I had just gotten into recovery and played it for the very first time at a healing retreat. People loved it and asked me if they could buy the record. I had just written it. Year later, that was the first track I wound up recording with Philip Carroll of Recording Artist’s Development after winning their contest.
Jimmy K Bones played a great solo on that RAD version and I recorded it with my Validation Band years later. I don’t write many happy songs but, I am basically an optimist.
Did any of the people you opened for give you any words of wisdom?
Dr. John, etc.
Mac aka Dr. John used to give me props. He knew that I was self conscious and susceptible to criticism. He gave me the name “Valkyrie.” He used to say, “Valkyrie, one day ya gotta rescue yo own ass and stop wastin’ time on people who can’t appreciate a free ride to Valhalla!”
I was flattered that Mac liked my songs. He said I was interestingly hip. For what it’s worth, to get appreciation as an artist from such a legend is definitely amazing and I miss him so very much. Too many stories to detail here. Gotta put it in a book someday!
Tell me about your record Nothing Sacred About Hatred. How did you finish 8 tracks in 4 days? What is your favorite track on the album?
“Nobody does that right?” We rehearsed and wrote charts and had every nuance planned out before we flew out to Oklahoma to record. From nine AM till 6 PM with one hour Sonic lunch break in between, we nailed down every track. I played twelve string and sang a scratch vocal on all the songs for the first day while Jon Ihle and Joe laid down the bass and drums and
David White played rhythm electric guitar. Day two: We added more of David’s guitar leads and I sang all of the lead vocals. Day three: We tightened up the parts and I sang all of my backgrounds and played the keyboard parts. Joe and David and Jon also added back ups on “Rock N’ Roll Thesis.” Our engineer and co-producer Guy Prier was amazing! Joe is tough but, you wanna listen to him cuz, he really knows his stuff musically. But, at times, we were getting on each other’s nerves and Guy Prier was an amazing mediator! At one point, I thought I wouldn’t make it through. Then I saw a plaque on the wall of Guy’s studio. It said: “The grace of God won’t lead me where the will of God deceives me.” I stole that line and place it in a song called: “Heaven’s Within” It is my best record ever and I am praying that after all of this Pandemic Lockdown stress, challenges with health among my cherished bandmates and the music business transitioning toward more virtual, digitized music, that we’ll finally make it back into the studio to record our forthcoming record.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I chew raw ginger before I sing. Also ginger tea with honey is great before a show.
It works well. I take lots of vitamins and put collagen powder into my morning coffee. I walk a lot because, one day, I may not be able to! I have two Pugs who keep me running and my son and I are very active, jogging, ice skating, cycling.
I also watch what I eat. Try to limit sweets and although I do drink some wine, or maybe a beer now and then, I never touch hard liquor. Can’t stomach it! One bad habit I re-visited during the lockdown because I was so frustrated by the uncertainty of it all– was smoking. Now I’ve stopped because, as a vocalist, I can’t do that. Especially at the age I am now. But, I think my good habits overall through the years have outweighed my “naughty” ones! Probably one of the most important things I do to stay in shape is to keep moving, and maintain a spiritual outlook. Without my faith, I’d be lost.
What song from the past is in your head right now?
Today is officially Women’s History Month so, all of my thoughts are swirling around women’s empowerment tunes and female musicians who inspired me to become a singer songwriter.
There are so many that come to mind. Lately I’ve been obsessed with Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” Peggy Lee’s “I’m A Woman.” “Kitchen Man,” Bessie Smith, Helen Reddy’s songs and she died this past year so, I’ll probably pay tribute with one of hers, and anything Nina Simone or Mavis Staples. Tina Turner, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Grace Slick, Janis Joplin…. there ain’t no stoppin!
Tell me about NYC Women Who Rock.
We lost Helen Reddy, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and many people died from Covid -19. Including Alan Merrill author of “I Love Rock and Roll” that signatured Joan Jett’s career. Lots of sadness and loss yet, it is in these darkest moments that artists create beautiful mosaics from the shattered pieces of our heartache. I’ve been doing these NYC Women Who Rock unity in the community events since 2014. Last year I produced an entire seven day, week long concert series for the first time. There is so much joy, creative inspiration, emotional healing and celebratory chaos that goes on during these fests! I wrote a song in 2014 called “Rock and Roll Women” I was a new mom and had my son well into my 40s. It opened my eyes to the stigma placed on women as caretakers because, I never thought to stop playing music. When my son was still an infant, I joined “The Dirty Mothers” with my dear friend Rew Starr who has been on every one of my women’s events since the beginning. I also played in a classic rock cover band on Long Island and took the baby with me to rehearsals along with the diaper bag and my guitar. But I lost some friends along the way who judged me and believed I was placing baby Jesse at risk? I am a very conscious parent and love my son dearly. But I knew in my soul that to deny my need to create music and perform, I’d become frustrated and wind up unhappy. Who wants an unhappy, bitchy mom? Also part of the reason I started doing these events was due to the fact that women I met were reticent to support each other. There appeared to be more competition and less collaboration. What I do is not appealing to all women. But, when I connect with those who appreciate the intent driving these events, it is truly empowering! It’s a celebration of strength, it’s a journey of healing and celebration of sisterhood. We need to dignify the fierceness of women and girls and what better vehicle to do that with than music?
Relational aggression among women I’ve found, disempowers us more than the men many women cvetch about. I’ve met wonderful guys who fully support strong outspoken women and I’ve had to disengage from women who bitch slapped me when I tried to include them in my events. It’s about uniting through our unique differences and listening to all sides of everyone’s experiences. Equality is only possible if we dig beneath the established patriarchy.
Good people from all sexual identities, genders, cultures and spiritual denominations can contribute their talents to make this world a better place. NYC Women Who Rock is simply an ideal based upon unity in the community and love. I dare say, when people feel “un-loved” “under-appreciated” that is when a lot of conflict occurs. Artists are powerful communicators, empaths and healers.
This past year was an important one to celebrate strong women.
Kamala Harris was elected as the first ever woman Vice President. Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s legacy lives on, Helen Reddy’s story is being shared among young women who never knew her story. Victims of Epstein, Weinstein, Cosby have spoken out. On Monday, March eighth, 2021, Anne Leighton, Bel Holiday, Rew Starr, Rigel Mary Sarjoo, Jules Quinn, Jendog Lone Wolf, Gia Jordan aka The Violence, Liz Taub aka Violizzy, Jasmine Sandler & Silent Fury, Sonya Heller, Carol Lester and I will be singing out for universal healing!
Johnnie Johnson/Chuck Berry ?
Rest in peace Johnnie Johnson. He was a gem of a Gent. What an amazing musician. Gone too soon. I remember meeting Chuck Berry at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, he and I started chatting as he was waiting to go on stage. Musicians know musicians, it’s a language unspoken and best played on our instruments. Chuck and Johnnie were both legends and I feel blessed to have met both of them.
Covid
Mom is 93, Joe’s mom is 95, they were vaccinated, we are all grateful to be healthy.
My mom recovered from Covid, she’s had the vaccine. Actually she was among the first thousand people in New York City to get vaccinated. But, sadly, we have not been permitted to visit her for a year! My boyfriend’s mom is 95 and got vaccinated but, we only see each other at rehearsal or if he drives into Manhattan. We’ve been having takeout food, car dates. I’ve not been sick, my son just started blended learning after months of doing virtual school from home. The isolation for my kid has really impacted him. It’s impacted all of us.
How can bands keep fans, sell merch w/o live shows?
ha ha! This is a loaded question and…… I am trying to re-invent myself as a creative person.
Patreon, teaching, creating curriculum and posting live streams, edutainment, coaching talent. I am combining life coaching in my songsmithing sessions currently.
I love to read into people’s personalities and strategize artistically so they can grow through their pain.
I always wanted to be a music therapist but quit college years ago to join an all girl punk rock band instead. There are many ways to help people heal using music.
A producer friend of mine just got his Masters degree in Social Work. We are planning to work together and I can’t wait!
Pay to play has always been big. Someone always has to pay, whether it’s a fan or an artist (out of pocket) – good to have friends in the biz. This makes the process more pleasurable. Playing music as a hobby is way different than living from gig to gig. It’s like packing for a trip, there are certain things you must prepare and take with you whether you’re planning to go away for a weekend or a few months.
“Save our stages”
I was in the Save the Bitter End effort which was good. They are not among the venues that have re-opened since the lockdown. I was hoping to celebrate my 60 birthday in April there as I have each year in the past. Both the Bitter End and I were born in 1961.
The venues have been challenged by high rent and that fell in turn upon the shoulders of the artists and musicians. With current capacity restrictions in place due to Covid, all of us are walking on eggshells. Musicians are dying to start gigging again and we need to get back out there. But, it’s going to take more time. Lots of us will have to find new occupations or go back to school or move back in with parents who never thought their kids would come back home again!
Musicares – additional resources – will look into them
There is always a ton of paperwork. I applied for some grants. Am hoping to connect with some Arts Councils or the Parks Department for paid gigs but it is extremely competitive.
Alternative career ideal?
I worked in the hospitality industry doing catering alongside music right when the pandemic hit. Both fields have been devastated. I have been teaching again. I love working with children. I love teaching anything creative. It keeps me growing and evolving as an artist.
large festivals? corporate sponsorship to play?
Totally! sign me up! I am ready to rock and will bring a vast array of fashionable masks! Yes. would participate in anything to share my music on a broader scale.
I am looking forward to going back to tour in Europe when it’s safe.
What is Music Cool World?
“edutainment”
Music Cool World is a prevention oriented songwriting program I created after losing my youngest brother to a heroin overdose. I was at Dusquene University sharing some original songs among a group of teenagers. When I played my song “The Junky Next Door” (a song based on a true story of domestic violence and addiction) it suddenly turned into a therapeutic discussion about addiction and dysfunctional families.
I realized at risk youth needed a place to vent their concerns.
When I got back to New York, I volunteered in an elementary school located in Astoria Queens. Three years later, I was still there as a full time prevention specialist and my songwriting program wound up becoming an integral part of the NYC Department of Education’s prevention initiative. I organized anti-bullying programs and taught peaceful conflict resolution skills using music as a medium. My “Silence The Violence” concert was featured on WFUV’s City Scape Program and featured alongside Sesame Street and Songs of Love.
I still teach the same curriculum but independently.
Any Final Thoughts?
In closing, I’d like to invite everyone to We The She
I have been doing this for 7 years and this year is particularly
important as many people are in need of healing and inspiration.
Thanks for inviting me to share my story of survival and I hope that others will come forward to share their strength as well.
NYC Women Who Rock is a safe haven for those seeking like hearted creatives with a passion for collaborating to create unity in the community and keep on rocking!
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