Valeria Sanchez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Valeria, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My band recently celebrated our record release with a show that was both successful and deeply meaningful. I could truly feel the warmth and support of the audience. I’m proud of the work we’ve put into this new album and of how far we’ve come as a band. Through challenges and moments of uncertainty, we’ve remained devoted to this project, and reaching this point feels like a genuine accomplishment.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Valeria Sánchez, lead singer of Ladrones, a punk rock band born in Puerto Rico in 2016. After Hurricane María, we moved to Georgia, touring at first with half the band still on the island, and over the years we’ve grown into a full Georgia-based lineup. We released our first full-length album in 2019 through Slovenly Recordings and just released our second through Rad Girlfriend Records. With fast, catchy songs in Spanish, the Puerto Rican flag proudly on stage, and raw, unapologetic live shows, being a latina in a punk band makes me feel utterly fearless.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was performing on stage with my first band in Puerto Rico. I remember the rush of energy from the crowd, the adrenaline in my veins, and the sense that I could command the space with my voice and presence. Even as a young woman in a male-dominated scene, standing there singing and seeing people respond to our music made me realize that my voice — literally and figuratively — had power.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the defining wounds of my life have been the experience of displacement and loss after Hurricane María, leaving Puerto Rico, and navigating a music scene as a young Puerto Rican woman in a male-dominated environment. Each of these moments brought feelings of uncertainty, isolation, and self-doubt. I’ve healed them by leaning into my music, building a supportive community with my bandmates, and using my voice to express my identity unapologetically. Performing, creating, and sharing my story has been both cathartic and empowering, transforming past pain into strength and purpose.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is my identity as a Puerto Rican Latina. Through singing in Spanish, and honoring some of our stories in my music, I strive to celebrate and preserve my heritage. Being Latina is a source of strength, pride, and connection to my community, and I never compromise it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I deeply understand that all humanity is connected — that we are all one. Most people are limited by what they perceive in the third dimension, but I try to remind myself that there’s so much more beyond what the eyes can see. This perspective helps me release what isn’t important and focus on what truly matters: love, making every day count, and seeing the good in people. Ultimately, I try to live knowing that they are me, and I am them, and that mindset guides how I move through the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ladronespr @gunhead_vale
Image Credits
Chad Edwards
