abandoncontrol asked: Hi there. I just thought I’d stop by and say that I love your music :)) Oh and by the way, I’m from Bulgaria so uhh yeah, your music is travelling around the world. Anyway, that was really random. Okay, you’re lovely, thanks, bye

VE: You’re lovely for taking a moment to write me a note.  It’s nice to hear.  I’m surprised and pleased to hear that my music somehow came to your attention in Bulgaria. 

Anonymous asked: No questions. Just… Aide Memoire helped heal my heart this year. And I miss Ted Hawkins too.

VE: That’s quite a feat.  Very kind of you to say.  Writing it helped my own heart too. 

Anonymous asked: Glad to see that you like M83, too. I actually have to thank you, because I wouldn’t have discovered them if it wasn’t for you. I bought the Paste magazine with the CD sampler a few years ago because you were on it, and they were on it too. — (Fine Print Reading) Joe

VE: To me M83 is background music.  That might sound like a knock but I don’t mean it that way.  For the most part when I listen to music I pay attention.  Music, to me, isn’t a mere accompaniment to some other central activity.  It is the activity.  But one of my main problems is not being able to relax and so I’m trying to expand my use of music.  M83 helps me do that.  It’s music to get lost in, to daydream to.  It affects my mood in a non-specific way.  It leaves me alone; it doesn’t drags me into its affairs.  I don’t care what Anthony Gonzalez is saying.  And that’s something very new and refreshing for me. 

Anonymous asked: Got any plans or expectations set up for 2012?

VE: This may be the hardest question I’ve ever been asked.  Not because I don’t have a very specific list of things I wish to accomplish.  The frightening part is what I’ve decided not to include on that list.  I feel the need to reshape my life in a major way.  I’m being vague, yes.  Because I’m scared to say something I’ll regret.  If I write it down, it might embarrass me later.  So my answer to your question, for now, comes in the form of this unimaginative metaphor: for years I’ve been banging my head against the same wall, trying to break through it.  It’s clear I’m not doing damage to the wall, only to my head.  My only real option seems to involve taking a step backwards and walking in an entirely new direction.  Even saying that much, I’m embarrassed.    

theneverendinglist asked: Hey Val, Just wanted to thank you so much for coming to Cleveland. It had been 7 long years almost to the date that I got to last see you perform in Detroit. I’ve got to say it was worth the wait and I was even Happier that I could share it with my Family as well (not enough adults bring there kids to all ages shows to expose them to wonderful music). To think of all the things that have changed in our lives in the last 7 years is amazing, but your still making music and I’m still listening….

VE: Here’s another way to look at it.  In dog years, I tour Cleveland yearly.  Thanks for waiting. 

Anonymous asked: Serious: You need to update the link on “I get sad.” I suggest a Kardashian family portrait? Semi-serious: Or you could rename it to ‘y’all get sad’ and put up a picture of you in your underwear pointing at yourself because you’re never going to show us all what you’re working with hahahahaha.. ;)

VE: I went in a different direction.  Check out my new sadness.