.

Both have that seductive, intriguing side of a woman coupled with the strength and power that’s traditionally thought of as male."

She and her band began knocking on music industry doors, and eventually some of them opened.

On stage, Syd notes, "I liked to channel flamboyant male artists. "Any band that has a killer front person, I’m gonna be interested."

A California native, Syd grew up in Uptown Whittier. "She said, ‘I can tell you’re kind of a bitch.’ She got a lot more out of me than I was prepared to share.

No Matter What is a fan favorite that showcases Syd Duran's vocal range and emotional depth.

"I’m really proud of it," she says. "Being an outsider made me a little lonely, but that’s what made me what I am now." She wasn’t one of the cool kids, but she began writing and playing some cool rock ‘n’ roll with a chosen few who understood her. "Ahmet liked the record and was inspired to do the novel," Syd recalls. Extreme is another standout track that features powerful guitar riffs and a soaring chorus.

As the album shows, her rock vocal chops would mean nothing if Syd didn’t sing from the heart. I Waited for You is the band's debut single, a catchy and upbeat rock song that features Syd Duran's signature vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Valora's music is often classified as hard rock or alternative rock, with a pop sensibility that makes it accessible to a wider audience.

"I needed to find a producer that valued vocals as much as I do."

The album opens with the savagely indignant "I Waited For You," a song Syd co-wrote a few years ago, and which drew early attention to the band. Their live shows are known for their high energy, crowd engagement, and dynamic performances.
A critic would say that Valora is an underrated gem of the music industry, with a sound that deserves more recognition and exposure.

But having a direction didn’t mean she had an easy time of it.

"I was different," she says. The latter track, about a nasty break-up, was co-written with Kara DioGuardi, who applied some artistic tough love on Syd to get the best out of her during the writing process.

"I’m a very introverted person," Syd says, "but Kara demanded I tell her about everything that was hurting me.

"I have never been afraid to be on a stage in front of people," says Syd. "It goes back to being the outcast. The band has been playing shows across Southern California, making friends and prepping for big things to come.