Today, we’re excited to dive into Ace Love’ s debut album, Valor & Honor—a daring blend of funk-pop, R&B, and disco that redefines the modern music landscape. This genre-fusing record pulses with raw emotion, exploring love, loss, and redemption through vibrant beats and soulful storytelling.
Ace Love’s musical vision shines through every track, from the anthemic opener “Valor” to the triumphant closer “Royalty.” His smooth vocals and magnetic energy weave a compelling narrative, while tracks like “Karma” and “Breathless” offer introspective glimpses into his personal journey. Whether it’s the sultry grooves or the empowering lyrics, Valor & Honor is a masterclass in balancing innovation with heart.
In our exclusive interview, Ace Love takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, shares the experiences that shaped his sound, and reveals how Valor & Honor sets the stage for his fearless journey in music. For now, press play and let Ace Love pull you into his bold and beautifully crafted world.
Ace, you’ve had such an interesting journey in music. Can you tell us a little about what first drew you to music and how you got started?
Well, the first thing I’d like people to know is that I’m influenced by many cultures. In my early years, I used to listen to a variety of music, and that’s kind of what shaped the way my own music sounded. I would fantasize over western movies and the entertainment industry because it really caught my eye since it was just the best form of expression I’d ever witnessed. The dance numbers, the script, the direction. I wanted to be a part of that so bad. I always look to impress everyone from all cultures, and that pretty much foreshadows how the next few albums will sound.
I used to dive deep into religious scriptures and recitations since it sounded beautiful and pleasant to the listener’s ear, but I simply couldn’t stick to them because the music I was making overpowered my senses and production became more appealing to me. I found my voice through the process of making well-written and emotional records, as that form of expression still impresses me to this day. After that, I was surrounded by the individualistic western sound of music, very self-driven, and I thought about the way individual artists create their own story rather than having to be a part of a movie or a drama.
The freedom of expression when it comes to the Western sound is unparalleled. After having studied and imitated countless cover artists, I found my own balanced voice, and that’s what led me to create my own records in my own home studio. Now, after having found my voice and learning the art of production, I’m in a much more comfortable spot than when I started off releasing records in high school.
What was the moment when you realized that music could be a career for you, and not just a passion or hobby?
See, my secret lied in proving myself to the world. I started producing high-quality tracks in middle school, and by high school, I was releasing singles that everyone heard but not everyone liked. My records left impressions of joy and pride but even made some feel envious. I received support and backlash, but to those that were jealous of me, I sought to prove myself to them the most.
A fire brewed within me. A fire that was only getting bigger with the will of commitment. A fire that no one could tame. Through the support I received, I knew during those days that there was longevity in my form of creativity. I knew I could apply my skills to my resources and create long-lasting emotions through music. Hence, I made a career out of my talent.
Your debut album, Valor & Honor, is an intense emotional journey. Can you talk about the significance of the title and how it reflects the themes within the album?
So I came up with the title after having named all 5 of my albums. I won’t disclose their names just yet, but “Valor & Honor” was meant to be the second album I release, but it just fit as the first album. The themes of redemption, loss, and self-awareness are evident throughout the album, especially with songs like “Remedies,” “Valor,” and “Royalty.” These songs have me opening up about my redemptive arc as an artist and how you can create art, not only knowing yourself but by knowing and studying the greats, hence, the feeling of being royalty. Know this: the art of imitation takes you into places of success once taken seriously.
The album mixes disco, funk, and pop with rich, emotive storytelling. How do you approach blending such different genres? Do you think your cultural background in South Asia has influenced the way you shape these musical fusions?
Well, that’s how the music came out to be; you know, it includes multiple genres because I have to prove myself within every genre I explore, and that’s kind of one of the assets of my talent is that I can unite multiple genres. The albums that come after valor and honor also have many genres blended together. I kind of don’t like sticking to one thing; I like meshing everything I’ve learned within a couple years and creating a highly cohesive piece of music that would resonate with a lot more people.
Not just connecting with the western or the south Asian, but attempting to relate with everybody on the planet. I can’t limit myself to a smaller target audience when I know this record can reach millions around the globe. So yes, although my story may have started with limited Western and South Asian roots, it’s a unique combination of many influences that aim to reach all audiences, without bounds. The heartfelt lyrics, epic production and an even more expressive act that is yet to unfold during my performances. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most. Performances are my domain!
You’ve said that each song has a strong connection behind it. Do you have a favorite track on Valor & Honor that holds the most personal meaning for you, and why?
Yes, the track “Royalty” holds a special place in my heart. I wrote that solely for my beloved, and I wish she reaches out to me one day and acknowledges the art I made for her. I made that track personally for her, so she notices it…it’s a statement of my benign love for her, and I’ve never seen this woman as one who doesn’t care. She’s helped me a lot, and I only wish the best for her. I think it’s only a bonus that this record (royalty) is that much more listenable because it’s a love song. I feel as if this relationship brought me to the next level of my writing skills. You have to feel a certain way, a very strong emotion, and to further express that feeling through art is a blessing and a gift that I wish everyone had.
Can you walk us through the inspiration for one of the tracks on the album—perhaps “Karma” or “Breathless”? How did your emotions at the time of writing affect the direction of the song?
Absolutely, the record “Karma” was my current feeling of not being accepted by the one I love. It was a statement of compassion even through loss and the fear of not having my beloved near me. I talk about the feeling I’d get if she returned. And that’s what Karma’s all about.
Her coming back to me and why I reminisce about her every day. I aimed to make that record solely to embody the will of my desire. The record “Breathless” was different in that way. It relates to people in the sense of being a provider for the one you love. To be content with where you are, even if you don’t have what you want. To live a life, sublime, and celebrate the fact that one day you will have that one true passion you give your all to.
You produced the first and last tracks on the album, “Valor” and “Royalty,” while collaborating with other producers for the middle tracks. How did you balance maintaining your personal vision with the collaboration process?
Well, that process is supposed to revolve around the artist’s vision. I let all my producers know about the lyrics and as soon as I got the track stems, I even added some personal instruments like synths and more bouncy drums. The producers are supposed to support you throughout the production process and even build ideas from the ground up with how the album should sound. I loved how invested they were in my character as an artist. They did a spectacular job in securing the vision, and I’m glad it became a such a well expressed album that fit the exact theme I wanted. That theme being redemption.
When creating a song, do you start with lyrics, melodies, beats, or a combination of all three? How does the story behind each song influence the sound you create?
Well, personally, I always start with the beat. The instrumental gives the initial feeling of critical thought, and it creates a theme that you have to accommodate with your lyrics. The lyrics create the story. The melodies come to mind as you are scatting, and right after scatting the melodies, you begin writing lyrics from your personal experiences that captivate listeners. That’s the whole creative process. Creating an astounding instrumental, analyzing the beat, scatting to it, writing to the scatting, and eventually recording all vocals. At least, that’s the process that works for me.
You’ve mentioned that love and personal relationships play a big role in your music. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about love that you’ve incorporated into your work?
The lesson is that love itself is everlasting. Love may break every bone in your body, but it stitches them back fibre by fibre. Love may stare you right in the eye and insinuate fear, but at the same time, it may envelop you in endearment and create a sense of confidence and pride. My love is reserved for my one, and I let that show in my writing. The effort I’ve made to rekindle the fire of love for my one is evident in my work, and I wish it never goes unnoticed.
I often reminisce about the times I couldn’t express myself when I was in a relationship, but for once, I feel a sense of comfort knowing that I have gotten these words out and that I have never bottled up my emotions. Expression is powerful in that sense. That you don’t let ill thoughts marinate in your mind and you only express the best of your words and thoughts, the crème of the crop as I call it. Never stay silent when you have a million words to express.
Lastly, how do you want people to feel when they listen to Valor & Honor? What do you hope they take away from your music on a deeper emotional level?
I just want my listeners to feel a sense of belonging when they invest themselves in this album. I hope they know that every story is worth being told and that all my fans are no different of a human than me. Everyone has their vices, and I hope this album not only cuts their bad habits but makes them all the more expressive and true to themselves. Everyone deserves a chance for their story to be told. I’ve paved my path myself and there’s not one individual that doesn’t have that ability. To all my benign listeners, let your story be told.
