Valkyrie Sessions
Valkyrie Sessions is a podcast focused on women in rock, metal, metalcore, punk, and alternative music. It features album reviews, interviews, artist spotlights, and festival discussions, along with industry conversations. Episodes highlight both new releases and underground bands while exploring topics around the future of Valkyrie Fest. The show aims to amplify voices and talent across the heavy music scene and releases new episodes weekly.
Episodes
Aftershock 2026: Great Music, But Room to Improve | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 14
Aftershock brought the heat—and plenty to talk about! In Episode 14 of Valkyrie Sessions, I recap my Thursday experience, including standout sets from Nothing More and The Pretty Reckless, the festival setup, and sound issues I experienced. I also share feedback from other attendees about what worked and what needs to improve.Plus, Xandria’s Eclipse delivers one of my most enthusiastic album revie
Carrie Underwood Going Rock? | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 13
This week on Valkyrie Sessions, we’re talking Carrie Underwood possibly entering her rock era, DragonForce’s new chapter with Alissa White-Gluz and Alessio Garavello, Maria Brink’s upcoming solo project, and a full review of Lacuna Coil’s Sleepless Empire.I also dive into Aftershock 2026, including my Thursday plans, the tough schedule conflicts, the bands I’m most excited to see, and my thoughts
QUEEN NENE! Thai Rockstar Crowned AGT Champion 👑🤘
NENE ROYAL IS YOUR AMERICA’S GOT TALENT SEASON 21 CHAMPION! 👑🤘What an incredible journey.After months of unforgettable performances, Thai rockstar Nene Royal has officially won AGT, and I HAD to jump on for a special edition of Valkyrie Sessions to celebrate it.In this video, I look back at Nene’s incredible finale performance of “Seven Nation Army,” what makes her stage presence and ability to re
Why Wasn't Soundgarden's Halftime Show Televised?! | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 12
Why wasn’t Soundgarden’s NFL halftime performance with Taylor Momsen shown to viewers at home?On Episode 12 of Valkyrie Sessions, I break down the frustration surrounding Soundgarden’s performance with Taylor Momsen and Mike McCready during NFL opening week—and ask why viewers watching on NBC didn’t get to see it, especially when the Jonas Brothers’ halftime performance was shown in full on Netfli
Are Cell Phones Ruining Concerts? | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 11
Are cell phones ruining the concert experience? 📱🤘On Episode 11 of Valkyrie Sessions, I dive into the debate after Kittie recently discussed how live shows have changed in the smartphone era. Taking a few pictures or short videos is one thing — but are we spending too much time recording concerts instead of actually experiencing them?Also on this week's show:🏈 The Warning are headed to the NFL
AS GOOD AS GOLD?! Nene Royal Does It AGAIN! | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 10
Nene Royal is AS GOOD AS GOLD!Valkyrie Sessions officially hits double digits with a packed Episode 10!I break down Nene Royal’s performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” on America’s Got Talent, the incredible crowd reaction, her Golden Buzzer from Mel B and the continued evolution of a 16-year-old performer who looks increasingly comfortable commanding the stage.Then it’s time for a busy wee
What's Missing From Music Festivals? | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 9
Music festivals keep getting bigger, more expensive and more elaborate — but are they actually getting better for the average fan?On Episode 9 of Valkyrie Sessions, I break down what I think is MISSING from today's music festival experience — from giving unknown local bands a legitimate shot, to better hydration and shade options, fan jam sessions and workshops, and bringing back more opportun
Nene Royal & Brook Lynn Are ROCKING AGT! | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 8
Nene Royal was damn near perfect with her cover of Muse’s “Hysteria” on AGT — but she wasn’t the only woman bringing some rock and metal into the competition. Brook Lynn took on Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life,” and suddenly rock fans might have a LOT more to root for this season than we thought.On Episode 8 of Valkyrie Sessions, Aaron breaks down both performances and why Nene continues to look l
Why Are Women Taking Over Rock & Metal? | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 7
Why are more women than ever thriving in rock and metal—and what’s driving that growth?On Episode 7 of Valkyrie Sessions, we bring back Valkyrie Voices to hear directly from people within the scene. Closure vocalist Lucy May shares her thoughts on representation and femininity in heavy music, while Emily Agnesini, Sarah Macdonald and Steve Hughes give their perspectives from the metal media world
Rock + Metal BELONG on Talent Shows | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 6
Do rock and metal deserve a bigger place on TV talent shows? I think the answer is yes.In this episode of Valkyrie Sessions, I dive into why shows like America's Got Talent, The Voice, American Idol, and The X Factor have helped launch incredible rock and metal artists.Also this week:🎤 Thailand names Nene Royal as part of its Global Tourism campaign after her incredible America's Got Talen
Nene Royal Could Win It All! | Valkyrie Sessions Episode 5
Could Nene Royal win it all? On Episode 5 of Valkyrie Sessions, I break down her powerful America’s Got Talent performance of “Zombie” and explain why she has the talent, stage presence and uniqueness to go far in the competition.Also in this episode:🎸 Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox steps in after a fan gets violent—and why proper mosh-pit etiquette matters.🎤 Valkyrie Voices: Women from across roc
This Is a Huge Win for Women in Metal | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 4
Welcome back to Valkyrie Sessions!This week, we're remembering Jennifer Finch of L7 and the impact she made on rock music. We also dive into the latest controversy surrounding Poppy, take a look at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's new Women in Metal: You Will Know My Name exhibit, and discuss what it means for the future of heavier music.Plus, I share realistic ticket prices, attendance
🤘 I Think I Found the PERFECT Home for Valkyrie Fest... | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 3
This week on Valkyrie Sessions, we're covering one of the best live shows I've ever attended, discussing Louder Than Life's new all-female stage, and diving into the biggest question surrounding Valkyrie Fest so far...Where should it be held?!After researching dozens of potential festival locations across the United States, I narrow it down to my personal favorites and explain what mak
Olivia Rodrigo's Festival Idea Rock & Metal Should Copy | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 2
Why do so few women appear at the world's biggest rock and metal festivals?In Episode 2 of Valkyrie Sessions, I compare five major rock festivals and break down the numbers behind female representation on festival lineups. I also discuss Olivia Rodrigo's new Daisy Chain Fields festival and why I believe parts of that concept could inspire future rock and metal festivals.Also in this episod
An All-Female Rock/Metal Festival?! | Valkyrie Sessions Ep. 1
Could an All-Female rock, metal, metalcore and alternative music festival actually succeed? Welcome to the very first episode of Valkyrie Sessions! On Episode 1, I introduce Valkyrie Fest- a concept for a destination festival celebrating the incredible women leading today's rock, metal, metalcore, punk, and alternative scenes. I discuss what a festival like this could look like and mention som
