Veldor is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Queens whose journey into music has taken an unexpected path. When he’s not operating a tower crane high above Manhattan, Veldor is crafting songs that blend soulful vocals with honest, emotional storytelling. In 2025, Veldor emerged as a fresh new voice in Germany’s electronic and pop scenes, sharing collaborations with respected German producers like Moguai, Phil Fuldner, and Jaxon Bellina. His recent co-release with Moguai, “Found Your Love” (Warner Music Central Europe), has brought his name to festival stages across Germany, where he’s now performing for thousands of fans at events like Farbenwald Festival, White Sands Festival, Stone Dance Festival, Sunset Beach Festival, Nature One, Parookaville, and more. Alongside Phil Fuldner, Veldor is also premiering their upcoming track “Tell Me Why” live on tour, a dance record that showcases both Fuldner’s timeless production and Veldor’s rich, expressive vocals. Adding to the momentum, Veldor’s collaboration with Liquidfive, titled “Light in the Dark” (Warner Music Poland), recently entered the Official German Dance Charts, reaching #39, his first Top 40 charting single in Germany. As his music continues to connect with European audiences, Veldor remains grounded in his roots. With one foot on the construction site and the other on the festival stage, he’s proving that with passion and persistence, dreams can rise just like the buildings he helps create back home in New York City.
NB: Other than the amazing diversity, what do/did you love most about living in Queens (or Queens in general)?
V: What I love most about Queens is the realness. It’s grounded, hardworking, and honest. You grow up around people who wake up early, grind all day, and still make time for family. That balance shaped me. My roots are here from being raised by my Puerto Rican mother in Little Neck and Douglaston, to attending St. Francis Prep. Queens instills resilience and pride in who you are.
NB: How does Queens inspire you? What are some of your favorite places to be inspired in Queens?
V: Queens inspires me because it’s full of stories. Construction workers, immigrants, artists, families, everyone is building something. It’s a place where the average person can dream big while seeing the Manhattan skyline from just across the river. From the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park to the culture and energy along Roosevelt Avenue, there are endless sources of inspiration.
NB: What advice do you have for readers who are hoping to develop their musical practice? Is artistic talent innate and/or can it be taught/developed?
V: For me, music has always felt innate, but talent alone isn’t enough. I’ve spent years refining and developing my craft in pursuit of becoming the best I can be. Artistic ability can absolutely be developed. My advice is simple: if you stop now, you’ll never know how great you could have become. Keep going, no matter what life throws at you.
NB: How important is personal connection and communication (networking) in your industry?
V: Relationships are everything. Building genuine friendships and community matters more than ever especially in a world where AI and digital platforms are becoming the norm. Music is still human at its core, and connection is what opens doors.
NB: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? What is something you wish you knew a decade or two ago?
V: One of the most meaningful pieces of advice I received was from (German DJ) Avaion backstage at Sunset Beach Festival in Haltern, Germany. He told me, “You can really sing, don’t give up. It only takes one song to change your life.” Hearing that from someone so respected in the German dance scene gave me renewed belief.
I wish I understood earlier that this is a long game. Success isn’t overnight, it’s built through consistency over time.
NB: Who are some of your favorite creatives with a Queens connection?
V: I like to think hyper-local. There are incredible creatives working in Queens right now: comedian Gianny Gomez, who is incredibly sharp and funny; Worthy (Life of Worthy), a talented rapper out of St. John’s University with strong lyricism; and J Delerno, a poet from College Point with powerful storytelling ability.
NB: Favorite Queens venues and communities?
V: RA Open Mic is one of my favorite collectives. It truly fosters an artistic community in Queens. Huge credit to Rayla for giving emerging artists a real platform. QED in Astoria has also been an amazing space to connect with other creatives and build a supportive local fan base.
NB: What do you wish people knew about being a singer and a tower crane operator?
V: Being a singer-songwriter and producer is hard work. It’s not just performing; it’s writing, recording, editing, rehearsing, and handling business. I wish I had discovered my voice earlier. On my 25th birthday, I truly realized I could sing and that changed my life. As a tower crane operator, the responsibility is immense. It requires focus, discipline, and safety awareness every single day. Both careers demand dedication.
NB: What is something you wish I had asked?
V: “Why stay rooted in Queens?”
Because success feels more meaningful when you bring it back home. Queens built me.
NB: Upcoming events or projects?
V: I’m currently working on a five-song EP that leans on more acoustic and pop-driven songs like “Heart of Gold” and “Blame,” where songwriting and vocals take center stage.
In April, I’ll be performing in Berlin as a special guest alongside rising German pop artist Iggi Kelly. I’ll also be appearing on German television with Loreen Jane (@loreen_jane_official), joining him as he travels across Germany reviewing some of the country’s most iconic restaurants.
NB: If you could choose one song or genre to represent Queens, what would it be?
V: For me, one of my own songs, “Bat Sh!t Crazy,” reflects Queens. It was inspired by friendships I’ve gained and lost over the years. Growing up here, you see people from all walks of life, some who take the right path, some who struggle, but there’s always heart and humanity underneath it all. Queens keeps you grounded.
NB: What is a typical day like for you? How do you balance both careers?
V: Most days start at 4:30 a.m. to be on-site by 6. I operate a crane throughout the day, fully focused on safety and precision. After work, it’s studio time whether in Queens or over Zoom with collaborators in Europe. I’ve written song ideas sitting high above the skyline in my crane. The view never gets old, and neither does the inspiration.
NB: How does your story reflect persistence and authenticity? What’s the view like from the top?
V: I started producing music at 13 on a hand-me-down HP computer using FL Studio 7. Years later, I’ve released music with Warner Music Germany, Universal Music Germany, Virgin Records, and V2. Every opportunity came from persistence.
The view from the top of a New York City crane is breathtaking; it rivals some of the biggest festival stages I’ve performed on. It reminds me that world-class artistry can come from anywhere, even from 300 feet above Queens.
NB: A wild NYC story from the past?
V: In 2016, I recorded a song in my mother’s garage in Queens with Nicole Zefanya, now known globally as Niki. At the time, she was an emerging artist from Indonesia whom I discovered on YouTube. I played her a song I wrote on a speaker on a Manhattan street corner, and she loved it. We recorded it in Queens. Years later, she became an international pop star. You never know where a moment will lead, maybe one day the release of the song “Been Places” Veldor and Niki.
NB: How do you know when a song is done?
V: A song can evolve endlessly, but at some point you have to trust it. If the writing and melody work over simple chords, the foundation is strong. Emotion, sincerity, and vulnerability matter more than perfection.
NB: How did you build a fan base in Germany and Europe? What’s it like performing for large crowds?
V: It started with collaborations and friendships. Over time, momentum built. Songs like “Light in the Dark” with Liquidfive reached #24 on German Dance Radio. “Found Your Love” with Moguai received major FM airplay, including 1LIVE. “Brother” with Keanu Silva landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday Deutschland.
I’ve performed at festivals like Sunset Beach, Stone Dance, Juicy Beats, and Farbenwald, and even at stadiums like Deutsche Bank Park for Big City Beats (World Club Dome) sharing stages with artists like Moguai, Phil Fuldner, and more. Singing in front of thousands is surreal but whether it’s 40 people or 40,000, I give the same energy.
One of my personal highlights was a few months back in London where I shared a studio session with UK rapper Tinie Tempah. I got to sing for him and display my ideas, getting his feedback and insight was instrumental. Sometimes it just takes the small handshake from a legendary established figure in the music game to help set you in the right direction.
Every step has been earned, one relationship and one performance at a time.
—Nicollette Barsamian
The Local-Express interview series was originated on July 3, 2013 by Nicollette Barsamian.