Moments into Valora’s Hollywood Records debut album, "I Waited for You," it hits home, singer Syd Duran is the real deal. Throughout the album’s 11 tracks, Syd sings with fearsome conviction, summoning all the just powers of rock into her three-octave range. But Syd is about more than technique or stage presence. She has stories to tell: stories about isolation and betrayal, of misbegotten love and life out of whack.

1. Most dangerous thing you have ever done?
It was more of a wrong place, wrong time thing. The first studio I ever recorded in was in the seedy part of North Hollywood. One night I was in lockdown for 5 hours because my car happened to be parked in the middle of the  crime scene of a homicide.

2. Favorite book?
Wuthering Heights

3. Do you have any good luck charms?
If so what? I rub Taelor's belly before every show. Haha

4. Would you rather have your back rubbed or a foot massage?
Back rub fo sho'!

5. I would kill to own:
A home recording studio.

6. If you could do a duet with any artist living or dead who would it be?
Dead- Jeff Buckley. Living- Jack White.

7. What's the most embarrassing thing to happen while on stage?
This has happened a few times... Sometimes I wear these adorable little bra-lets underneath a leather vest or top with a plunging neckline. Apparently they're cute, but not rock proof. They tend to slip down to my waist during performances, which totally defeats the purpose of covering up your bra!

8. The oldest thing you own is:
Baby blankey. (Hell yeah, it goes on tour with me!)

9. How big of a factor do you think being featured on Breaking Benjamin's 'Blow Me Away' has had on the success of Valora?
It was a huge honor to be featured on a song by a band that I've been a fan of for years. However, I don't believe it was an enormous factor in the success we've had as a new band in the rock world.

10. Your inspiration ranges from Pantera to The Go Gos to Radiohead and Jack White. Do you feel a wide inspiration makes for more well-rounded music?
Absolutely. If some is good, then more is better.