Acari, born Carina Valdes, is the compelling Filipino-American singer-songwriter shaking up the bay area pop scene from her base in San Jose, California. Her sound is often described as emerging and emotionally charged, a direct result of her personal journey that began in the Philippines and led her to the U.S. in 1999.
A graduate of Silver Creek High School, Acari’s music offers listeners a vivid, cross-cultural soundtrack to navigating identity and overcoming self-doubt. Her artistry captures the raw emotionality of her influences while establishing a distinct pop style built on vulnerable, yet powerful, songwriting, capturing the raw spirit of the bay area while forging a unique voice in the modern music landscape.
Acari’s musical foundation traces back to the early 2010s as a key member of the emo rock band, April Chase. Following a hiatus, she made her triumphant return as a solo artist in 2022, delivering singles that spoke to internal struggle and resilience. Her solo catalog features notable tracks like “No Rules” and the deeply introspective “Paranoid.” Her collaborative approach shines on tracks like “Call Me Baby,” crafted with fellow musicians Kenny Nishikawa and Rey Resurreccion. More recently, Acari delivered the soulful single “Soft Trailz,” released in 2025 by Milli Lane Records, with production handled by Kenny Nishikawa and publishing credited to Maria Carina Valdes. The official music video for “Soft Trailz,” filmed by Nicholas Tennet and featuring the Rolling Sunset District of San Francisco with skaters Bella Dominci and Art Dedonna (part of Visual Skater Crew), provides a beautiful visual complement to the track’s sound.
This year, Acari opened up about her life and music on The Overnight Celebrity Show, hosted by Brian Shoots and presented by Pluslightmedia. in a heartfelt, inspiring interview, Acari covered heavy-hitting topics, including her musical inspirations, the reality of life as an immigrant artist chasing the American dream, and the delicate balance of artistry and motherhood. Acari also shared her love for film and talking story with Brian Shoots during the segment. The feature was capped off with a dynamic live performance of “Soft Trailz” and a stunning cover of “Yukon” by Justin Bieber, demonstrating her vocal versatility and range.
Beyond the visibility from the overnight celebrity show, Acari is a recognized presence on the west coast circuit. She has consistently graced high-profile stages, performing at events like San Jose’s, Music In The Park and even YouTube HQ. Her reach has expanded through touring the West Coast with artists such as Maoli and opening for several international acts. With appearances slated for events like Roots & Rhythms in 2025, Acari continues to solidify her dynamic presence, proving she is one of San Jose’s most promising musical entities.
All The Links
Facebook | Shop Acari | X
IG | Threads @acari.music
TikTok | Youtube
Written By Aaris A. Schroeder
Hosted By Brian Knockin’
PlusLightMedia
The Overnight Celebrity Show
