Q&A: Valley Comes Out of Hibernation to Rock M3F
INDIE POP DARLINGS VALLEY ARE BACK AND READY TO TAKE THE STAGE, and knew just what energy the crowd was needing at Phoenix’s M3F. Known for their infectious melodies and electrifying live shows, the band emerged from a creative refresh, eager to share new music and hit the road.
Valley has captivated audiences with their unique blend of catchy hooks and vibrant energy, making them a festival favorite. We got a chance to chat with the band prior to their set to delve into their creative process, touring experiences, and future aspirations. From crafting captivating setlists to embracing the influence of live performances on their songwriting, Valley offers a glimpse into their dedication to their craft and their unwavering passion for making music.
Read below to hear what Valley is starting to cook for new music and more below.
LUNA: Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today! The weather is amazing, and we're excited to see you play later. How are you feeling today?
VALLEY: Today is good, definitely a good vibe. It's nice to be back playing shows after some time off. We're not putting a lot of pressure on ourselves today, just excited to have fun. Coming back from a cold Toronto, this feels great!
LUNA: You released new music in January, is this the first time you'll be playing it live?
VALLEY: We actually won’t be playing any of those tracks today. That release was some songs that didn't make the original cut but we felt deserved to be heard. We don't want to overplay them at shows though, as we want to balance playing for newcomers and die-hard fans.
LUNA: So how do you approach a festival set compared to a headlining tour where fans know all your songs?
VALLEY: Headlining sets are tougher because you have to tailor it more to what people expect. Festivals are more like a greatest hits sets, where you play your most popular songs and maybe squeeze in some newer ones. It's been pretty relaxed so far.
LUNA: Your recent bonus tracks hinted at a more experimental direction. Is that where your next album is headed?
VALLEY: Those were like cleaning out the fridge, songs we forgot about. We're not saying they're bad, it's just not indicative of our next album. We're always experimenting and evolving, so it'll be different….We're outside finding new ingredients for our next recipe.
LUNA: This being your first show of the year, do you have any pre-show rituals?
VALLEY: One-off shows are harder because you're not in a routine like on tour, where you wake up, get coffee, soundcheck, etc. However, exploring the city and interacting with locals helps us feel more grounded.
LUNA: Does playing live affect your songwriting process? How you think about translating new music to the live setting?
VALLEY: We've been thinking about incorporating the live experience more into our songwriting lately. We enjoy playing our songs together, and some of them are specifically designed for that live energy.
We're also discovering a unique "pocket" when we play together, like a language of timing and dynamics that creates a special magic. It's not just about the notes, it's the feeling, the life in the music. We're focusing on that more, imperfections and all.
LUNA: Are there any bands you admire in this regard?
VALLEY: Every band has their own unique "pocket" that makes them special, like Oasis, Fleetwood Mac or The Beatles…We're trying to find ours, where everything isn't just perfectly timed but still feels alive and real.
LUNA: That's a great way to put it. Last question: what are your goals for the upcoming months?
VALLEY: We're always working on new music and definitely plan to tour extensively this year, aiming for North America and possibly Asia. We're setting ambitious goals and excited to be creative and expressive while having fun.
