We recently contacted Crusade Records and were put in touch with Tom. Through Tom we then got hooked up with Tim from The Valley. The following is our interview with Tim.
Starting off... Can you each please state your name, age, what you do in the band and nicknames if you have any?
Tim – 21- Drums ‘timmy G’… Shaun 21 – Guitar/Vocals ‘Poochy’… Scotty 18 – Vocals ‘Terror’… James – 21- Bass ‘Jimmy’… Tom 19 – Guitar - ‘Hello?’ These are what I call them ahaha.
As a band, are all of the members more like a close-knit family or just business associates with a similar goal?
Close knit family all the way, good music only comes out of unity and we treat each other like brothers.
How did you decide on the name 'The Valley'? Does it have a special meaning?
It was originally going to be along the lines of ‘The Valley Of The Ghost’ but we thought short was sweet and we were all happy with The ‘Valley’
What music or artists have inspired you the most or influenced you to do what you do today?
As a whole we draw inspiration from many different styles and genres, mainly melodic metal, mathmetal to the opposite end of the spectrum like ambient and experimental styles. Some of our favourite bands collectively would be Blindside, Saosin, Underoath, As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean…
How would you describe the relationship between the band and your fans?
Fans are everything, we never want to act like we’re above them, we just want to hang out people and ultimately help them where they’re at.
What music or artists are currently in your CD player?
New Saosin is great, new All That Remains, then the classics of course.
What bands would you recommend that everyone should hear, but have not gained the exposure that they deserve?
Definitely The Appleseed Cast for me, and a local Sydney band called ‘Infernal Method.’
Have you always wanted to be in a band from when you picked up an instrument, or is it just how it happened?
As soon as I started playing drums, I was jamming with people and trying to form bands, there is nothing like coming together and combining efforts and making music.
Did you ever imagine releasing your very own record?
Definitely, it’s been a dream of mine since I very first started.
Where does your inspiration come from when you write your songs?
So many different things, so many different styles, but myself and the rest of the band just try to get inspired by God because He’s the one that gave us gifts.
How would you describe your live shows?
The metal equivalent of 50 Cent hahahahah.
What bands would you one day love to tour with?
August Burns Red, As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean
How would you say that your music and the band itself have evolved from when the band first started?
We have evolved heaps because the guys that wrote our first stuff left the band, and we now have a new songwriting team that lets everyone have equal input and we just try to write music that we love and want to hear.
What would you say is the main difference between your debut EP and the new EP?
The new CD is a lot more technical and dirty, yet has some real melodic and clean parts. I guess we stretched these two opposite sides further.
Pick the band favourite from 'BURNING AT THE MISTAKE'. Is there any history or specific reason behind the particular song you choose ?
Probably ‘These Shadows Aren’t Threatening Anymore’ because it definitely didn’t sound as good when it was first written, and we just let the song evolve to what it is now.
Is the band trying to portray any kind of message with the music and lyrics?
We want to portray the light of Christ and God’s freedom and love. It’s a dark world and you get hated for standing up for what you believe in, but we only want to help people because all of us have come from through hard times and we know we can help people and not drag them down like so many bands do.
Do you have any thoughts or advice for people trying to start up a band or already have a young band?
Just go for it, expect hard times and criticism but learn from it and move towards your dreams.
Any last comments or shout-outs?
Just like to thank everyone who comes to our shows and who buys our new CD and to any band we get the chance to share the stage with. And thanks to you for the interview…
Peace
The Valley has recently released their second EP through Crusade Records entitled "Burning At The Mistake" Visit their website for more information. http://www.thevalleymusic.com/
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