Saints Of Valory – Red Smoke

By starrymag | November 3, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

 

A) We’re an Alt Rock band, but definitely infused with pop melodies and hooks and that arena or anthem rock sound.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) As a kid it was a lot of brit pop, but as a consumer these days you get hit with so much music, genres and styles that it all makes its way into your music as you evolve.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Red Smoke.”

 

A) Our drummer was sending me a bunch of simple beats and vibey instrumental ideas he was working on and this one he sent which ended up being the initial idea for “Red Smoke” just spoke to me. I loved the vibe. Lyrics and melody were written in like fifteen minutes, which is the best because it’s the most natural and honest, kind of like you’re just having a conversation. My dad was in Amsterdam and had sent me photos of the city and the famous Red Light District there and that influenced the story in the song for sure.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think it’s that very simple feeling of looking back and reminiscing good days that everyone will always connect with.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video is about two young lovers escaping their small town to go into the big city and live it up for a night. It’s just something everyone does or has done. So, the message is to just live in the moment, get careless and make some mistakes sometimes.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It really is different each time. That initial inspiration that sparks an idea either musically or lyrically is something you’re always looking out for. We do tend to come up with music first or a sound of sorts that strikes a match and inspires lyrics and melody or a theme.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) A lot actually. In general, we’ve always been extremely hands on. Our guitarist Godfrey James has been producing music for most of his life and always played that role in this band.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Saints of Valory performance?

 

A) We just try to bring it and leave it all out there every show. It’ll definitely be energetic and these songs were written with the live show in mind so we can’t wait to see how it translates.

 

Q) We’ll be seeing you at Not So Silent Night on December 2nd. Who are you looking forward to seeing perform?

 

A) All the bands really. Last time we saw Imagine Dragons was in a tiny room in Austin at SXSW where they played for fifty people before they exploded onto the scene. So, it’ll be great to see them in an arena.

 

Q) Can fans expect a new album or EP in the near future?

 

A) Most definitely. We’ll be putting out a body of work sometime in the beginning of 2018.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Man, that’s tough as we’ve had the chance to play some amazing venues, but Red Rocks and opening for the Stones are at the top of that list for sure.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) There was some great records out this year…Mondo Cozmo, Royal Blood, Glass Animals, Run the Jewels, Spoon, Missio just to name a few. I dig them because most people have a great song or two on a record and I feel all these artists really brought it and made records where every song is just great.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Well, it’s the only way to connect with them these days besides touring. It’s just become part of life as an artist really and so important in taking them on the journey with you.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for listening and if you love what we’re doing, pass it on and come out and see us.

 

 

ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY LEAD SINGER GAVIN JASPER