NEW EP ‘THIS IS A NIGHTMARE’ IS OUT NOW – LISTEN HERE
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE TITLE TRACK AND NEW SINGLE
UK HEADLINE STARTS NEXT MONTH
“Songs showcase Valero’s talent for classic songwriting, emotionally-driven storytelling, and a warm melody that hooks in your head and heart.” – The Line of Best Fit
“Feels of classic Elvis Costello.” – Chris Hawkins, 6 Music
“Has a deft yet assured touch, carrying a lush, late summer feel.” – Clash
“Valero injects some much-needed change into the world of British pop.” – Wonderland
“Classic, old school British songwriting with a contemporary sound and a hint of Tom Petty.”- Record of the Day
Hot on the heels of his last single ‘Catch My Soul’ achieving Record of The Week on XS Manchester, emerging singer songwriter Jack Valero shares his debut EP ‘This Is A Nightmare’ on Modern Sky, which is released alongside a video for its title track and new single. His touring plans have also expanded, dipping his toe in the water with his first ever headline tour and a set at Live At Leeds and Sŵn Festival added to his previously announced shows. These new announcements add to a strong year with other highlights including launching his full live band, signing a deal with Modern Sky (Lottery Winners, Slow Readers Club, Jamie Webster), and playing two sets at Glastonbury.
The single ‘This Is A Nightmare’ captures Jack’s ability to contrast joyous, energising sounds with lyrics that come from a more troubled and introspective place. In this case, his jaunty, jangly indie-pop tells the story of a relationship that’s over – even if both parties are yet to accept their fate. The song was written by Jack and was produced by Romeo Stodart (Magic Numbers) and engineered by Dave Izumi at Echo Zoo Studios.
Jack says, “This song is about confronting the truth of a dying relationship in a somewhat sarcastic and humorous way. I’m big on characters in songs and this character is trying to make the other character admit that their time is over, but facing it in a more positive way than the traditional sad break-up song. Instead it reflects on the euphoric freedom that sometimes comes with brutal honesty.”
The accompanying video continues Jack’s flair for translating real life emotions into playful and engaging visuals. Jack and backing vocalist Ami Shouler feature as emotionally deadened and robotic puppets both going through the motions trapped in separate toxic relationships. But when they’re unexpectedly thrown together, their connection sparks the start of a bright new future. The video also features cameos from the other members of Jack’s live band. Watch the official video HERE.
The ‘This Is A Nightmare’ EP also features all of Jack’s recent releases (‘Pull Back The Hammer’, ‘Temporary Helplessness’ and ‘Catchy My Soul’) and is completed by the new bonus track ‘St. George’s Road’.
Jack and his band – completed Jake Mason (guitar), Maxine Cahill (bass) and Theo Williams-Burchell (drums) – are now preparing to embark upon their first full UK headline tour together, having recently played festivals including Kendal Calling, Cerne Abbas and Summer By The River. Tickets are available HERE, and their full list of upcoming shows are listed below:
OCTOBER
13th – Liverpool, Kaz Stockroom (HEADLINE SHOW)
14th – Live At Leeds
15th – Manchester, Gullivers (HEADLINE SHOW)
17th – Glasgow, McChuills (HEADLINE SHOW)
20th – Sheffield, Sidney & Matilda (HEADLINE SHOW)
21st – Shepton Mallet, Pilton Club (supporting Billy Bragg)
22nd – Cardiff Sŵn Festival
NOVEMBER
4th – Reading, 19 Something Festival
DECEMBER
1st – London, The Grace (HEADLINE SHOW)
8th – Sunderland, Fire Station (supporting Tom A. Smith)
‘This Is A Nightmare’ EP tracklist:
- ‘Pull Back The Hammer’
- ‘Temporary Helplessness’
- ‘Catch My Soul’
- ‘This Is A Nightmare’
- ‘St. George’s Road’ (bonus track)
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