Photo by Liza Marie Williams
JACK VALERO SHARES THE NEW SINGLE ‘HEAVEN HELP ME’ – LISTEN HERE
FROM THE NEW EP ‘NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE’, OUT 29TH JANUARY 2025
“One of the finest singer/ songwriter talents to emerge over recent years. Just because your father is Billy Bragg does not guarantee that his immense talent will be passed on, but there is little doubt with Jack that it has. So much exciting music to come from him in the future.” – Louder Than War
“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
“An incredible mastermind in building characters through his music… layering introspective and complicated lyrics over a joyful sound.” – Wonderland
“Classic, old school British songwriting with a contemporary sound and a hint of Tom Petty.” – Record of the Day
It’s been a hectic summer for Jack Valero as he prepares to release his new EP ‘Not In Kansas Anymore’ on 29th January 2025 – a set produced by the acclaimed Top 5 solo artist Jamie Webster, and Jack’s first for Modern Sky UK (Lottery Winners, Red Rum Club).
The EP’s lead single ‘Always Something You Can Do’ was supported by BBC Introducing, Radio X, This Feeling and Amazing Radio ahead of the Hope Not Hate tour. The follow-up, ‘Karaoke Dreams’, then received its premiere from Chris Hawkins from 6 Music before Jack and his band got festival season underway with the Isle of Wight and three sets during a memorable Glastonbury weekend. Now Jack continues to drive forward as he shares his latest single ‘Heaven Help Me’.
‘Heaven Help Me’ is a song with an unusual back story. It was originally Jack’s very first independent solo release, a sombre, gospel-tinged song written as his reaction to the turmoil of the pandemic. But as he prepared for sessions for his upcoming EP, Jamie Webster suggested revisiting it. Together they made ‘Heaven Help Me’ something radically different. Now it’s a vibrant, explosive power-pop track, a context which totally changes the tone of Jack’s lyrics.
Jack says, “‘Heaven Help Me’ shows the political side of my music. It was inspired by the total feeling of helplessness and dismay I felt at the state of the world and my own personal situation. It felt as if the world around me and my personal life were one and the same, going through great upheaval and lasting changes that were scary and overwhelming.
Once I got working with Jamie Webster, he said he loved the sentiment and felt that instead of it being a sad ode to dismay as I originally intended, it should be a rising call to action! It should be given the anger, attitude and intensity that the message deserved and that’s exactly what we did. He transformed it completely and now it bursts out like a shouting chant through a megaphone. I think it also perfectly reflects my own personal progression, feeling lost and alone when I first wrote the song to now having a new-found confidence and energy. I had no idea what was going to come from reworking an old song, but I’m so glad we did and I’m constantly impressed by Jamie’s vision.”
From its singles so far, ‘Not In Kansas Anymore’ is shaping up to be a striking evolution in Jack’s style since his previous EP, last year’s ‘This Is A Nightmare’. His songcraft, rich melodies and skill for delivering intriguing lyrics all remain in fine focus, but the energy and positive feel of his music has been elevated to new heights.
Jack Valero’s next stage of touring includes guests to Jack Jones, Jamie Webster, The Clause and Mick Head and the Red Elastic Band:
NOVEMBER
2nd – Glasgow, Poetry Club, SWG3 (*supporting Jack Jones)
3rd – Liverpool, Jacaranda (*supporting Jack Jones)
6th – North Shields, Three Tanners Bank (*supporting Jack Jones)
7th – Manchester, Yes Basement (*supporting Jack Jones)
8th – Cambridge, The Six Bar (*supporting Jack Jones)
9th – Shrewsbury, Albert & Co (*supporting Jack Jones)
19th – Keele, University (*supporting Jamie Webster)
20th – Newcastle, 02 City Hall (*supporting Jamie Webster)
21st – Lincoln, Engine Shed (*supporting Jamie Webster)
22nd – London, Omeara (*supporting The Clause)
23rd – Brighton, Green Door Store (*supporting The Clause)
DECEMBER
6th – Bristol, Thekla (*supporting Mick Head And The Red Elastic Band)
7th – Nottingham Rescue Rooms (*supporting Mick Head And The Red Elastic Band)
Follow Jack Valero:
Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |X | Website
