Gold Coast band Vallies are passionate about producing something brilliant. Their new release ‘Kaleidoscope’ showcases not just these talented musicians, but also the talented producers the Gold Coast has to offer.
Kaleidoscope is a fitting image for the myriad of styles and influences displayed in the five-track EP. Yet just like the kaleidoscope, there is a symmetry and cohesion to the whole rather than a jumble. Each track has its unique flavour thanks to the epic collaborative journey the band went on to create the release.
Most of the recording was done with local musician, engineer, songwriter, producer Jared Adlam. When it came time to produce each unique track the band thought they would get someone whose style matched the track. So as well as Jared, Vallies brought Mike Watson, Benny D Williams, Troy Borg and Sam Woods along for the ‘Kaleidoscope’ ride.
Bart, Vallies' vocalist, says, “the producers have put their own flair on the tracks and that makes this EP something unique and special”. He goes on to say, “this release is not just about us [Vallies] and our songs but the collaborative aspect of it, five different producers, multiple visual creatives, plus the input of the Gold Coast City Council, we’re incredibly privileged.”
The input of the GCCC Bart mentions is the Music Merch Collab Program. The band received a grant of $5000 to put towards band merch, with the conditions the artist used for design was a Gold Coaster, and the production was on the Gold Coast.
Bart says, “we found this great local visual artist Barry P to design the merch and PSI in Currumbin are doing the printing. The grant was a game changer and we got such a leg up, it’s inspired us to be better. It’s humbling to be chosen for it, and we’ve already sold over half the merch! We still don’t have the final product so that’s been a lot of trust from our supporters.”
While the band originally formed in late 2019, it’s only really been the last five to six months that Vallies has really been charging. The support they’ve received has blown the lads, Bart (vocals), Jay (bass), Zian (guitars) and Dave (drums), away.
Bart says, ‘the band is really more a passion project than anything, just a few gigs here and there and more about producing something we are proud of. Everyone has jobs and families, other priorities. I’ve been working my day job then spending a few hours each night on the back end trying to organise the many different parts of this project. At times I found myself asking if it was all worth it. When we got just the mixes back [for the EP], not even the fully produced songs, it removed any doubts I had."
Now it’s all systems go, including getting busy with their film clip for the track ‘Kaleidoscope’. With collaboration being a strong theme for the EP, of course the video is too. The film clip will feature friends, family and other band supporters.
Bart explains, ‘I wrote ‘Kaleidoscope’ when my partner was pregnant so it’s about starting a family and the happiest time of my life. To tie in with that we’ve asked people to submit videos of themselves and their loved ones, dancing or enjoying being together for the video of Kaleidoscope. It’s all part of the collaborative process, creating community and fun around what we make.’ If you’d like to contribute your video there’s still time, head over to the website.
With musical styles varying from funk, rock and a little electro pop it’s a surprisingly well-blended and welcoming mish mash with something for almost anyone to feel at home. The boys will have a special something for you to take home with you, too.
‘Kaleidoscope’ the EP can be purchased through the band's online store and will be hitting Spotify at the end of July.