Sunday, April 21, 2013

Interview: Chad Valley

By Melissa Bordeau

Chad Valley is performing at Schubas tonight, April 21st, with Ghost Beach and Chandeliers in support of his latest LP Young Hunger. Valley was kind enough to squeeze in some time for WCR while on his coast to coast North American tour. Before the show, check out what he had to say about his newest album and more.

WCR: How long did it take you to make Young Hunger?

CV: About 6 months from start to finish. It was about 4 months writing and 2 months mixing with Jonathan Shakhovskoy. He really had a big impact on the album. it wasn't until the mixing stage that I really took stock and realized how much I had done!

How did you get your inspiration for this album?

A lot of '80s music: Prefab Sprout, New Edition, Talk Talk, and stuff like that. It was a combination of British '80s sophisti-pop and Minneapolis New Jack Swing. Also just from the want to do something different but also complimenting what I had done thus far.

What do you feel is the strongest song on Young Hunger and why?

For me "Evening Surrender" is the most perfect song on the album. I was very proud of writing that. It was one of those clichéd 'it wrote itself' songs.

There is a lot of emotion in “I Owe You This” can you describe what this song means to you?

It’s about the slow realization that two people want each other in a deep profound way when they have been fighting each other away until that point. It’s not a personal song--I wrote it with George Lewis Jr in mind actually.



For your coast to coast North American tour, what is one state you are particularly excited about playing and why?

I am excited for Texas and California because those are the only states that I am doing more than one show in. I'm writing this from wet and rainy Toronto and am pining for sun again. The tour started in New Orleans so we had it good for the first week, too good.

What is your favorite song to play live?

"My Girl"--It’s always my closer and it still makes me smile. I bounce around like an idiot and have a good time.

How do you get yourself pumped up before a show?

Just boring vocal warm ups and a lot of pacing up and down. I am actually going on stage in Toronto in about 20 minutes so I guess writing this interview is my warm up tonight!

What’s one thing that connects you to music?

808 kick drum with the decay turned right up.

If you were not making music, what would you be doing for a career?

Working for my parent's paint company. It’s a family business. Like the mafia.

When in Chicago what’s one restaurant you have to eat at?

I went to a great Korean spot for lunch in Lincoln Park area. No idea what it’s called!

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Chad Valley with Ghost Beach and Chandeliers tonight at Schubas. Doors at 7:30, show at 8, tickets are $10 advance, $12 at the door, 21+.

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