As a self-described "weirdo ginger", LA-based artist joe valentine is certainly one of the more unique artists we have come across of late and he now returns with his latest banger 'cairo'.
With influences that stretch as far and wide as Kanye West, LCD Soundsystem, and Beck, 'cairo' certainly sees him live up to that diverse aesthetic. Mixing hard and pulsing guitar hooks with techno-inspired beats, this new delight is one that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
So with the new single out and about, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I truly fell in love with was guitar. I’d played plenty of others prior, but not had the same kind of immediate affinity for them.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
For so long, it was just the fact that music was my escape from reality. It was something that I could control and use to create and to express myself in ways I felt uncomfortable doing any other way.
Now, my most prominent inspiration is the potential of offering something meaningful to hundreds of millions of people. A song is a vessel for an idea. Just like any piece of art is.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Anything that was meticulously crafted. I obsessed over Sufjan, Radiohead, Charles Mingus, Debussy, Ravel, Pat Metheny, Bill Evans.
What inspires you to make music?
The possibility that the music I create may better others’ lives as my favourite music has for me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Remi Wolf, Selena Gomez, Kanye, Brian Eno.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Dozens!
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Auditioning for American Idol over Zoom.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Oof, a tough question. Radiohead or Travis Scott or Tame Impala or Bjork.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Using technology to solve problems for people.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“It’s not about you.”
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joe valentine's new single 'cairo' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.