The Valentines

INDIE punk doo wop sensations The Valentines have made rapid progress in the two years since they formed, moving from experimental, Ramones-covering hopefuls to one of the most original and sought after bands in their native Jersey being invited to play the largest music festival in the Channel Islands after just five months in existence. The Valentines formed at the start of January 2005 under their original name The Droogs. Singer Christian Jegard, guitarist Gavin GaaGaa and drummer Jonny Hill were in other bands at the time; used to playing on the same bill, but not in the same band. Tom Jordan was often a spectator, but was the ultimate choice when seeking a bassist for what was soon to become The Valentines. They began experimenting, trying to find a sound and in the process coming up with a beguiling cocktail of indie, rock, punk, doo-wop and dirty blues perfectly supplemented by Christian's rich, Nick Cave-inflected vocals. As a result, The Valentines swiftly built up a strong following playing gigs most weekends, sometimes even three nights in a row - quite an achievement in an Island with a shortage of opportunities for original bands. Soon, The Valentines recorded a five track EP called Welcome To The Show which featured the title track plus: Dysfunctional, Boogie, Your Rendition and a cover of the Moldy Peaches' NYC's Like a Graveyard - with a few alterations. The EP earned them a place in a bands' competition in May 2005 to win a slot at the second Jersey Live Festival which would put them on the same bill as bands such as Kasabian, The Bravery, The Futureheads, The Ordinary Boys and Art Brut. The Valentines went in all guns blazing and not only won themselves one of the six coverted local slots at the festival but were also awarded the penultimate Jersey place on the line-up before the UK section began. With plenty of gigs booked for the summer, The Valentines would have all the live practice they would need for their festival appearence on 3 September. They were booked for Rock in the Park, a charity event at Jersey's Howard Davis Park, where they would play to around 4,000 people - just a couple of weeks before playing to an audience of 8,000 at Jersey Live where they stole the show with a stunning set. Around the same time, The Valentines were approached by youth worker Martin Small (a star!) of Sounds Workshop, a music project in St Helier, who asked if they would like to record a four track EP on a new Jersey-based label called Real Jersey Records. They jumped at the chance as it was a great deal; they would not have to pay a penny, they would retain the copyright to all songs and the profits would be split 50/50 between the band and the label. The Valentines went into the studio and recorded four tracks - Oh Oh Oh Oh, Cheshire Lane, an alternative version of Boogie and Broken English - and the EP was launched at a packed Havana Club on 24 September. After a very successful first year, The Valentines decided it was time to try and break into the UK circuit and all four members of the band have now moved to Brighton. Gigs are coming their way thick and fast having already played various shows in London such as The Hope & Anchor in Islington and various venues in Brighton and recently the band have recorded their unique version of Mooning from the Grease soundtrack for Filthy Little Angels' next download album. They played a storming set at this years Jersey Live Festival along with the likes of - Snow Patrol, The Zutons, Editors, James Lavelle & iForward, Russia!. The Valentines have a promising future ahead of them, keep your eyes peeled!! - Jane Delmer (Jersey Evening Post)

Hometown

Brighton

Occupation

BAND

Relationship status

Love

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