Philly-based pop-punk band Valencia leaked its own album.
“We just wanted everyone to hear it,” said guitarist Brendan Walter. “It’s been so long, we just couldn’t wait.”
It’s no wonder. The album, which officially dropped Tuesday, is Valencia’s sophomore release after more than two years.
Valencia performed at this year’s Warped Tour, played at Bamboozle and comes through Baltimore tonight on its headline tour playing at the Ottobar. Walter talked to The Examiner about creating the new album.
How did the making of “We All Need a Reason To Believe” go?
We’ve pretty much been writing since we left the studio [after recording our first album, “This Could Be A Possibility”]. We wrote close to 40 songs before going into the studio, and we recorded the record once, but when we signed to a new label [from I Surrender Records to Columbia], we couldn’t use the old stuff, so we had to rerecord.
Do you have a favorite track?
My personal favorite is “Carry On,” which is the 6th track. It’s the first ballad song that we’ve ever written. The working title was “The Coldplay Song” [laughs]. I don’t know if it sounds anything like Coldplay, but it was just one of those songs that I never thought we would write, and it came out perfectly. That’s the song I’m most proud of.
The new album is called “We All Need a Reason To Believe.” Can you elaborate on why you guys chose that particular title?
The theme of the album is hope, and finding positive light in any situation, which is where the album title comes in. You know, even the worst situation has a positive side in there somewhere. Music is fun and everything, but there’s also something to be said for trying to get a message out there, and I think there is one here.
What was different recording this album?
It was definitely easier, just because we’ve grown as people and musicians and all that, but the main difference was that the last time we recorded was in our freshman year of college. Every day, me and George and JD would have finals, and at night would go and record. It was completely stressful and insane. This time, we dedicated a lot of our time and effort into this, so it was a lot less stressful, but had a lot more riding on it, so it kind of evened out.
Valencia “Holiday”
If You Go
Valencia with Sing It Loud, Single File, Cash Cash and North Col
Where: The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore
When: 6 tonight
Tickets: $8 to $10
Info.: www.valenciamusic.net
[email protected]
