Five guys locked in a tight and seasoned groove, each player understanding their place, knowing when to hold back and when to steam forward with a freight train of heavy, in-your-face intensity. The impassioned vocal prowess of Scott Valentine soars and snarls and reminds you of everything you loved about your favourite rock singers, while becoming his own unique voice that commands your attention with melodies and witty lyrics that stick in your head and don’t go away.
You can sense many different influences on this five-piece band from Victoria, BC: a wall of chugging guitars reminiscent of Canada's national passtime; a salute to the powerhouse 90’s American Alternative; a dirty groove that worships the heaviest rock sludge of Britain circa 1971.
"I really hope this music catches on the same way it makes us feel," drummer and co-founder Tim Sweeting says. "When you crank it up super loud, there are emotions that you don’t really feel in music the way you used to. The world is starving for a good rock band right now. The world needs it."
But the Villains haven't always been the five-piece soul-groove team that they are today. The Black Hats have juggled a few members over the past two years ever since songwriter/guitarist Sam Edmundson started creating the Villain vibe. But now, the final black hat has been planted on the latest addition to the Villains, new frontman Scott Valentine. His passionate, emotional, and visceral deliveries have awakened the beast of a mighty musical machine.
When asked about Valentine's first rehearsal with the band, bassist Ian Chisholm says, "I was shocked. I was astonished at how good Scott was at his craft. He's a natural front man that relates to the crowd and brings them into his world. He has this...this vibe and energy that just unites everyone in the moment."
And LIVE is what Black Hat Villain are all about. They deliver an experience that grabs you by the collar and shakes any jaded opinions you might have about music right out of you. You pump your fist in the air and get lost in the energy and conviction of the moment.
Guitarist Abe Cox believes that the Villain’s combined influences, life experiences, and years of playing in different bands has only made Black Hat Villain all the more noticeable among the crop of younger bands. It’s something that only time can truly develop. These five guys have never stopped and have been at it their whole lives...and now, lucky for us, everything has aligned into a sound that doesn’t come around very often.
The spirit of something new and powerful has been captured.
Black Hat Villain commands you to open your ears and listen. They will be heard. But watch out for the world around you, for it’s not as it seems. There are secrets lurking. Beware of the guy on the Neighbourhood Watch sign. Watch out for that mystery man who's lurking behind you. Keep a vigilant eye on your ex-wife's lawyer.
The Villains are among you. Look out for your teacher, your boss, your government. Look out for your friends. Watch out for yourself...
Feb 25th! What a band! A show, just for me, to make up for you mis-spelling my name! That rocks! Haha! All is forgiven ;) I have been well-behaved, and not tweeted the news to my Twitter followers! People actually read my tweets, but I'm sure nobody visits my MySpace anymore...so your secret is safe ;)
It's going to drive me mad now wondering if you're headlining or opening, and if another band is in the mix, trying to guess who they might be. My intellect is already suffering from night 2 of no sleep. Now I have something else to keep me awake. Will blame BHV when I'm functioning at a preschool level by Friday ;)
My calendar is marked! Not a huge fan of bars, but will sacrifice for this ;)
Sorry for rambling...it's so late and I'm beyond tired.
Just want to add that it's great that you comment to fans. The whole artist/fan dynamic is changing with the influx of social media. Savvy musicians "get it," and are evolving with the changes. Fans eat up personal responses from the big names on Twitter. Sadly, people don't buy music any more, leaving the artist grasping for the next best way to distinguish themselves. It's a challenge to draw the fans in and get them buying merchandise and coming to shows. Fans are a demanding new breed these days! Artists need to pay the bills though!
Shutting up now. Really.
Cathy
Not to worry about the spelling... I'll still be buying Black Hat Villain's EP come February ;) Have to say though that a show in Victoria would sure make up for it! Haha! Heard and love "My Generation"... lots of energy, amazing track, I'm hooked!!
Hey there.. Black Hat Villain.. We appreciate you checking out our music... Also a special thanks if you dropped a message or comment on our page.. If you haven't please do so.. If it was not for you and your opinions artists like ourselfs would not exist.. Join us on Facebook! www.Facebook.com/pages/Everyday-Celebrity/44510544067 You can purchace our album at these online stores: www.itunes.com/everydaycelebrity www.cdbaby.com/cd/everydayceleb2 Rock On! Everyday Celebrity
Just found another addiction in your tracks! Thanks...junkie needed another fix and this is a big one! The same Scott Valentine of "Forgotten" ... putting it together now. Shows planned for Victoria? Brian is pumped about Black Hat Villain. I can see why!! Pre production sounds phenominal! But yes...Vic shows, thank you very much :) Thanks so much for adding me! Would love for you to add me on Twitter too...no rock star, no big name, just love the best music! http://twitter.com/DustypupVI Thanks!!
Yup! I was at the Saturday show. You guys were great! The songs on myspace sound like the singer is a little different. I remember you guys mentioned something about the singer... is that true? Again great show guys!
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