| Band Members |
THE STORY
What could possibly be so luring about the East Coast to entice a couple of West Coast rockers to move cross-country, with only a suitcase and their beloved instruments to their name? The appeal of something big, something worthy.
South Carolinian songwriter and guitarist, Ben Smith, plucked Californians GC del Carpio (guitar) and Dave Briggs (drums) from the Golden State to join him on his musical mission. Bassist Tim Lewis rounds out the band known as The Valkyrie. "No, we didn't name our band after the Tom Cruise movie," Smith says. Apparently it's been a popular question posed to the band recently, but let it be known that The Valkyrie has been around since 2007. Not that they don't mind the extra attention. "We were annoyed to hear about [the movie by the same name] at first, but we've learned to have fun with the attention."
The band released their first EP "Stories in Parts" in 2007. Catchy choruses with hair-metal inspired riffs comprise that album, but Smith promises you'll hear something different in the next. "It'll blow you away," he says. Along with the pop elements, the new music also presents a lyrical maturity and edginess that can only be born from encountering obstacles and learning life lessons. "The Valkyrie's growing up!" Smith laughs.
With influences ranging from Foo Fighters and Jay-Z to Slipknot and Michael Jackson, it's safe to say The Valkyrie's sound isn't easily classified. "There is something for everyone in our music..." Smith says. "Whether you want to dance or just rock out, there's a song for that."
As they've recently relocated to Jacksonville, FL, to rid themselves of the distractions of home, The Valkyrie is diligently putting the finishing touches on the new music. They're in talks with James Paul Wisner (Paramore, Underoath, Dashboard Confessional) to produce the upcoming album entitled "Fear What You Will Become" which will be available in Winter 2010.
In the meantime, catch The Valkyrie at a high-energy live show as they tour the Southeast, showcasing new tunes and, of course, the old favorites.
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