Electrique Mud/Unique Records (Dusseldorf, Germany) present the debut single from Belfast band The Vals. ‘Yesterday Today' is a song that doesn't shy away from the bands Beatlesque influences. Written by front-man Paul Doherty and recorded in former band-mate John Rossi's bedroom, The track has become popular on various radio stations worldwide since it made an appearance on the bands MySpace site. Shortly after, they signed an album and singles deal with the German label. The artwork for the single was designed by Stefan Duerr, who has worked with Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene on recent projects. His beautiful sleeve design sets the tone of the song brilliantly, with some psychedelic imagery and fairytale-like scenes.
The Vals are also known for their explosive live performances, playing alongside acts such as Echo and the Bunnymen and Ocean Colour Scene on recent tours. In 2008 the band took to cities across the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe, showcasing their live shows to new audiences, and gathering a steadily growing following.
In August 2008, Paul Doherty of the Vals received correspondence from former Beatle John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono expressing her admiration for the band after a festival he organised in Belfast called Valfest - A festival of Music, Peace and Love. The festival brought together both sides of the community in Belfast and showcased some great acts including former Paul McCartney and Wings guitarist Henry McCullough and Thin Lizzy's founding member and guitarist Eric Bell and band. The festival was a huge success, and Yoko's message made it that little bit more special:
Yoko wrote:
Hi, Paul Docherty! Now that you are doing the Peace and Love Festival you are connected to all of us of family of Peace of the world. Good for you.
Lots of love, yoko
Shortly after they were asked to front the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Human Rights as part of an Amnesty International campaign. The event was the 'Small Places Tour' and took place in Belfast where the Vals called on the help of other local bands to highlight the events importance
In 2009 the band are working towards the release of a debut album for worldwide release on the Electrique Mud label, and will also take to Europe to play an extensive tour of many cities. Already the band have been booked to appear at some of Europe's major festivals alongside some prestigious acts, and have been pencilled in for a tour of major German cities in October.In August the band play the Haldern Pop Festival alongside Little Boots,Bon Iver, Paolo Nutini and Maccabees. Already the band's songs have been championed by the likes of Steve Lamacq, Eddie Piller and Gary Crowley, getting regular airplay on BBC Radio One, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 Music, Q Music, XFM and many more. 'With You' the bands second single was also nominated for BBC Radio 2's song of the week on the Radcliffe and Maconie show.
In October 2009, The Vals release their debut album 'Sticks & Stones', recorded in Black Sheep Studios in Dusseldorf.
Peace and Love
The Vals
Peace Sunday, June 5, 1982, Rose Bowl, no nukes - nuclear disarmament - stop nuclear madness concert - NYC - Central Park - June 12, 1982, 1,000,000 person march and rally for Nuclear Freeze. Photography and presentation by Curtis Rainbow. 'Give Peace a Chance' music by Achim Schultz. Inspiration by Yoko Ono. Dedicated to John Lennon.
We had a lot of dj- gigs the last weeks. What about playing our sound in Belfast? We would really like to, specially to meet you crazy guys again. Take care and let..s stay in contact.
Lads got the info you passed on to martys ma thanks a lot its much appreciated, we were having a nightmare trying to organise gigs and that should be a big help. Think we have till the 12th sept to gig anyways the singers surgery was put back till then.
Online Now!
hi there...just wanted to say hi to all of you...have a nice weekend...kisses..maja
