Get To Know: Valeras
Valeras are the up and coming band from Reading that are ready to take over in 2019.
Creating a fresh and natural sound that is unlike anything we’ve heard before, the five-piece group made of Rose Yagmur, George Parnell, Max Sealy, Cat Beazley, and Katie King are changing the music scene for good with their unique and original lyricism that blends perfectly with their raw instrumentals.
Having already toured with the likes of The Regrettes, Yonaka and The Amazons, it’s clear these guys know how to put on a show. You may have heard them on BBC Radio 1 or spotted them on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds Festival last year, but these guys arejust beginning. They only started releasing music in 2017, but we can already see this band have a whole lot to offer the music world - and we haven’t seen the half of it yet.
Now, hot off the release of their latest single ‘Ricochet (Nunca Morirá)’, and their first ever headline tour, the band are ready to return to Reading and Leeds and more festivals this summer with brand new songs, and you can get to know all about them before you head down to see them right here...
1) For those who don’t know about you and your music, tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from…
Valeras is Rose Yagmur, George Parnell, Max Sealy, Cat Beazley and Katie King. We’re from a sleepy town called Reading and we‘ve been playing together for five years.
2) Describe your sound in three words…
Rocky, danceable, urgent.
3) Who inspired you to start a career in music?
We grew up listening to bands like The Police, Santana and Nirvana and felt inspired from a young age. We don’t have particularly musical backgrounds or families.
4) Who are your biggest musical influences?
Los Mesoneros, Lianne La Havas, Foals, Solange, and Black Sabbath are a few favourites.
5) Tell us about the writing and recording process for your new single/album…
Rose: I was in the middle of a bad period of writer’s block, so George sent over three or four guitar ideas trying to get me inspired. This particular riff had a cool Latin feel and it immediately stood out. The chorus came straight away, the lyrics all about inspiration, creativity and music; “Nunca morirá” means “It will never die”. As I wrote the verses, it became a love song to music, asking her to stay with me.
6) What can we expect from your live shows?
Energy and passion, dancing, singing, flowers, cowbell. We put our all into every show.
7) What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Last summer, BBC Introducing got us onto the BBC Radio 1 playlist for a week, and a spot at the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds. Dreams come true!
8) Have you met anyone and been totally starstruck?
Rose: I met Lianne La Havas at a Nick Hakim show on Valentine’s Day last year. Failed to keep my cool.
9) What’s on your iPod/playlists that people wouldn’t expect?
Destiny’s Child and Slayer.
10) When can we see you live?
UK and European festivals this summer, including Mad Cool, Sziget, Nova Rock and more to be announced.