Jack Valero’s ‘This Is A Nightmare’ presented a compelling introduction to his talents, his songcraft, literate wordplay and distinctly
English charm earning radio play from
Radio X,
Amazing Radio and
6 Music alongside a range of tastemaker tips which drew positive comparisons with the likes of
Tom Petty and
Elvis Costello.
Now Jack strides into a bigger year to come as he shares the brand new single ‘Always Something You Can Do’ as the first track to preview the September 6th release of his new EP ‘Not In Kansas Anymore’. Both the single and EP were produced by his friend and labelmate Jamie Webster, and will be released via Modern Sky (Lottery Winners, Red Rum Club).
‘Always Something You Can Do’ introduces a much bigger sound from Jack, one which pulls together elements from his UK indie-pop roots with time-honoured Americana, some Rolling Stones-tinged guitars and uplifting vocal harmonies. Lyrically it comes from a similar place: the belief that a personal connection can bring a little escape from even the toughest of times.
Jack says, “This song came about when I noticed all of my songs had a very melancholy feel to them. I’m really big on the juxtaposition of a happy tune with sad or dark lyrics. However after looking at the world the way it is today, I realised that I had spent a lot of time pointing out the problems but hadn’t put together a song that had any positive look to the future. I for one felt I sorely needed that. In a time of war in Europe and the second Cold War, the resurgence of fascism in America, cost of living crisis and global warming I needed some hope. That’s why this song doesn’t mention those things, not that I will ever shy away from them, but more serving as a reminder that when the world seems out of control you can still make the effort of being decent to your fellow humans on a day-to-day basis. It may seem small and insignificant, but it actually makes all the difference to the person you make the effort for. These things we must retain in the face of catastrophe, so we never lose hope.
Working with Jamie and the whole Scouse wrecking crew as we call them – featuring Tim Cunningham on bass, keys and engineer, Jim Sharrock on drums and Danny Murphy on guitar – was a privilege. I know he’ll say I’m being silly as he’s so humble but it’s true. It was an amazing experience to be a part of such talented lovely people working on my songs. To have people you have so much respect for believing in you is incredible and I will be forever grateful to Jamie for taking me in. I’d jump at the chance to do it again.”
‘Always Something You Can Do’ is the song that first won over Jamie Webster when he saw Jack perform at Glastonbury in 2023. That led to them working on the song together and the sessions went so well that Jack asked Jamie and his regular collaborator Tim Cunningham to produce the rest of the EP too. The mutual admiration between Jack and Jamie also established a strong kinship between them, the pair both enjoying the experience and eager to experiment with the other’s ideas. Jamie also contributes backing vocals on the EP.
Jamie Webster adds, “These songs shed a light on Jack’s outlook and insight to life as he sees it through political opinions and personal feelings. When you hear the EP you’ll know what a dream it was for me to work on them as they are all really storyteller songs and those who know me will know it’s right up my street.
I’ll always be grateful to Jack for trusting me with his art when no one else had before. And what makes it more special is the fact that we’re now good friends and we’ve really got a lot in common. It’s amazing when you build relationships through music, it’s a bond that is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. I’d work with Jack again in a heartbeat.”
Building upon a heavyweight festival schedule in 2023 (Glastonbury, SXSW, Kendal Calling) as well as recent shows with Trampolene and Tom. A Smith, Jack Valero is now preparing to take his full live band back on the road. The tour, scheduled below, features shows as guest to Lottery Winners, Shack legend Mick Head and Billy Bragg as well as a selection of festivals with more to be announced.
MARCH – WITH LOTTERY WINNERS
28th – Coventry, Kasbah
29th – Keele, Student’s Union
30th – Hull, The Welly
31st – Carlisle, Old Fire Station
APRIL – WITH LOTTERY WINNERS
2nd – Dundee, Beat Generator
3rd – Farsley, Old Woollen
4th – Huddersfield, Parish
6th – Blackpool, Blackpool Tower
MAY
2nd – Glasgow, Mackintosh Church (with Mick Head & the Red Elastic Band)
4th – Shrewsbury, Loop Fest
5th – Liverpool, Sound City
8th – Sheffield, Network (Hope Not Hate 20th Anniversary Tour)
9th – London, Islington Assembly Hall (Hope Not Hate 20th Anniversary Tour)
10th – Margate, Dreamland, Hall By The Sea (Hope Not Hate 20th Anniversary Tour)
17th – Amsterdam, London Calling
JULY
5th – Bolton, Right To Roam
17th – Bexhill-on-Sea, De La Warr Pavilion, JackoFest
AUGUST
8th – Budapest, Sziget Festival
24th – Hereford, Indie Festival
