If honest, conversational songs and a big voice are your things, then singer-songwriter Jack Valero has got you covered. Influenced by the likes of Tom Petty, DMAs, and more latterly Sam Fender reflecting his other enduring love of a huge tune.
Throughout childhood Jack found himself at the centre of British indie music culture with both of his parents playing a core role in the brit music scene both musically and through their activism for positive political change in the UK.
Summers meant the festival circuit. Mixing this upbringing and the arrival of the ‘Guitar Hero’ video game, Jack’s musical taste graduated beyond his parent's influence and along with his newly honed guitar skills the Valero spark was ignited and his first band ‘Teenage Wasteland’ was formed with his best mates from school.
Next, he set off to study music in Brighton, but soon realised that he thrived more being out in 'the thick' of the music scene rather than the classroom. He decided to leave his studies behind, and throw all of his energy into building his next band, the indie rock outfit, ‘The RPMs’ - who after signing to Xtra Mile Recordings went on to release three EPs, tour the UK, play the BBC Music Introducing stage at Glastonbury and Austin’s SXSW Festival in Texas.
Due to the impending pandemic in 2019, Jack began streaming live performances from his living room which he did between working shifts at his local Covid Test Site. Lockdown for Jack also meant plenty of time to write new music, and with a clutch of new tracks recorded at Echo Zoo Studios, produced by Dave Izumi, the second song of a three-track EP is out now.
CLASH: “Rising songwriter Jack Valero has a deft yet assured touch, his folk-hewn acoustic hymnals carrying a lush, late summer feel”
THE LINE OF BEST FIT: “with new track “Hollow Warmth” this month, both songs showcase Valero’s talent for classic songwriting, emotionally-driven storytelling, and a warm melody that hooks in your head and heart”
THE LINE OF BEST FIT: “videos that draw on Valero’s dark humour and knack for building an intoxicating narrative. Cleverly executed and utterly charming, they also spotlight his unassuming personality and warm creativity”
CHRIS HAWKINS (BBC 6 MUSIC): "very impressive…..stand out new music from Jack Valero...with feels of classic Elvis Costello"
JOHN KENNEDY (RADIO X): X-posure Hot One
RECORD OF THE DAY: "Heaven Help Me is the brilliant first offering from his debut solo EP and sees Jack blend classic, old school British songwriting with a contemporary sound and a hint of Tom Petty. It’s a beautiful, acoustic-led affair. One to watch."
BUZZ MAGAZINE: "Valero, first on, commands the attention of everyone here through technically rich guitar playing and an ability to match concepts of politics, mental health and relationships with sharp hooks."
CONTACT MUSIC: "Jack charmed the crowd with his folk infused songs, and his charismatic demeanour… great”