Interview: STUART VALENTINE (of The Out Crowd)

    Solo artists seek truth within the infinite maze of melody. While playing drums in The Out Crowd, Stuart Valentine recently began his quest for melody as a solo artist. Brainchild of Matt Hollywood (former member of The Brian Jonestown Massacre), The Out Crowd creates soulful, psychedelic music that explores romance, drugs and a higher plane of consciousness. Like The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Out Crowd possesses a classic rock sound with a poignantly timeless quality. From drugs to fist fights, Matt Hollywood survived the rock revolution of BJTM. Hollywood formed his own band discovered Stuart Valentine. As a member of The Out Crowd, Stuart Valentine learned from the experiences of Matt Hollywood in The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Just as The Brian Jonestown Massacre was Anton Newcombe’s project, Matt Hollywood is the true creative force behind The Out Crowd. As a drummer, Valentine needed to discover the power of his own creativity. Remaining in The Out Crowd, Stuart wrote solo tracks during his free time. The power of the music’s haunting melodies and emotional themes ignited a spark of courage within Valentine. He shopped his solo project around to labels but major hurdles were in his path. Although independent labels displayed a genuine interest in his music, the companies were not able to release Stuart’s solo album any time in the near future. Inspired by the independent nature of both Hollywood and Newcombe, Stuart Valentine realized that he could not depend on anyone else but himself. He decided to form his own label (Valentine Music) and release his solo project. This wise but risky move gave Stuart complete creative control. A solo artist in the truest sense of the title, Stuart Valentine released “Melody’s True” LP in 2005. Produced by Brian Coates (who also worked with The Dandy Warhols), “Melody’s True” consists of 14 heartwarming tracks with a touch of psychedelic sound to add a thick mystery to the romantic themes. The beautiful, “What We’re Doing Here” is an honestly poignant track about relationship dynamics. “Every Song I Hear” is a humorous remark at contemporary music. Stuart was exceptionally brave to take the step from a drummer to a solo artist. Complete creative control, heartrending themes, gentle melodies, and a deep honesty are just a few of the ingredients of the album. Like any real musician, Stuart Valentine is in love with melody and he plans to remain true.

T.JONES: "What goes on?"
STUART VALENTINE: “Well, getting ready to play some shows this weekend. I'll be in San Francisco, playing next weekend. Things are busy, in a good way.”

T.JONES: “You just released your debut solo album, 'Melody's True'. Tell us about the LP.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Ah, it was a long process that evolved from me thinking, ‘I'll make some demos’ to ‘I'm going to make a record’. Some of the songs are a bit older. Some, I wrote last year. I did some of the work myself and my producer did some too. It was new for me to record the majority of the tracks myself, but I enjoyed the process.”

T.JONES: “Was 'Melody's True' released on your own label, Valentine Music?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I started my own company, yes. Although I have distribution and a publicist and such, I am effectively, the artist and the label. I spoke with a few indie labels that I have good relationships with. Indie labels mean well but they either had no money or said, ‘How about May 2006 for a release date?’ I wanted it out now, so I just did it. It was liberating.”

T.JONES: “How difficult was it releasing the album through your own company?”
STUART VALENTINE: “It wasn't that hard. Having been involved with bands over the years, I have just learned some things about what was needed to release a record. It all just fell into place. I also asked the advice of my friend, Christopher Cooper, who runs a label. He helped me with specific questions about manufacturing and other things.”

T.JONES: “Do you plan to release other artists through your own company?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I've definitely thought about it, but it would have to be a very special artist.”

T.JONES: “Can you explain the title 'Melody's True'?”
STUART VALENTINE: “It has a lot of meaning. I feel I've spent a lot of my musical life coming into my own. Melody is not a person. Melody is a concept of this nebulous creative force, vaguely feminine in nature that provides me with inspiration. ‘She waits for him...’ is a line from the song. Melody is true and she waits for me to come to her to be creative. The photo is Melody waiting for me on the album cover. I am tying my shoe, on my way to see her.”
 
T.JONES: “Do you have a favorite song on your solo album?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Good question. I'd say for various reasons, it's probably ‘Downtown With You’, but that's hard to say. I like different songs for different reasons.”

T.JONES: “What song took the longest to complete, from conception to completion?”
STUART VALENTINE: “It would be ‘Every Song I Hear’. I wrote those lyrics, rewrote them, changed the key, added guitar parts, and generally fawned over that song for a long time. Now, that feels like my favorite song. Can I change my mind? (Laughs).”

T.JONES: “I love the track, 'What We're Doing Here'. Could you tell us about the song?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Yes, absolutely. That song is unique to me for a few reasons. I feel it's very intimate. I spontaneously wrote it, sitting on the couch, next to someone. It just appeared in my head and I never forgot it. It's also the first song I ever really worked on a guitar solo for. I wanted the song to evoke a particular feeling and I think it works. Thanks I'm glad you enjoy it by the way.”

T.JONES: “Describe the creative process. Do you have a set theme or pre-written lyrics? Do you write the music first? Or, does everything sort of happen at the same time?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Good question! It's a combination. I carry a book, in which I scrawl lyrical phrases, when I have a moment of inspiration. I also carry a little voice recorder to record melodic ideas and I piece them together. On occasion, the lyrics and melody come at the same time. The song, ‘What We're Doing Here’ is an example of that. Sometimes, I will just sit on the porch with my guitar and strum and sing melodies. I’ll really work and work and work until it's beautiful. Then, I write lyrics.”

T.JONES: “You are a member of The Out Crowd, which features Matt Hollywood (former member of The Brian Jonestown Massacre). Are you still in that band?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Yes I am. I like being in the Out Crowd. It's a great band to play drums for. Matt is a songwriter I respect very much.”

T.JONES: “How did you record your solo album, ‘Melody’s True’, while being in The Out Crowd? How did you accomplish this?”
STUART VALENTINE: “It took a lot of focus and dedication to hit the studio between practices and shows but music is first for me. So, I just willed it to happen.”

T.JONES: “How does your solo work compare or contrast to the music of The Out Crowd?”
STUART VALENTINE: “It's quite different in most ways. My material would probably be described as more subtle, quieter, and a bit more melodically oriented. I think the lyrical style is different as well. I enjoy Matt's songs. I've learned about arrangements from him, but our styles of songs are not the same at all.”

T.JONES: “How much are you involved in the creative process with The Out Crowd?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I help with arrangement, on occasion. I nearly have full creative input, as far as drums are concerned. I may offer ideas, but I respect that Matt's songs are his. I let him do his thing. He may make occasional suggestions, but he respects my drumming and how I choose to play. We rarely have conflicts. I may have more input in the future, but we'll just play that by ear.”

T.JONES: “What has been in your CD player, in your tape deck, or on your turntable, these days?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I've been listening to The Zombies and Jesus and Mary Chain, the last couple of days. For more modern stuff, I've been enjoying Joseph Arthur's stuff, as well as Ambulance Ltd.”
 
T.JONES: “What is your favorite Jesus And Mary Chain album? What do you think of their later albums, like 'Munki’, compared to earlier ones, 'Psychocandy' or 'Darklands'?”
STUART VALENTINE: “‘Munki’ is good. ‘Psychocandy’ is good. My favorite material is in the middle. ‘Darklands’ and ‘Honey's Dead’ are my favorite albums.”

T.JONES: “What do you think of Jim Reid's band, Freeheat or the William Reid solo stuff?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Those brothers belong together.”

T.JONES: “The documentary ‘Dig!’ explores the relationship between The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols over a 7 year period. What did you think of the film 'Dig!'?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I've been in The Out Crowd for three years, so I am only peripherally involved with Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandys. It's a pretty good film for people who want to know what it may be like to be in a band. It's done pretty well, but I do think it's a bit unfair that the footage of Brian Jonestown Massacre stopped when Joel and Matt quit, but Dandy's footage went on.”

T.JONES: “How do you think Matt was portrayed in the film 'Dig!'?”
STUART VALENTINE: “He comes out smelling like roses.”

T.JONES: “What do you think of The Brian Jonestown Massacre?”
STUART VALENTINE: “They're a wacky lot. Musically, I really like some of their songs. Other songs seem lost to me, but what do I know?”

T.JONES: “What do you think about The Dandy Warhols?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I know them casually. I see them at barbeques and parties. They host things, which is really nice. They don't have to do that, so that's cool. Musically, some of their material makes me wanna dance, drink, and meet girls, all in good ways. Other material, I just don't get.”

T.JONES: “How did you get involved with The Out Crowd?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I met Matt at a bar. He was in the band called Magic Fingers, while in Portland. This was after Brian Jonestown Massacre. It was very short-lived, but very good. I saw him at a bar and I said, ‘Hey, you're Matt. I like your band.’ He said, ‘Yeah it broke up but I am making a new band. We need a drummer.’ They auditioned me and I was in the next day.”

T.JONES: “How is Matt different than other musicians you have worked with?”
STUART VALENTINE: “He's very egalitarian, meaning that he's respectful of others, musically. It's inspiring. He also can be shy, moody, and distant, which can be hard, but I know he means well. So, I've learned to understand it. Matt and I have started to hang out as friends more, which I enjoy.”

T.JONES: “Favorite instrument? Of that kind of instrument, do you have a favorite brand and model?”
STUART VALENTINE “Oh, I absolutely love my Yamaha FG160 acoustic. I gave plasma to buy my acoustic. It's totally dialed in.”

T.JONES: “What is the favorite part of your live show for your solo work? The Out Crowd?”
STUART VALENTINE “I like the Out Crowd songs that have long breakdowns, where I can improvise, do inspired things, and push myself as a drummer. When I perform solo material, I enjoy singing just for the sake of it. I like the way it feels when I hit a series of notes spot on.”

T.JONES: “Where are you from? Where are you living now? What is it like?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I live in Portland, and have since I was 12. I spent time in Texas and Florida as a kid, which I did not like. Florida has huge caterpillars, which are awesome.”

T.JONES: “What are some songs that made you fall in love?”
STUART VALENTINE: "‘Wouldn't It Be Nice’ from Beach Boys comes to mind first.”

T.JONES: “Who are some artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?”
STUART VALENTINE: “It's always hard to think about that because I don't know a lot of these people. If I could pick anyone, I would like to collaborate with Adam Schlesinger of FoW and Ivy.”
 
T.JONES: “Word association. I am going to say an emcee or name of a group and you tell me the first word that pops in your head. So, if I say ‘Chuck D’, you may say ‘revolutionary’. If I said, ‘The Beatles’, you may say ‘Apple’ or ‘Lennon.’ Ok?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Okay, ready.”

T.JONES: “The Jesus And Mary Chain.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Fuzz.”

T.JONES: “The Brian Jonestown Massacre.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Australia.”

T.JONES: “The Stone Roses.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Dance.”

T.JONES: “The Out Crowd.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Basement.”

T.JONES: “My Bloody Valentine.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Numb.”

T.JONES: “De La Soul.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Nickels.”

T.JONES: “The Fall.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Obtuse.”

T.JONES: “The Dandy Warhols.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Buzz.”

T.JONES: “Psychic TV.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Telepathy”

T.JONES: “Elbow.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Knee.”

T.JONES: “The House Of Love.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Window.”

T.JONES: “Momus.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Momo.”

T.JONES: “Cocteau Twins.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Fairy.”

T.JONES: “Stereolab.”
STUART VALENTINE: “France.”

T.JONES: “The Verve.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Yeah!”

T.JONES: “Blur.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Pigeons.”

T.JONES: “Close Lobsters.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Butter.”

T.JONES: “George Bush.”
STUART VALENTINE: “Growl.”

T.JONES: “Where were you during September 11th terrorist attack? How did you deal with it?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I was going to a meeting. for this job I had at the time. On the way to work, I was looking in the skies. It was scary. I was confused, probably like most people.”

T.JONES: “What do you think of the U.S. involvement in the Middle East?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I'm not a politician. It's way more complex than most people think it is. I won't pretend to be an expert on what to do, but I think the situation is very sad on many levels.”

T.JONES: “How did you get started in making music?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Funny story. I used to tap everything with my hands as a kid. As a joke, my mom bought me drumsticks. Mistake! There was a drum kit in my room within two months.”

T.JONES: “Who was the biggest influence in your life?”
STUART VALENTINE: “My mother raised me well and we've maintained a friendship as adults. It would be her I think.”

T.JONES: “What type of kid were you?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Well behaved and creative. I was fascinated with numbers and drawing.”

T.JONES: “These days, what is music lacking?”
STUART VALENTINE: “More rehearsals.”

T.JONES: “What songs would you like to cover? How would you approach these remakes?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I enjoy this song Anton wrote called, ‘Let Me Stand Next To Your Flower’. Sometimes, I cover it live. That's the only song I have covered so far, but I also enjoy The Lemonheads, The Zombies, and Afghan Whigs. I have thought about covering their songs. If I were to cover something, I would want to reinterpret it with a totally new style and not imitate.”

T.JONES: “What was your last dream you remember?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I had a dream about plant creatures that communicated telepathically using emotions. They were telling me that they were hungry, so I bought them a bag of dirt and they were happy.”

T.JONES: “Do you believe in ghosts?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Yes.”

T.JONES: “What are some major misconceptions that people have of you?”
STUART VALENTINE: “People sometimes think I don't like rap because I write these melodic three chord songs. But I really like rap, good rap, like De La Soul, Public Enemy, and Danger Mouse.”

T.JONES: “Who are some hip-hop emcees you like?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Nas and Del The Funky Homosapien.”

T.JONES: “What is next for Stuart Valentine?”
STUART VALENTINE: “I am already thinking about the next album and that is really exciting. I've written 5 songs and have some in the scrap heap I might salvage. I feel good about the new material and I'm thinking about new instrumentation. I also feel that I haven't explored how my drumming and percussive creativity could blend in with the melodic side of my creativity. Rather than subordinating one to the other, I want the two parts of my brain to work together. It could be very exciting.”

T.JONES: “Any final words?”
STUART VALENTINE: “Thanks for interviewing me. It's been very fun. I'm glad you enjoyed the record. Keep it real. Thanks.”