Paul Ramon - vocals, guitar
Brian Boucher - guitar
Jason Stiles - drums
Chris Lebow - bass
Influences
Our Lady Peace, Muse, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Ian Moore, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, King's X, REM, Yes, Dream Theater, Sevendust, Alice in Chains, Screaming Trees, Weezer, Pearl Jam, Super Mario Bros 1, 2 & 3, Interpol, Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Mars Volta, moe., Phish, John Butler Trio, The Greyhounds, Mofro, The Black Crowes, The Faces, Rich Kyanka, Chicago, Jimi Hendrix, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Metroid, The Presidents of the United States of America, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Herbie Hancock, Rancid, NOFX, The Offspring, Collective Soul, Pac-Man, Mrs. Pac Man, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Clyde, Corrosion of Conformity, Tanqueray, Cry of Love, Harvey Danger, Fu Manchu, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, New York City, Grand Funk Railroad, Jo Jo Gunne, Bill Plympton, Ricky Wolking, Dave Brubeck, The Faces, Dave Matthews Band, Led Zeppelin, the brothers Vaughan, Stevie and Jimmy, Chris Duarte, Indigenous, Eric Sardinas, Los Lonely Boys, The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Candlebox, Millencolin, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Sublime, Stone Temple Pilots, Weekend at Bernie's 2, Type O Negative, Tripping Daisy, Moke, Flickerstick, Metroid, Galaga, Family Guy, Troll 2, The Simpsons, The Doors, Monty Python, Coors Light and Original, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Leadbelly, rot gut, Mel Brooks, Mel Blanc, Back to the Future, Jones Soda Company, Pumpkin Pie, dancing with minature bears, animal crackers, crying over the tv show "scarred", Taboo parts I, II, III but not IV, bajubaba, Heavy D.
What do a computer geek, a college drop-out, a trailer park manager, and a friend’s little brother all have in common? Duh, they are all members of Valentino, the coolest band since Vanilla Ice! Ok, maybe a little cooler than that. But, hey, it’s hard to be cooler than ice. Too cold, baby!
Dallas-based Valentino is livening up the Texas music scene with their breakout sound and witty – sometimes nonsensical – lyrics. These guys really know how to work a stage, in a non-stripper kind of way of course. Although they might strip for you if you ask, so it’s better not to bring it up.
Their debut independent album Joliet sold out in a matter of months – all 500 copies! (Isn’t that platinum?) In response to the unprecedented demand for a portable version of their tunes, Valentino recently recorded a new live album (set for release this summer) featuring some favorites from Joliet and introducing two new tracks, “Grand” and “Jesus in a Box,” both of which have proven to be even more excellent than their predecessors. Valentino just keeps getting better – just ask them!
But, the guys aren’t afraid to make fun of themselves, either. Songs like “Pabst and Parliaments” show that they don’t take life – or their image – too seriously. Valentino does have a more somber side, using lyrics to explore some heavy subjects: depression, death, violence. They don’t want you to get the wrong idea, though. They definitely aren’t some emo disaster.
As their calendar fills and their fan base grows, Valentino is getting even more excited about sharing their sound with the world. “It’s an amazing feeling when people want to listen to your music,” says singer/guitarist Paul Ramon. “It’s like all those years of skipping high school to raid your parents’ liquor cabinet and play guitar all afternoon finally paid off.”
The band is humbled by the support that fans have given them over the years, and they look forward to even more Jager shots in the future. “It’s really all about the music,” says guitarist Brian Boucher. “But the booze is nice, too,” he adds, as drummer Jason Stiles rapidly taps his fingers on the table, undoubtedly playing along to the song in his head. “Indeed,” Jason agrees with a nod.
Since the band formed in Lubbock in 2004, they have come a long way: about 349.9 miles to Dallas, to be exact. And while they still cherish their West Texas roots, they have embraced Dallas-Fort Worth and all it has to offer – namely Jack in the Box and Krystal Burger. And, since they were nearby, they decided to head over to Denton and pick up a new bass player from UNT. Hey, why not? Welcome Chris Lebow! “Thanks,” he giggles.
“We feel really lucky to be able to get on stage and do something we love,” says Paul. “Not everyone gets that chance, and we appreciate that. It’s a good feeling to know that our music is affecting other people out there – and not in a negative ‘I think I’m gonna vomit’ kind of way. It’s nice to know you’re not inducing vomiting.”
Crimson Envy Pre Game Warm up !!!! We will be playing an entire acoustic set at Hastings on 82nd and Slide June 28th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Then follow us out to Blue light for a rocking good time. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
Thank you so much for being our friend!
We would love it if you would help us spread our music to all of your friends as well!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!
-Jesse David
Come join our Friends Group and add to the Lyric Thread in the Forum! We wanna make the Longest Led Lyric Thread on MySpace! Visit this link to join the group now: http://groups.myspace.com/swansongfriends
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Thanks for the ad rq! You guys come on over to Sulphur Springs sometime and check us out. We can make you a good recording for a decent price. Peace, Bo Studio 222 Professional Recording
Hey Hey! My debut album is on iTunes!! I am so excited! I will start touring this year and I hope to see you at a show! Thank you so so much for the support! I hope to hear from you!! please do keep In Touch Love Sara
everyone tells me I had a really good time last night for new years, but I can't remember anything. Hope you guys had fun! don't kill my brother... well maybe just a little..
hey! awesome...looks like i'm stalking yet another friend in comments. :P
you guys were great last night. i heard several people commenting on how good you are...
we're shooting for Nov. 1 go-live on the magazine. i'll holler at you before then to get photographs. AND i talked to Julie about booking you on dec. 15th. hope i can make it work out. :)
