October is Anti Bullying month where we try to bring attention and STOMP Out Bullying. Sadly, it was only two years ago this month where we brought you the tragic story of Amanda Todd’s suicide due to bullying. Many artists and musicians are doing what they can to raise awareness to bullying and help to eradicate it!
One of my favorite new bands, Hunter Valentine have released a music video for their song, Nowhere to Run as they teamed together with STOMP Out Bullying in an effort to raise awareness this October. The video is stellar and the song is truly touching and provides hope to those who struggle or are facing any challenges. It is an amazing track and is soon to be one of my favorite songs on my playlist. Check out the video here:
I hope you do your part this month in an effort to put an end to bullying. Reach out to someone who you think might need to talk or are battling with bullying. If you witness or see someone being bullied speak up, you just might be the voice to put an end to their suffering. On October 6th you can put on a BLUE shirt for BLUE SHIRT DAY World Day Of Bullying Prevention. We can show our support and as STOMP Out says, “help to put an end to bullying, cyberbullying, other digital abuse, hatred, racism and homophobia and STOMP Out Bullying everywhere! In schools, communities, at work, & on social media pages“. People may ask, “What does wearing a blue shirt do?” What it does is show your solidarity to this cause, people may ask about why so many are wearing blue which opens discussion about the cause. It is a way to educate people about how devastating bullying can be and how we can work together in saving lives.
We recently did an interview with Hunter Valentine drummer, Laura Petracca and are pleased to repost here:
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Music Junkie Press: Thank you very much for taking the time out to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press! First, we have to say, LOVING THE NEW SINGLE, “Burn With It.” The passion and honesty in that song shines through, was it an emotional process when you were writing it, especially being under the microscope of a TV show LP Project?
Laura: Kiyomi and Linda wrote this song and it sounded like an intense process. I saw Kiyomi writing and rewriting the lyrics, ripping pages out of her book. I came in to add drums and backing vocals. At that point the structure had been set, just needed arranging and swagger. That’s what drummers are the best at.
Music Junkie Press: When I saw Hunter Valentine on the first episode, I was blown away by your sound and quite upset that I didn’t know about you sooner! What I really loved by the end of the show, is the dedication and passion that you two, Kiyoimi and Laura have for your music and you truly are making the exact music you want to. You stand your ground for what you believe in. What advice could you give to other young artists who are struggling with that battle?
Laura: The most important part of being an artist is to stay true to who you are and what you believe. Your gut will always know what is right.
Music Junkie Press: You recently played at Shedonism in Las Vegas a couple weeks ago, how was that for you all?
Laura: I love Shedonism! We played the pool party a couple years ago and had a blast. This year we were booked to play the closing party in a really cool downtown Las Vegas bar. The fans that came out were singing all the words to the songs. That’s one of the most amazing experiences, that’s how you know you’ve made it.
Music Junkie Press: Hunter Valentine are about to embark in the Ladykillers Tour which kick off at the end of September. Are you looking forward to getting back out on the road?
Laura: I can’t wait to get back out on the road and especially with our friends Sick Of Sarah. We are doing the second round of the Lady Killer Tour. The first time we went out was a major success. Also one of the funnest tours hahaha! Everyone, be prepared for the time of your life.
Music Junkie Press: What is something that you like to do when you first arrive in to a new town on tour?
Laura: The band loves to eat. So naturally the first thing we like to do is eat what is popular in that city, even if it’s fried pickles dipped in vinegar or pig ears baked with cheese.
Music Junkie Press: With your dedicated fanbase, who love to show their appreciation for your gift of music, what is something that they can bring to you when you are out on the road?
Laura: What I want the most from the fans is a rowdy crowd dancing and enjoying the music. If you’re meaning materialistic, then whatever they want. We have received some amazing artwork and also some great care packages with food and drinks. We love our fans/friends and who they are so I’ll leave it to their imagination.
Music Junkie Press: Will you be adding more dates to the tour, (hint, California!!) or is there another leg of the tour planned?
Laura: We are possibly adding a few more east coast dates but unfortunately for the rest of this year, we won’t be coming back west. Our plan is to get in the studio ASAP so that we can give you new music to rock out to. We will be out on a second leg out west, early next year.
Music Junkie Press: You really bring a great vibrant energy when you perform on stage, do you have any preshow rituals to harness that energy?
Laura: Well I like to jump around to loosen up my body and limbs. Also I like to warm up on a drum pad. And then the full band does vocal warm ups, a lot of alleluia and bumble bees. And sometimes the odd whiskey will appear pre show.
Music Junkie Press: Here at Music Junkie Press, we are strong believers of how music helps, heals, inspires, and so much more. Is there a song or an artist that you can remember that helped you through a particular time and can you share a bit about that?
Laura: When I was a kid, I used to listen to all different types of music. One of my inspirations when growing up was Queen. I was a clever little girl and set up a sound system in my room, at the age of 8, and would crank Killer Queen or Stone Cold Crazy. Queen used to make me feel like I could do anything. This is one moment where I knew I wanted to be a star and no one was going to stop me.
Music Junkie Press: I know that many of your new fans are familiar with you Kiyomi and Laura, can you introduce us to the rest of the band that will be out on tour with you?
Laura: We are lucky to have two amazing musicians blessing the stage with us. Leanne Bowes (bass, backing vocals) has been playing with us the last year and a half. Leanne is a sweetheart and also a bad ass bass player. Lisa Bianco (lead guitar and keys) is the newest member. She’s a fire cracker and I can’t wait for fans to meet her. I have a fellow Italian on the road now, that only means trouble… In a good way of course!
Music Junkie Press: If I could peak into your Ipod, what artist or song might I be most surprised at finding in there?
Laura: Miley Cyrus.
Music Junkie Press: With Halloween coming up, what is your favorite childhood costume you wore?
Laura: Ernie from Sesame Street. Wore it two years in a row.
Music Junkie Press: Lastly, what would you like to share with our audience and your fans?
Laura: We have a new online store, with a lot of new items added for the fall/winter that can be purchased world wide in our website www.huntervalentine.com Also our single Burn With It is available on iTunes. And of course! Come check out our dates on the Lady Killer Tour with Sick Of Sarah!
Music Junkie Press: We really appreciate your time and look forward to catching you out on the road. We encourage everyone to pick up Burn With It and visit your social media sites! Thank you.
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Make sure to catch them out on tour, Check out the tour dates below and see if they will be coming to a venue near you:
- Oct. 3 – Tampa, FL – G Bar
- Oct. 4 – Orlando, FL – Southern Nights
- Oct. 7 – Dallas, TX – Trees
- Oct. 8 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
- Oct. 9 – Austin, TX – Spider House Ballroom
- Oct. 10 – San Antonio, TX – Jacks Bar
- Oct. 12 – Kansas City, MO – The Scene Rock Bar
- Oct. 13 – St. Louis, MO – The Firebird
- Oct. 15 – Chicago, IL – Township
- Oct. 16 – Pontiac, MI – Pike Room
- Oct. 19 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
Be sure to visit iTunes and pick up their new single, Burn With It. The single is available on the EP The Linda Perry Project Season 1. You can check out review of the full EP here: The Linda Perry Project EP.
Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.
~ Marisol
Information & Links:
- Website: http://www.huntervalentine.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntervalentine
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HunterValentine
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kiyomance
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraPetracca
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/leannekbowes
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaBianco
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