Paul Weller with special guests The Vals - European Tour 2015
We are delighted to announce that The Vals have been asked to join Paul Weller as special guests for the entirety of his European Tour in 2015! We will be joining Paul and his fantastic band throughout Europe beginning with Paris on April 8th followed by shows in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Bruges, Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg, Muenster and Brussels.
April 8th - Bataclan, Paris, France
April 9th - Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
April 11th - Tivoli, Utrecht, Netherlands
April 12th - Magdalena zaal, Bruges, Belgium
April 13th - Gloria Theatre, Cologne, Germany
April 15th - Admiralpalast, Berlin, Germany
April 16th - Docks, Hamburg, Germany
April 17th - Jovel, Muenster, Germany
April 18th - Ancienne, Brussels, Belgium
For further info and ticket links, please visit www.paulweller.com
The Vals perform 'Echoes of Summer' to 3 million viewers on ZDF Television
During our recent 'Wildflower Way Tour' we stopped off at ZDF Television studios in Berlin (02/02/2015) to perform 2 tracks and have a chat. 'Morgenmagazin' is watched by around 3 million viewers each day. You can now watch us play 'Echoes of Summer' from the show.
Winners of 'Best Album' for 'Wildflower Way' at London's Galaxy Awards
Some amazing news came to us late 2014 that we won an award for 'Best Album' at London's Galaxy Awards. We are big fans of a lot of the acts nominated alongside us and are all very excited about heading to London in February to collect the award. the folks at Galaxy are proper music people and to win this award means a great deal to us coming from those guys. An absolute honour!
'Wildflower Way' Album Reaches Number 2 in Japan!
Super news coming from Japan that our album 'Wildflower Way' has charted at Number 2 in the Indie / Rock Charts and #38 in the General charts (figures via Jet Set Records Tokyo). A big thank you to everyone who bought the record. It means the world to us knowing that people around the world are listening.
The Vals appear on WDR Television to perform 'Pickepackevoll'
The Vals made a guest appearance on the WDR Televison show ''Zeiglers Wunderbare Welt des Fußballs'' to perform 'Pickepackevoll', a track written especially for the show. The song features some famous Bundesliga commentary aswell as Paul incorpoating some football terms from the show including 'Pickepackevoll'.
The day of filming we were very lucky to have been invited to Werder Bremen's stadium where our good friend Arnd showed us around. The moment of the day was when they played The Vals - Pickepackevoll to the supporters just before kick-off. A moment that will stick with us forever!
All proceeds of the single release go to a fantastic charity 'Spielraum' , we hope to generate lots of money in the coming weeks and months and help as much as possible.
Charity Football Single Release ' Pickepackevoll' out 02/02/2014
We are happy to announce that we have recorded a special charity football song called 'Pickepackevoll'. The song came from conversations with Football TV host Arnd Zeigler about various German football words such as 'Kacktor' and 'Pickepackevoll' and will be performed on Arnd's show on January 31st. All proceeds of the single will go to the 'Spielruam' project which is run from Bundesliga team 'Werder Bremen'.
''SV Werder Bremen is in cooperation with its supplier to the Nike TRAVEL program in Bremen.
The program uses sport as an opportunity to find an access to children and young people aged 10 to 14 years old, and thus provides a complement to the traditional offerings of youth social work in the city.
The aim is untapped or emerging places with young people to turn in cooperation with public agencies, institutions and other local actors in Bremen in lively places - for team sports, shared fun and personal development.''
You can now download the single via all digital platforms
New Single Release on Unique Records - 'Echoes of Summer' - 30/01/2015
We are happy to announce that the third single to be taken from our album 'Wildflower Way' will be 'Echoes of Summer'. In recent weeks the song has gained rotation on some of the biggest stations across Germany, Austria and Switzerland and has been a firm favourite from the album as well as during our live set.
In celebration of the reception the album has received we have decided to make the release a little more special by releasing a special EP. Alongside the single ' Echoes of Summer' is 'Look to the One' which features legend Henry Mccullough (Paul McCartney & Wings) on guitar and vocals. The track was originally recorded in Belfast in 2011 with Henry but has had some additional instruments and parts added by Paul in 2015. another re-worked track which appears on the EP is an electric version of 'Things Will Always Be The Same' from the 2009 'Sticks and Stone' album. Finally we have a cover of the Electric Light Orchestra classic 'Mr Blue Sky. In September 2014 we were kindly asked to appear on Arnd Zeigler's show on Radio Bremen and perform some tracks from our album. Arnd also asked us to perform a cover of this track and we have fell in love with it ever since. When we returned we quickly recorded 'Mr Blue Sky' and ever since has become a big live favourite for us.
Artwork for the single has been created by Stefan Duerr, a beautiful piece which works brilliantly with the rest of the artwork for 'Wildflower Way'.
The Vals Live Session for the Arnd Zeigler Show on Radio Bremen
The Vals stopped by the Arnd Zeigler Show on the final leg of our tour promoting new album 'Wildflower Way'. We are big fans of Arnd and his show it was fantastic to play acoustic versions of some album tracks as well as a track from our first album and a special cover of the ELO classic 'Mr Blue Sky'.
A big thank-you to Arnd for having us on the show! He was the first person to play songs from 'Wildlower Way' on his show a while back and we felt it only right to credit him on the sleeve of the record and say thanks!
Set-list :
1. Echoes of Summer
2. Bellamy Only Dreams
3. Where do We Go From Here?
4. Quiet Part of Town
5. Things Will Always Be The Same
6. Mr Blue Sky
The show will be broadcast on Tuesday 16th September. Listen again now here :
Acoustic Version of 'Everything's Broken' at the River Rhine for CCTV
Before our show at the famous Golzheim Festival Paul and Conor from The Vals caught up with Manuel from Triggerfish / CCTV and played an acoustic version of 'Everything's Broken' from our new album 'Wildflower Way'.
Filming this track at the beautiful location of the Rhine river was a prefect way to start our short tour.
'Wildflower Way' is out on 26th September 2014
Album 'Wildflower Way' Released on Unique Records
(Vinyl LP / CD / Download)
The Vals new album 'Wildflower Way' gets it's big release via Unique Records on December 5th 2014! Available on Vinyl LP / CD and Download at all good stores. This album was written and produced at Paul's mini home studio in Belfast and comprises of some of The Vals best work to date. 'Wildflower Way' has been described as more of musical storybook than a conventional album. Songs which feature characters such as Billy Milk' and 'Bellamy' coupled with Stefan Duerr's incredible artwork tell the tale of this magical suburbia of 'Wildflower Way'
Tracklisting :
1. Quiet Part of Town
2. Bellamy Only Dreams
3. Heaven and Earth
4. I Fall
5. Mailbox
6. Suzie Reaches for the Sky
7. Echoes of Summer
8. Paper Moon
9. Everything's Broken
10. Where Do We Go From Here?
11. No Truth in War
New Single 'I Fall' Out September 12th on Unique Records
The second single to be taken from our new album 'Wildflower Way' will be 'I Fall' out September 12th on Unique Records.
Already the single has had lots of rotation on radio stations includiing WDR5 in Germany. The single is accompanied by album track 'Where Do We Go From Here?' and is available as a digital download at all stores.
Wildflower Way Acoustic Tour Dates
The Vals set off to spread the word of new album 'Wildflower Way' this September. Starting off at the Golzheim Festival the band will be showcasing a special acoustic set at various venues around Germany as well as radio sessions through-out the country. Singles 'Quiet Part of Town' and 'I Fall' are currently receiving heavy air-play prior to the release of this long awaited album.
Live shows include :
06/09/2014 - Golzheim
Festival
07/09/2014 - Haldern, Haldern
Pop
08/09/2014 - Dortmund Radio 91.2 Unplugged Show
(Recorded)
08/09/2014 - Duesseldorf,
KIT
09/09/2014 - Darmstadt,
Schlosskeller
10/09/2014 - Cologne, Stereo
Wonderland
11/09/2014 - Arnd Zeigler Show, Radio Bremen (Recorded)
We cant wait to play some special live sessions on radio in September also including Arnd Zeigler's show on Radio Bremen, Dortmund's 91.2, Deutschlandfunk, the BBC and many more.
Paul in New Movie ' Dracula Untold' in Cinema's October 3rd
Paul from The Vals had a small part in the new Universal movie 'Dracula Untold'. Paul played a Turkish General and filmed scenes through-out August - November 2013 in various locations in Ireland including Belfast. Dracula Untold will be in cinemas on October 3rd and stars Dominic Cooper and Luke Evans as Dracula. We will post come pics soon of Paul on set!
New Single 'Quiet Part of Town' out August 8th on Unique Records
We are happy to announce that our first single to be taken from the 'Wildflower Way' album will be 'Quiet Part of Town'.
The beautiful artwork again was created by Stefan Duerr. Stefan is working on something pretty special for the 'Wildflower Way' album, watch this space!
Although released worldwide, the single will receive much radio play in Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Austria due to a large promotional campaign there.
Release date is August 8th 2014!
We were very lucky to have had a chance to work with some amazing film-makers in Thomas McKeown and Daryl Randall, on the video for 'Quiet Part of Town. It stars the very talented Sarah NiEoghain and was shot in Mandela Hall and on Cave Hill in Belfast. A big thanks to all the crew involved, we had a blast making it and look forward to working again together soon!
The Vals to support Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene)
& Merrymouth on Irish Tour
The Vals are very happy to announce that we will open for Simon Fowler's new band 'Merrymouth' for 2 dates of their Irish tour in May. We will join the band in Mullingar and Dublin on what is their first visit to Ireland.
More about Merrymouth :
BBC - The Making of The Vals ' Quiet Part of Town'
Paul was invited along to the BBC Across the Line show to talk about the making of the latest single 'Quiet Part of Town'. You can listen again now via the BBC iPlayer. The Vals will be playing a special live session on the BBC at the end of September!
Kind Words From Donovan About New Songs
A few years back while travelling on a train, Paul had an unexpected meeting with 'Sunshine Superman' himself Donovan. They chatted about Henry McCullough who had just recorded with The Vals that month and how he had previously recorded with Donovan at Abbey Road studios in the 70's. Paul was happy in helping Donovan reconnect with Henry following their meeting.
Recently Donovan and Paul have reconnected via the wonders of the worldwide web and the 60's troubadour has been kind enough to show his admiration for the new album tracks by exclaiming : ''Very cool record. Like the sounds and vocals''
This comes as a huge compliment to both the band and Paul who hold Donovan in a very high regard as one of the greatest songwriters of all time!
The Vals sign up with Schubert Publishing
We are happy to announce the signing of a contract with Schubert Publishing for the 'Wildflower Way' album.Established in year 2003 by Andreas Schubert, the company quickly became the largest independent music publisher in Central & Eastern Europe. Schubert Publishing cover today a significant part of Europe and US with affiliates in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, UK, US, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. The album will be released on vinyl, cd and download this summer!
Off on Tour with Turin Brakes in May
In May we join Turin Brakes on all dates of their Irish tour to promote new album 'We Were Here'. We have been massive fans of the lads for a long time now and it is an honour to open for them in Dublin, Dundalk and Cork!
First Review of New Single - Encore NI
We had the very first review come in from the new single 'Quiet Part of Town' this week and are very happy with it! Thanks guys!
You can visit Encore Ni's site here : www.encorenorthernireland.blogspot.co.uk
Below is an extract from the review, happy reading!
'Quiet Part Of Town' has all the hall marks of a Vals classic on a
bigger scale. The first track from their upcoming album 'Wildflower
Way', (due for release September 2014) is a worthy opener, the fast
paced, major key acoustic guitar still forming the key element of
the track, with a psychedelic Beatles-esque production adding a
captivating swoon to the Richard Ashcroft inspired melody.
Everything from the subtle orchestral overlays, to the George
Harrison styled guitar riffs scream Summer festival freedom and
carefree abandon. You get the feeling that this is a real Summer
record and as such, seems to mark a real turning point for the
band''
The Vals Contribute Track to Official Kinks Tribute to Bass Player Pete Quaife
The Vals were honoured recently to have been asked to contribute a cover of the Kinks classic 'Picturebook' for the upcoming tribute to bass player Pete Quaife. Pete's brother David with the help of a few friends has set up a great charity which helps children while awaiting dialysis treatment.
The album 'Pass it On' is currently available on i-tunes and cd albums and further information on the charity can be found at www.petequaifefoundation.com
The track was recorded by Paul at his home studio. You can listen below :
New Video For Album Track 'Suzie Reaches for the Sky'
The fantastic artwork for this song was created by Stefan Duerr.
The beautiful animated video for 'Suzie Reaches for the Sky' was created by Stephane Law. Please watch below!
This song appears on The Vals new album 'Wildflower Way'
The Vals - City of Culture 2013 - RTE's Other Voices Show
The renowned Irish music television series Other Voices set up camp in Derry this weekend, bringing a myriad of Irish and international stars together to raise their voices in a three-day musical celebration.
The world famous TV production records intimate acoustic performances and interviews at locations around the city throughout the afternoon, before turning the cameras on at The Glassworks on Great James Street each evening, filming live sets by the impressive collection of artists who have made their way to Derry to take part in the Other Voices spectacular.
The Vals took part in this massive celebration of 2013's City of Culture by playing to a packed out Sandino's on the final night. A special night to top off a very special time for the city.
The Vals Live at the Ulster Hall
The band finished up their recent acoustic tour in dramatic fashion by playing a sell out Ulster Hall on Friday 23rd November.
The event organised by CAMRA seen a gigantic crowd experience all the new tracks from the upcoming album alongside some oldies. There was even time at the end of a massive sing-a-long to All You Need is Love which will live long in the memory. Many thanks to Agata Dziadul for the fantastic pics of the night!
Autumn Acoustic Tour
The Vals are pleased to announce
our 'Autumn Acoustic Tour' for 2012
They will be playing the
following venues and would love to see you there!
27.09.2012, Arthur's Day
Celebrations, Belfast
04.10.2012, Blue Note,
Düsseldorf, Kurzestrasse 13
05.10.2012, Klimt Art,
Gertigstr. 67-69, Winterhude, Hamburg
06.10.2012, Makrele,
Talstraße 29, Sankt Pauli, Hamburg
23.11.2012, Ulster Hall,
Belfast
We will have
various line-ups for each show with Paul playing solo on the 4th,
5th and 6th October for the German dates. (Check out details in our
previous news post)
Paul and Matt welcome new members
Conor, Orlagh, Chris, Emma and Steve to the fold. They will be
playing their first show with us at the Arthur's Day celebrations
in Belfast on the 27th September.
Special thanks to Stefan Duerr
who created our tour poster, we love it!
We also can't wait to finish off
this little tour with a headline show at the famous Ulster Hall in
Belfast on the 23rd of November. Probably our most favourite ever
venue! We look forward to putting on a great show for the people of
CAMRA. The 1,800 capacity hall is steeped in history with famous
appearances from Led Zeppelin to Charles
Dickens.
Look out for further shows being
added to the tour soon and also news of some new releases from the
band.
A splendid time is guaranteed for
all!
The Vals Live at the 100 Club, London – Stefan Duerr
Here is a selection of pics taken by Stefan Duerr at our headline show at London’s famous 100 Club. This was our first headline show in London and what a venue to start! Steeped in history with past shows from The Rolling stones, The Who, Oasis and more. Paul McCartney headlined the same venue just a few weeks later in response to fears the 100 Club would close. It didn’t in the end and for that we are grateful. Many thanks to Val Weedon for organising such a great event.
20.09.2012
Hamburg Shows / Barbara Zedler's Blüten über
Belfast
We are very excited of news that
our friend Barbara Zedler will be releasing her excellent new book
Blüten über Belfast. The tale is set in The Vals home town of
Belfast and to celebrate the release both Barbara and Paul will
share a night of music and words for 2 dates in the city of
Hamburg. Barbara will be reading extracts from the novel while Paul
will play an acoustic set on each night.
Further details of how to buy the
book and see the shows can be found here: http://www.belfastkrimi.de/
05.10.2012, Klimt Art, Gertigstr. 67-69, Winterhude, Hamburg
- 8pm
06.10.2012, Makrele, Talstraße 29, Sankt Pauli, Hamburg -
8pm
Being massive Beatles
fans We cant wait to play in the city where it all
began!
See you in
Hamburg!