Originally from Ontario, Canada and now based out of Brooklyn, New York, all-girl band Hunter Valentine has had nothing less than an action packed, non-stop, kick butt career since their formation and release of their first EP back in 2005.
Over the course of the past decade, Hunter Valentine has toured all of their energetic releases all over the world to unwaveringly dedicated fans. They’ve worked and toured with some of the biggest names in music, including Sum 41, Cyndi Lauper, and Linda Perry. Hunter Valentine doesn’t have just a music career – they’ve made their appearances on reality television as well. VH1’s Make or Break: The Linda Perry Project and Showtime Network’s The Real L Word both featured this talented band.
After a long and successful career, the band has decided to release one last EP and go on one final tour. The Pledge may be Hunter Valentine’s last hoorah, but the EP lives up to the energetic, power rock, bad a** standards set by the band throughout the years. Lead vocalist Kiyomi McCloskey’s powerful, husky vocals soar throughout the EP, bringing raw emotion and feeling to each and every song.
The EP opens up with “Hurricane,” a punchy track that blends power rock melodies with bouncy, yet powerful vocals and sets the tone for the rest of the EP. (Author’s note: this is easily one of my favorite songs on the EP).
The Pledge’s first single, “Black Out Nights” (track 4 of 6), is a song that’s all about pushing yourself to your darkest limits. We may try to improve and better ourselves, but sometimes we fall. This song, however, definitely does not fall, making it one you do not want to miss listening to.
The Pledge closes out with its self-titled track, a beautiful, haunting piano ballad. Telling a story of heartbreak and recovery, it’s a song listeners can truly relate to.
Overall, The Pledge is a fantastic EP. The songs flow together and the sounds blend in musical harmony and wonderfulness. There isn’t a bad song on the EP, which earns it a definite, unquestionable 10/10 rating.
The Pledge is set to release on February 14th. Make sure to check it out; you will not regret it!
Keep reading below for an exclusive interview with Hunter Valentine:
HC: What was your inspiration behind the songs on this EP? Do you have a favorite song?
Hunter Valentine: “There really wasn’t one specific inspiration for this record. The songs were written over various periods of time and I think that the record shows that. There is a bit of reflection theme to it and I suppose that comes form the band slowing down and coming to a possible end. With that being said, there is this pledge to always have the band in our lives. I think that’s why my favorite song is ‘The Pledge'”
HC: Was the process creating this last EP different than any of your other releases?
Hunter Valentine: “We had a long time to write songs and explore, but a limited time in the studio. So we had to be on top of our game when it came to recording. We also decided to put this record out on our own, so we didn’t have any annoying suits around to tell us what to do.”
HC: Over the course of the band’s history, what are some of the coolest moments you have experienced? Any favorite memories?
Hunter Valentine: “I really enjoyed going to Japan twice to play. I am a part Japanese and I love traveling in Asia. The hospitality is amazing there and I just felt like the audiences there really listen.”
HC: What’s something you’ll miss most about making music and touring?
Hunter Valentine: “I am never going to stop making music and touring. I will be making music for my new solo project and writing for other artists in the future. The thing that I will miss most about playing with Hunter Valentine is that feeling that you get when you walk off stage and have played an amazing show. We will still play shows here and there, just not regularly. When we get the itch to play, we will play.”
HC: As an all female band, have you ever felt like you’ve had to work harder to earn respect in the industry?
Hunter Valentine: “Of course! I think in general the music industry is hard. There is usually a specific female artist and formula that is accepted and destined to succeed. Does this bother us anymore? Here and there it does, but our definition of success is not the same as Beyoncé. We’ve had a lovely career, have great fans and make the music that we want to. That is success to us.”
HC: You’re a great example of powerful women that can rock harder than anyone, and be successful at it. Do you have any advice for girls on breaking into the music industry?
Hunter Valentine: “Oh thank you! That’s very sweet. Our advice would be don’t settle, ask questions, work your butt off and tour, tour, tour! Oh and make sure you shake the hand and thank every fan that came out to see you, because it matters.”
HC: If you could describe Hunter Valentine as a drink, what would that drink be and why?
Hunter Valentine: “Bourbon on the rocks, because we give you that warm fuzzy feeling, we are straight up and on the rocks because we rock.”
Be sure to catch Hunter Valentine on their “So Long For Now” tour.
For more information on Hunter Valentine, and The Pledge, be sure to check out their official Website and follow their social media: Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.