Watering the Flowers w/ Alex DiMauro
Welcome to the Cloud Machine podcast! Your backstage pass to the creative industry, brought to you by Eights Creative, the agency pushing boundaries in live performance.
In this episode, host Mat Landry is joined by Alex DiMauro, a key member of the Toronto-based band, Valley. Fresh off the release of their third album, Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden, Alex shares an inside look at the band's creative journey, his role within Valley, and the making of their latest record. They discuss the artistic process behind the album, the challenges and triumphs of being in a band, and what it’s like to bring their music to life on tour. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and the music industry.
Episode Highlights
Catching Up Post-Album Release: Alex discusses the excitement and reflection following the release of Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden.
Alex’s Favourite Band & Green Day Story: A fun look back at Alex’s favorite band and a memorable story of meeting Green Day.
Authenticity & Making Live Experiences Memorable: The importance of authenticity in creating impactful live experiences.
Looks & Cooperation vs. Talent (Quote Segment): A conversation on balancing talent, appearance, and teamwork in the music industry.
New Developments in the Music Industry: Alex talks about the new wave of authenticity in music and its role in shaping the industry.
The Meaning Behind Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden: What inspired the album title and the deeper themes behind it.
The Writing Process of Valley’s New Album: Insight into the band’s creative process and how changes in the group influenced their sound.
Writing in a Cabin in the Woods: Alex reflects on the band’s experience writing the album in a remote cabin.
Key Messages in Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden: Alex shares the underlying themes and key messages in the album.
Alex’s Favourite Track on the New Album: A deep dive into Alex’s personal favorite track on the album.
Reception of the Album: How Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden has been received by fans and critics alike.
Live Translation of Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden: The challenges and triumphs of translating the album to the live stage.
Touring Stories: Alex shares memorable and funny stories from life on the road.
Balancing Band Member Responsibilities: How Alex balances his various roles within Valley while maintaining creative output.
Valley & Alex’s Upcoming Plans: What’s next for Valley and Alex, including future projects and tours.
Advice for Beginning Musicians & Comparison: Words of wisdom for aspiring musicians and thoughts on the comparison trap in the music industry.
Key Takeaways
Authenticity is Key: Staying authentic and true to oneself is a growing trend in the music industry, and it’s what makes live experiences memorable.
The Writing Process is Collaborative: Valley’s writing process, particularly their time in a remote cabin, highlights the power of collaboration and isolation to create something special.
Themes of Growth and Reflection: Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden represents the band’s journey through growth, both musically and personally.
Touring Challenges & Rewards: Translating a studio album to the live stage comes with its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to engage deeply with the audience.
Balancing Creativity with Band Dynamics: Alex shares how balancing responsibilities and creative roles is crucial for a band’s success.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians: Alex’s advice emphasizes authenticity and individuality, rather than succumbing to industry comparisons.
Guest Spotlight
Alex DiMauro is a key member of the Toronto-based band Valley, known for their hit songs and unique blend of indie pop. Fresh off the release of their third album Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden, Alex shares his insights into the creative process, the music industry, and life on the road.
Instagram: @alexdimauro1
About Cloud Machine
Produced by Eights Creative, Cloud Machine is your go-to podcast for music industry insights. Each episode blends education and entertainment to inspire and inform musicians, creators, and fans.