Music > Interviews
Marc Valentine - Basement Sparks
08/03/24
I don’t know about you, but some days it can feel as if I am living under the constant gaze of society, unable to escape the persistent pressure of needing to know where I will be taking my next step in life.
But do we ever realise the importance of letting the course of life flow naturally, trusting the process and embracing what the future holds?
For singer- songwriter Marc Valentine, this has been key to his journey as a musician! From pathing the way as the frontman of Last Great Dreamers, to embarking on his solo journey, it has allowed his ideas to ‘keep flowing and evolving’!
Now, 30 years after the release of his first album with Last Great Dreamers, Marc will be releasing his 1st album on the ‘Wicked Cool’ record label on the 22nd March- ‘Basement Sparks’!
I recently caught up with Marc to discover how he was feeling ahead of the release of his new album, and the inspiration behind this!
• How are you feeling ahead of the release of 'Basement Sparks'?
I’m rather excited to be honest! It’s my first release on the Wicked Cool record label and I’m thrilled to be part of the family there. I can’t wait for the new record to be out there!
• How has your journey as a musician led to this album?
I’ve been writing songs since I was around 12-years-old and this is the probably the highest point of my career so far (and not where I had expected). It’s been a long and difficult journey at times, but I’m always grateful for where the path takes me and I’ll always try to keep looking ahead. The need to constantly create always drives me on.
Basement Sparks is being released in 2024 which is 30 years after my very first album was released in 1994, with Last Great Dreamers.
• How would you describe the journey your listeners are taken on through the album?
It’s an existential journey for the underdog and the insecure, with a faint glimpse of a silver lining in the distance. All interwoven with a bunch of hooks and sing-along choruses.
• Do you aim to leave your listeners with any messages through your music?
I think the connection to certain songs will be different for each listener - various songs that they may connect or relate to on a personal level. I tend not to write many politically-themed songs and there’s no particular message or manifesto. There’s a certain amount of social commentary though. The songs are often semi- autobiographical or short stories that have come to me.
• Where do you look for inspiration for your music?
I get ideas from all around me - films, books, other music and even street signs and nature. There’s such a big pool of stuff that I draw from.
• What was the inspiration behind the name, Basement Sparks?
It came from a basic idea that sometimes a flicker of hope can come from the darkest moment.
• How would you describe your creative process?
I tend to see it as part of an invisible river that runs beside me and sometimes I just need to immerse myself and see where it flows. I often start a song from the tiniest idea . They don’t always lead to songs that I finish, but I’m just thankful that I have access to this creative energy that is essentially all around us.
• What power do you believe music holds?
It’s one of the most powerful forms of expression and communication, both human and within the animal kingdom.
• What challenges, if any, did you face when creating the album?
My challenge was to make a record that stands shoulder to shoulder with my previous album, Future Obscure. I think most artists want to improve or equal their last piece of work. Hopefully I’ve got fairly close with Basement Sparks.
• If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Haha I think it’s possibly a little too late for that now - I don’t see it the same way as I did in my youth. 30 years ago there would have been so many aspects of the industry I would have changed. I was a frustrated and at times disillusioned young man. The industry keeps evolving good and bad, so I just think we should always try to adapt and learn to navigate the current waters.
• Have you got any plans for 2024?
Keeping the wolf from the door and feeding the family is one of my main priorities! …but of course the album release is also the big focus this year …and I’ll also be touring extensively to promote the record - I’m playing shows in the US, UK and across Europe. A few festivals too. Hopefully there’ll be some new fans by the end of the year, so I can then go and make another record!
• What advice would you give to any aspiring musicians?
Let the ideas keep flowing and evolving ..try not to be discouraged if your first few songs aren’t the best thing ever. Always pick yourself up again from a disappointment. Play to your strengths and fine-tune the things you do best.
If you want to check out Marc’s new album in action, you can catch him when he takes to the stage of The Reindeer in Norwich on the 14th April, as part of his tour to celebrate the release of ‘Basement Sparks’!
And, if you want to keep up to date with the brilliant music of Marc, as he embarks on the next step in his musical journey with ‘Wicked Cool’ record label, then you can head to his Instagram- @marcvalentine45!
Tour dates
Thu 4 Apr - London Water Rats (w/The Speedways)
Fri 5 Apr - Rotherham Hive
Sat 6 Apr - Manchester Retro
Fri 12 Apr - Nottingham Tap N Tumbler
Sat 13 Apr - Hull Aloft
Sun 14 Apr - Norwich Reindeer
Thu 30 May - Southampton Heartbreakers
Fri 31 May - Reading Facebar