Exclusive Interview with Valeron

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Valeron has long been immersed in the Mykonos club scene, first as part of the crowd and then going on to make his mark as a producer and DJ. Now as long-term resident artist at the iconic Scorpios Mykonos, the island native looks to release his fourth personal album Aroma on September 9, 2022 on the in-house label Scorpios Music.

A rare feat for a well-versed hand that has helped shape an island’s electronic music scene and now DJs from a pedestal, Valeron’s upcoming album frames Greece’s diverse musical history through a contemporary lens and acts as a testament to the current collaborative milieu of the island — a dance between Mediterranean and Middle Eastern instruments, all acoustic and recorded live, with the Mykonos native‘s hovering hand on mixers and synths. From the upcoming album, Valeron now releases “Fragile” as the first single.

We caught up with the man himself to find out more…

Hey Valeron! How are you doing?

Hey! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. I feel really good actually! At the moment I am doing a great tour, playing my music from Mykonos and Paros island in Greece to Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Emirates and London.

First things first, how has 2022 been for you?

So far 2022 is one of the most creative years. After almost two years of covid restrictions, I was finally able to travel more and get inspired. So, I devoted this year to the creation of my 4th personal music album, which will be released next September.

Big ups on the release of your new single ’Fragile’. Tell us about the release?

First, we should say that “Fragile” is my favorite Sting’s song. Sometime last summer we played it at a live show and since then this song became the band’s epilogue at every show. 

One day I decided that I should rework it and add to it a dancefloor energy. We recorded Gabriel Russel’s voice and guitar as the key instrument and enriched the original melodic theme, by adjusting the synthesizers and vocal phrases. Αnd that’s how this single was born. Its release on 22 of July is just to get a taste for the album we prepared. You can find it in all digital stores.

Is there a particular message behind this title?

Fragile always gave me goosebumps, when Iistened to it. And it continues to do so even today despite the fact that it was first released in 1988. It is Sting’s most heartwarming song. It is a tribute to the American Peace Corps volunteer, Ben Linder, who in 1987 was murdered by Contras in Nicaragua while working on a hydroelectric project.

But apart from its historical part, its music is amazing.

This is the first single from your new album, is that correct? Can you tell us about that?

As I mentioned in a previous question, my 4th personal album will come out next September by Scorpios Music Label. The album is a blend of electronic music with traditional instruments, ranging from downtempo to deep house. Except for Greek melodies, we also perform music from the Middle East, the Balkans, Latin America etc. This album also includes two covers: one from Sezen Aksu and his Turkish song “Istanbul” and one from a traditional Greek song, called “Aroma”. 

Has this LP been in the works for a long time? 

The majority of the songs were written during the lockdown. Maybe at first I felt it was difficult for me to feel creative, but along the way I took advantage of the time I was locked up at home to create music with my band. So, this album was mainly created during the isolation period of the pandemic.

Was there anything that influenced/inspired its creation?

By the time I get inspired by many things in life. It can be a sunset, a live performance where I can catch an idea for a new creation, my everyday life, nice people and their life stories. Most of my creations came from life moments.

Where did you grow up and what is the music scene like there?

I was born on the stunning Greek island of Corfu. My parents, especially my mother, were huge music fans at home, so I had the opportunity to learn from them. From a very young age I listened to a lot of different music thanks to them. In Corfu -as in every place- you can find many different kinds of music, from traditional to electronic. 

Are there any local artists that we should be keeping our eyes on?

Sure there are many great contemporary artists, but I often listen to old artists when I have free time. Hadjidakis for example. He is definitely one of the best composers ever and has greatly inspired me. So, if you’ve never listened to his music before, I advise you to do so. He will take you on a unique music journey with his melody. 

Start with listening to *The Waltz of Lost Dreams*.  

Tell us about your long standing residency at the legendary Scorpios, Mykonos.

I have been performing live shows at Scorpios Mykonos since 2017. It’s a magical place with a great atmosphere, offering people a multi-sensory experience. For me it is the best venue I have ever played. Ιt enchants me both as an artist and as a visitor.

What are 5 records that haven’t left your record box recently? 

Valeron – Fragile

Chris IDH – Saudade (Notre Dame Vision)

Adam Port & Alan Dixon – Forms Of Love

Soulroots – Sala Papa Ye

Röyksopp feat. Alison Goldfrapp – Impossible (&ME Remix)

What do you like to do when you’re not making music?

Well, I enjoy playing tennis, watching movies based on true stories, kitesurfing, traveling, seeing the sunset and of course spending quality time with the people close to me. 

Lastly, what does the rest of 2022 look like for you?

The most important highlight for the rest of 2022, it will be the release of my new 4th album in September. Of course, a very interesting global tour will follow, which will be announced in the coming period.

Thanks Valeron!

Valeron’s fourth studio album ‘Aroma’ will be released on September 9 via Scorpios Music. Pre-order here: https://save-it.cc/scmusic/aroma

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