Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Valley Lights

Valley Lights: In a Lane of His Own

Vocal synthwave act Valley Lights releases his debut album Two Lane Highway on iconic indie label Outland Recordings.

Two Lane Highway is a visceral, danceable entry into the synthwave genre that takes hold and doesn’t let go. Earworm melodies flow seamlessly over arpeggiated synth lines, power-chord guitars, and screaming saxophone solos. Like a mashup of Blade Runner and The Weeknd, Valley Lights relishes the neon aesthetics of the synthwave genre, but is never afraid to break out of them with pop sensibilities that will immediately have you singing along.

“Valley Romance” a funky, Daft Punk-inspired dance track is right at home on the dancefloor. The self-titled track “Two Lane Highway” is a gasoline-soaked banger perfect for an 80s training montage — it’s Top Gun in a Camaro. Meanwhile, tracks like “Across The Galaxy” and “Afterglow” aren’t afraid of introspection, addressing complex themes over somber, ethereal synths and tight, punctuated drum hits.

Valley Lights also takes on “Dreams”, a timeless classic of love and regret, reinvigorating it for a whole new generation of listeners. Chill and hypnotic, this rendition of “Dreams” is a haunting anthem for 2023.

Like the recent breakout sounds of The Weeknd and Dua Lipa, Valley Lights explores the soundscapes of the 80s while simultaneously reinventing them. The debut album Two Lane Highway delivers 13 new vocal synthwave tracks that are frenetic, catchy, and sticky as red lipstick. Beyond the danceable hooks, Valley Lights’ album will leave you with a feeling of emotional depth, a stargazing melancholy that lingers long after the neon lights have faded into darkness.

Tracklist:

1. Headlights
2. Two Lane Highway
3. Dreams
4. Under The Gun
5. Chasing Ghosts
6. Across The Galaxy
7. Thailand
8. Holdin On
9. California
10. Bonfire
11. Valley Romance
12. Afterglow
13. Forever and Always

For more information about Valley Lights, go to:
Linktree | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | SoundCloud | Bandcamp | Spotify

A few weeks ago I heard a song I liked… I don’t remember what song it was, but I liked the sound. I looked and it was from Kai Mammoser aka Valley Lights. Fun name… I did some digging and reached out via Instagram. I literally said, “Digging your sound. Can we do an interview for my blog? LMK!” The rest is history!

He was getting ready to release a new studio album, so we pushed the interview back a few days. When he dropped Two Lane Highway, I was blown away with the sound. It has an 80s vibe to it. Imagine neon lights, cruising in a Trans Am with the top down, and sipping on an ice cold Jolt Cola. Listen to his music… You’ll know what I am talking about. We hit it off, became quick friends, and I am pumped to share his story with you. Especially on the heels of Two Lane Highway. This was fun and it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Valley Lights.

Where did the name Valley Lights come from?
Valley Lights is basically an homage to the two places I grew up. I was born in a small town in New Mexico, but I consider LA my home. I was pretty depressed when I started the project and I guess “Lights” was kind of a choice to focus on the positive in life and moving forward, choosing light over darkness.

You just released a new album titled Two Lane Highway. Tell me more about that release.
Two Lane Highway is my return to music and it was an amazing experience to write. I had gone through a really bad breakup and was experiencing some of the worst pain of my life. I started seeing song titles in my head, and lyrics, and music. I felt this compulsion to create something like I never had before. Through my depression and tears and ennui I couldn’t refuse. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I would drive around this dusty two lane highway and sing my heart out. That’s how Two Lane Highway was born.

Is that you on vocals?
Yeah, that’s me! Singing and lyrics have always been my passion. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing producers and musicians on this album, and that allowed me to stay focused on what I love the most, storytelling.

What is your songwriting process like? Do you sit down with a yellow pad or do lyrics just come to you in your sleep?
I love driving around in my car. Along the beach or in the mountains. I listen to the music and see what it inspires in me. I usually get the title first and work from there. I’ve always liked songs that sound like pop, but the lyrics have a darker or deeper meaning to them. So you can appreciate them on two levels almost. Lyrics are incredibly important to me. There is so much vapid shit out there, I like a little substance.

This album has Miami Vice vibes. Was that by design?
Oh yeah. The aesthetic of the 80s and early 90s was so unique. Now like 30-40 years later it has gained this mythical or fantasy quality to it. Was every day in the 80s like a movie? (Laughs.) Probably not, but it’s fun to think it was.

13 songs on the album… Possible to pick a favorite? The title track is pretty great!
I was born on the 13th, it’s my lucky number so I knew I had to do 13 songs. It’s really hard to pick favorites but I’d go with “Headlights”, or “Two Lane Highway”. “Forever and Always” is probably the most meaningful song on the album to me.

I love your logo. Who designed that for you and how many designs did you see before picking that one?
I love my logo too! I have a good friend who is a graphic designer who did it for me. It was a process for sure. I mean that logo is gonna be with me for the rest of my career! I probably saw 5 designs and we slowly crafted it into the perfection it is today.

 You did a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”. Did you need permission from their camp to record/release a cover song like that?
Oh, yeah we had to clear it, but it’s pretty easy to do these days. I grew up listening to Fleetwood Mac and “Dreams” has always been a favorite of mine. I would sing it at karaoke with my ex-girlfriend, and I thought it would be fun to put a new twist on it.

Two Lane Highway is out September 29 on Outland Recordings. Tell me more about that label, and your experience working with them on this release.
Man, that’s a crazy story. I had been recording the album for about a year and it was wrapping up so I started my social media, Instagram, TikTok, etc. I was ready to put the album out on my own, but I decided to say, “Screw it,” and I sent it out to a couple labels. Outland got back to me right away and after a couple meetings I signed the deal! Outland is based out of London, and they have a small roster of amazing artists like Dreamkid and The Last Concorde. It’s been an amazing experience working with them.

Your sound is unique. Where do you find inspiration for new material? And who are you listening to when not writing or recording your own music?
I had always been inspired by a lot of music from the 80s. Whether it was The Cure, New Order, Skid Row, Poison, The Gap Band. It all has this over the top quality, which I love. I like everything though, from Children of Bodom to Three 6 Mafia. I honestly get most my inspiration from driving in my car, being on the beach, or hiking with my dog. I find a lot of inspiration in nature.

Wait… You are releasing Two Lane Highway on cassette tape?! That is awesome, man!!
(Laughs.) Yeah! The synthwave scene is very retro and 80s inspired so you know we had to go old school! Even if you don’t have a tape player, I think they are a great display piece and conversation starter.

You are based in LA. How long have you lived there and what is your favorite place to see a show in the City of Angels?
I’ve been in LA off and on for most my life. Recently I’ve been here since 2015. Love this city. I’m a sunset strip guy! So much history there. Whisky a Go Go, Troubador, RAINBOW BAR AND GRILL! They all have such cool unique vibes.

What’s in the case?
You’re gonna have to wait and watch the “Dreams” music video!!! It should be coming out in October.

Speaking of LA, what are some of your favorite restaurants? I’m only 2 hours from LA and I love to eat out!
Oh man. Too many places! LA has such an amazing food scene. I fell in love with Korean food living in K-Town. Soot Bull Jeep is my favorite Korean barbecue spot. There is also a place called Hodori Restaurant which is open 24/7/365!! That will get you through some hard partying nights. If you want to hang out with the West Hollywood sycophants, The Nice Guy is good for mediocre food and people watching.

Who designed the cover for Two Lane Highway? And who is that supposed to be?
That’s me man! The cover design was done by an artist named Rachid Lotf. He does some amazing retro inspired art. Definitely check him out!

Any plans for a tour after releasing Two Lane Highway?
I’m getting in live performance mode now. I don’t know if a tour is going to happen yet, but I would love to do one! I think I’ll be doing an album release show here in LA in the next couple months. I’ll let you know.

Man, I am digging your sound. Not really a question… Just thank you for creating such memorable music for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you, I really appreciate that. I poured my heart and soul into this project and I’m glad it’s coming out and that people are digging it. It’s kind of funny, I’ve done music for a long time and this is the first project that I’ve felt truly proud of.

You did a video for “Dreams”. Where did you shoot that and when will it be ready for us to see?
The majority of “Dreams” was shot in southern New Mexico in a place called White Sands. It’s really a picturesque place. You can see shots of it on my Instagram. The rest was shot in various places around New Mexico and Los Angeles. I worked with an amazing production team called Gomez Glad Bak. Check them out on Instagram. They really helped my vision come to life!

You call it synthwave. What is it, though? Can you explain that genre to me? And who else fits that sound?
I would say synthwave is music that is inspired by the aesthetic of the 80s and 90s. I think technically what I do is considered Vocal Synthwave, but who knows. I just love how over the top it is, I felt like I was waiting my whole life to find this sound. It’s a genre that doesn’t take itself too seriously, like me. It has allowed me to talk about serious and heartfelt issues, but in a light hearted way. Like, “Yeah, stuff happens, but I’m still here baby! Hit me with your best shot!” Similar artists would be The Midnight, Ollie Wride, Timecop1983, FM-84, and a whole slew of others!

I know you just released Two Lane Highway, but are you already thinking about your next single? Maybe an EP. Christmas will be here before you know it!
I never stop writing. I’m already working on album number two. I don’t know if I’ll be releasing anything immediately after Two Lane Highway. My next step is to start getting into live performances. I want the show to be really cinematic and immersive, not just a “rock band” kind of experience, so I’m still sorting it out. And hey if a tour happens you know I’m there!

We’ve talked about a lot today. What did I miss? Anything else you’d like to share with my readers?
If somebody breaks your heart, make a rock and roll album out of it. It’s way more fun!

Where is the best place to learn more about Valley Lights?
I’m on all the socials. Of which there are too many to list these days I’m most active on Instagram.

Thanks for doing this. It was fun listening to Two Lane Highway while writing these interview questions. In all of the interviews I do I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
Thank you for the opportunity Ricky! It was a lot of fun to chop it up with you today. Go stream Two Lane Highway! The “Dreams” music video is dropping soon, keep your eyes peeled for that. Valley Lights is coming to your town soon! Peace!