Jimmy Valentine

Who is Jimmy Valentine? Where are you from, how long have you been playing music?

Jimmy Valentine is my new solo project and stage persona. It came to life during lockdown after I sat at the piano and wanted to create a fresh musical tribute to Hollywood’s golden age. I’ve been playing the piano since I was a kid but I started playing music properly when I went to university and started playing in bands when I was in my early 20s.

I live in North London but originally from Southampton. I have been in various musical projects previously and written for other artists. I also wrote a song that went to number 1 in Korea and Japan (for Korean artist Kim Jae-joong)

Who came up with your stage name and does it have a story or any meaning behind it?

 Alias Jimmy Valentine was a 1910 play by Paul Armstrong and was made into three subsequent films.  

In the story, Jimmy Valentine is the alias of an infamous bank robber who enjoys a life of luxury with his ill-gotten gains.

However he finds himself love-struck by the banker’s beautiful daughter, Annabel Adams and vows to change his ways and settle down.

My persona is loosely based on the character in the story – he likes the finer things and maybe has a darker side. But he is a sucker for love at the same time.

If you had to describe your sound using just five words, what would they be?

Something you’ve not heard before.

Who are your biggest influences musically?

Frank Sinatra
Elvis Costello
Tom Waits

Bill Callahan

James Blake
Lana Del Rey

What’s your songwriting process?

I usually sit down at my piano at home and mess around until something sounds nice. If I like it I then start putting a melody over the top while scribbling down lyric ideas, either in my notebook or on anything I can find lying around. I’ve been recording ideas on my phone recently as melodies often pop into my head when I’m out and about and I hate forgetting a good idea. 

When you were younger, what was the first album that blew you away and you remember putting on repeat non-stop? 

The Beatles – Rubber Soul

If you could go on tour with any current band or artist, who would it be and why?

Lorde – and I would ask if I could do a duet with her, I love her vibe!

How would you describe your live show to someone who has never seen you perform before? 

A washed up singer from LA wearing vintage Hermes comes into your living room to play piano and drink cocktails

Do any of you have any pre-gig or post gig rituals? If so, what and why?

I always have a Bloody Mary before I go on stage

What would your ultimate rider be if you could have anything without being accused of being a diva?

Champagne, Bloody Marys and Neapolitan pizza

If we were to browse your music library what is the most embarrassing song we might find?

Grease the soundtrack

Tell us one thing your fans would be really shocked or surprised to hear or learn about you

I love musicals!

If people want to check you out online where is the best place to go?

Instagram.com/whoisjimmyvaletine

Finally, What does the future hold for you as an artist?

More shows, more releases and maybe a festival or two next year!