Getting to know local artist Jon Valenti

It has been a while since I have done a feature piece on a local artist and it's about time for me to do just that. Local artist, Jon Valenti has spent the last year refining his skills and is about to release his freshman CD, "Grin and Bury It." It is my hope that people who know Valenti will get to know him a bit better through this interview and that our readers that have yet to hear of him get to know a rising star from right here in the valley.

To truly understand Valenti, click his album cover below and listen to the track, "Blue." The self-written lyrics and sentimental instrumentation will leave you feeling introspective and emotional. Hopefully I will see many new fans at the Fat Cat on Saturday evening as Valenti releases this album to the public beginning at 6 p.m. It should be one huge party for one huge talent!

So, are you getting pretty excited about Saturday night? All your hard work seems to be coming together on that one night. Are you nervous?

Yes, I am excited and nervous. There is a lot of time put into these CD release parties. Making time for my family, rehearsing, teaching baseball lessons, and setting up the show, I am wearing myself thin. I just hope all goes good and smoothly. It is sure to be a great show, with plenty of good music, and lots of partying.

Over a year ago, I met you at Modesto’s Sports Bar and you walked me outside to hand me your CD. Did you have any idea that you would get so far so fast?

I never expected things to go this fast. I was merely just trying music out, and see what became of it. I never dreamed that I would have been given the chance to play at X-fest, The Art & Wine, receive the 2007 MAMA Award, and finish my first CD. It has been a great journey so far.

Back then, you were not even sure if you would get nominated for a MAMA award. Last month, you took one home. How did that feel?

It was really nice. It amazed me how much love & support I received from fans, friends, and family. I was up against really good artists; Nick, Rachel, Niki, and others. I know that I really worked hard last year, so winning the award was the icing on the cake.

I just recently shared your music with a good friend and she fell in love with it. Your music brings forth emotions in people. Do you write your lyrics to do that or does that just happen?

I suppose it just happens. When I write, I write about real life situations or occurrences that have happened in my life. I realize that I am not alone in this world, and that most people have been through the same things that I have. We are all humans who have suffered, lived and loved.

Who are your biggest fans? Are they the triplet boys that you raise as a stay at home dad? Do you want the boys to be athletes or entertainers like you?

My biggest fans would have to be my beautiful wife, Leah, and my triplet boys. I have many good friends and fans that have really supported me throughout this year. They know who they are. As for my boys, I really don’t care. Whatever they want to try, I will support them. If I were to pick between the two, I would have to say whatever pays their way through college.

I mention athletes because you were also once a professional baseball player. You have had an incredibly full life. When will you slow down? Maybe you won’t until you reach a certain goal. What is that goal?

Well, I guess in a way I have slowed down. My CD release party will be my first show in over a month. I will most likely not play as many shows as I used to. Last year, I played over 100 shows, and it wore me out. I just now started booking shows into December and next year. As for a goal, I really don’t have one. I know I am not looking to sign a major label contract. With family, it would be impossible to adhere to a label’s requirements (touring). I am more looking into a distribution label, so my CD’s can be placed in various stores and sold nationwide.

You share your life with your fans through your powerful live shows and through websites such as www.justin.tv/jon_valenti and www.myspace.com/jonvalentiband. Why is it so important that they know you so well?

I have always believed that when people really know and understand you, they become closer and connected. When you can talk and communicate with fans like I can on Justin.tv, it becomes more personable. Plus, I love developing friendships with my fans, and enjoy getting to know them as well. They have shown me unbelievable support through this whole journey.

Often times in interviews, I like to throw something personal out. You do the same with your lyrics it seems. This helps me to relate better to the artist that I am working with. Anyway, I am going through a tough divorce and it was with her that I first discovered your music. It took me six months to be strong enough to listen to your song, “Blue� without crying. Do you realize that you have that power?

I am humbled that my songs had that affect on you. I only wish that most listeners also can relate and feel the same as well.

We really wish you the best of luck. It would be amazing to see another local act make it to the next level. We don’t expect you to stop until you make it there. Sure, being ‘Modesto Famous’ is probably cool for now, but we are anxious to see you become world famous. Thank you for your time.

Click image to hear "Blue" by Jon Valenti