Amos Val: The Soulful Voice of Modern Blues-Rock

Amos Val is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his raw, emotive blend of blues, rock, and folk. Hailing from Vancouver, he achieved mainstream recognition with his 2018 album "Iron & Smoke," which debuted in the Top 20 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was later certified gold.

Early career

Born in 1989, Amos Val began his musical journey in the vibrant coffeehouse scene of Vancouver's East Side. His first official release was the self-funded EP "Whiskey Psalms" in 2012, which caught the attention of local independent label Rustic Records.

Signing with Rustic in 2013, Val spent the next few years honing his sound through relentless touring across Canada. His full-length debut, "The Riverbed," arrived in 2015 to critical acclaim within the roots music community, setting the stage for a wider breakthrough.

Breakthrough

The year 2018 marked a major turning point with the release of his sophomore album, "Iron & Smoke," on Rustic Records. Propelled by heavy radio play on rock and adult alternative formats, the album's lead single, "Burning Wick," became a staple on Canadian rock radio.

"Iron & Smoke" spent 42 weeks on the charts, peaking at number 18 and earning a gold certification for over 40,000 units sold. This success established Amos Val as a formidable new voice in the blues-rock genre and led to coveted opening slots for major international acts.

Key tracks

Burning Wick — This anthemic single from "Iron & Smoke" became Val's first charting song on the Canada Rock Top 40.

Saint of the Lost Cause — A fan-favorite deep cut praised for its intricate storytelling and searing slide guitar solo.

Iron & Smoke — The album's title track showcases Val's gritty vocal delivery and has become a centerpiece of his live performances.

Whiskey Psalms — The title track from his debut EP remains a key part of his setlist, illustrating his early folk-blues foundations.

Low Country — A 2021 collaboration with singer-songwriter Maya Clay that expanded his audience into the Americana scene.

Following his breakthrough, Val collaborated with producer Sylvia Crane on his 2021 album "Low Country Lights," which incorporated more atmospheric and folk elements. He has since performed at major festivals like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Calgary Folk Music Festival, solidifying his reputation as a powerful live performer.

Artists with a similar gritty, blues-infused rock sound from the Canadian scene include The Beaches, who share a knack for raw, guitar-driven hooks. Whitehorse explores a similar blend of folk and blues with a husband-wife duo dynamic. The roots-rock storytelling of Matt Anders also aligns with Val's narrative-driven songwriting.

The music of Amos Val is a regular feature on classic rock FM stations, alternative rock radio stations, and dedicated online blues streams. His tracks are frequently curated into playlists on independent music radio stations that champion authentic singer-songwriters.

Listeners can discover the soulful blues-rock of Amos Val on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to our curated stations to hear his powerful anthems and deep cuts alongside other great artists in the genre.