Valley: The Indie Pop Band from Toronto
Valley is a Canadian indie pop band known for their polished, genre-blending sound and introspective lyrics. Hailing from Toronto, the group achieved significant commercial success with their 2019 single Like 1999, which garnered millions of streams and became a viral hit.
Early career
The band formed in 2014 under the name "Carousel" while its members—vocalist Rob Laska, guitarist Mickey Brandolino, bassist Alex DiMauro, and drummer Karah James—were attending university. They initially built a local following through energetic live shows and self-released music, eventually rebranding to Valley in 2016 to avoid confusion with other acts.
Their early independent releases, including the 2016 EP This Room Is White, showcased a developing synth-pop and alternative rock style. This DIY phase caught the attention of the music industry, leading to a management deal and setting the stage for a more professional recording process.
Breakthrough
Valley's major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with the release of the single Like 1999. The track's nostalgic lyrics and catchy melody resonated widely, amassing over 300 million streams on digital platforms and achieving Gold certification in Canada. This success was the centerpiece of their debut album, MAYBE, released later that year.
The album MAYBE, released via Universal Music Canada, solidified their place in the modern pop landscape. It debuted on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and spawned further successful singles, including Closer To The Picture and Nevermind, each earning millions of streams.
Key tracks
Like 1999 — This viral hit is Valley's signature song, defining their nostalgic sound and propelling them to international recognition.
Closer To The Picture — A key track from MAYBE that highlights the band's ability to craft anthemic, emotionally resonant pop choruses.
hiccup — Released in 2020, this single demonstrated a more experimental production style and continued their streaming momentum.
Oh shit…are we in love? — A 2021 single that showcased a matured, synth-driven sound and clever songwriting, building anticipation for their second album.
Lost In Translation — The title track from their 2022 sophomore album exemplifies their refined, atmospheric indie pop approach.
The band's second studio album, Lost In Translation, arrived in 2022, exploring themes of change and communication with a more expansive sonic palette. Valley has also engaged in notable collaborations, working with producers like Rob Kinelski and songwriters such as Sarah Aarons.
Fans of Valley's bright, melodic indie pop may also enjoy these Canadian artists: Walk Off The Earth shares a knack for catchy, inventive pop arrangements. Ruth B. offers a similarly introspective and lyrical approach to modern songwriting. Scott Helman operates in the same sphere of heartfelt, radio-friendly Canadian pop-rock. The Reklaws blend pop sensibilities with personal storytelling, though from a country-pop angle.
Valley's music maintains a strong presence on modern rock and alternative radio stations, as well as on dedicated indie pop radio streams. Their catchy hooks and relatable lyrics make them a frequent feature on playlists for new music discovery across various online radio stations.
Listeners can discover the music of Valley on the radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their catalog, from Like 1999 to tracks from Lost In Translation, by tuning into the alternative and indie pop stations available on onairium.com.
