Born and raised in Chicago and now based in Asheville, United States, indie folk singer/songwriter, Kristian Phillip Valentino began his music creation as a way to express his innermost feelings and experiences, as a way to heal.
After the passing of his father, Kristian found himself, all within a month, being homeless and was broken up with.
In 2010, he began a musical journey that would allow him to truly heal from the traumas of his past.
Inspired by the likes of Gregory Alan Isakov, Iron and Wine and Jason Isbell, Kristian has been on a journey, releasing one single each month from his upcoming twelve track concept album, “For every thing, there is a season”, which moves between the four seasons of the year.
The album tells the story of a progression of love, from the very beginning, until the heart-breaking winter breakup.
Produced by Claas P Jambor, Kristian Philip Valentino’s single, ‘Cold Hearted’ is the official breakup story from the album.. in the heart of winter.
“I literally detail driving away and leaving a note and never coming back. I hope the song conveys those feelings that come during a breakup and the courage it takes to leave. There’s anger, confusion, frustration, and all kinds of feelings that arise when you finally end things.” Kristian Philip Valentino
This acoustic style song will draw you in with the deep, emotive story telling and the raw and warm vocals of Kristian.. The song is deeply heart-breaking and melancholic and will have you picturing the heart of Kristian’s feelings in the moment.
You can listen to ‘Cold Hearted’ below:
Find the track at:
Would you like to start by telling us a little about yourself?
Sure, I’m a solo acoustic, singer-songwriter born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now residing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.
After the passing of my father, ending up homeless and being broken up with all within one month, I began writing songs in the summer of 2010, as a way to start processing all I’d been through and begin the healing process.
What was it that first inspired you to begin a career in music?
After the passing of my father, ending up homeless and being broken up with all within one month, I began writing songs in the summer of 2010, as a way to start processing all I’d been through and begin the healing process.
How would you describe the feel of your music?
It’s very emotional and folk based. Mostly acoustic singer/songwriter vibe
You have recently released your single, ‘Cold Hearted’.. what was the inspiration behind the creation of this song?
So this song is based off a concept record I released on March 31st, “For Every Thing, There is a Season”.
The new album is a concept record based on the 4 seasons Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
The plot is a love story that starts in Spring and weaves through the other seasons leading to a breakup in the Winter.
“Cold Hearted” is in the Winter portion and it’s the song where the official breakup is happening.
I’m detailing leaving and what’s happening in the song.
What did the creative process look like for ‘Cold Hearted’?
I wanted the breakup song to be really raw so the recording is a live take with just me singing and an electric guitar.
You’ve been releasing monthly tracks in the leadup to your upcoming album, ‘For Everything There Is A Season’.. What can we expect from your album?
I’ve officially compiled all the songs and the full record is out with all the prior released tunes.
Where do you find your inspiration for your music?
Mostly from listening to my favorite songwriters and finding time to just be quiet and still and then the songs sort of come to me.
How has Covid-19 affected your releasing?
It was because of the pandemic I was releasing singles all year.
It just felt right considering everything that was happening.
What would you like to see happen for you in your music from here?
Right now, I’m a semi finalist for the Newsong Songwriting Competition and I’m hoping to win that and I’m also ready to get back out and perform more shows now that things are opening up a bit.
What is one message you would like to share with your fans?
THANK YOU for listening and being a part of this journey with me.
Knowing my music is connecting with you has a huge impact on me and moving forward.
Where can people find your music?
My website kpvsongs.com and all streaming platforms
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.