Welcome to the Cloud Machine podcast! Your backstage pass to the creative industry, brought to you by Eights Creative, the agency pushing boundaries in live performance.

In this episode, host Mat Landry is joined by Alex DiMauro, a key member of the Toronto-based band, Valley. Fresh off the release of their third album, "Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden," Alex shares an inside look at the band's creative journey, his role within Valley, and the making of their latest record. They discuss the artistic process behind the album, the challenges and triumphs of being in a band, and what it’s like to bring their music to life on tour. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and the music industry.

📖 Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:30 - Catching up post-album release

00:02:40 - Alex’s favourite band, meeting Green Day story

00:09:00 - authenticity & making live experiences memorable (Good clip)

00:14:00 - Looks & cooperation VS Talent (quote segment)

00:18:40 - new developments in the music industry, new wave of authenticity (good clip)

00:22:50 - the meaning behind Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden (good clip)

00:25:40 - the writing process of Valley’s new album, band changes

00:30:10 - writing in a cabin in the woods

00:36:30 - key messages in Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden

00:39:00 - Alex’s favourite track on the new album

00:41:20 - Reception of the album

00:43:08 - Live translation of Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden

00:47:25 - Touring stories

00:50:10 - balancing band member responsibilities

00:54:45 - Valley & Alex’s upcoming plans

00:58:10 - Advice for beginning musicians & comparison

01:02:00 - The Dreamfest game

01:08:00 - Outro

🔗 Stay Connected:

Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdimauro1

Follow Mat Landry: https://www.instagram.com/matlandry_/

Follow Valley: https://www.instagram.com/valleyband/

Follow Eights: https://www.instagram.com/eightscreative/

Follow Eights Network: https://www.instagram.com/eightsnetwork/

Join the Eights Network Discord: Connect with like-minded creatives, ask questions, and gain insider perspectives in the industry. Join here: https://discord.com/channels/1254855233348177921/1254998795389898774

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Cloud Machine is produced by Eights Creative - https://www.eightscreative.com/

Many thanks to LMDSolutions for their support & resources.