Two-4-One Blog Combo

"Sleek but Dirty – real dirty…" Valeve spills their guts with a vengeance… They're every punk rocker's wet dream—with an up-to-date retro sound and kick ass attitude, this band shows no mercy and def no signs of slowing down! The band includes: Tiff- vocals Alan- guitar Tim- keys Joe- bass Miles- drums How do you feel about having a pretty decently sized gay following? Tiff: We LOVE our audience. It's a family and a community that seems to grow at each show. We never know what to expect at a show – but the one thing that is consistent is that it's diverse, unpretentious, and there's a real sense of community and love… We want everyone to just be who they are and enjoy everyone else in the room for their individuality, instead of judging them for being different. Frankly - we don't care if you're in a suit or in sparkly pink undies, as long as you're bringing it. (Although lets be honest – the more naked the better ;) ) When asked who the band's 80s influences are, they reply with, "Baby, the list goes on…" Who are your top influences? Tiff says: My main influences are Elvis, Billy Idol, Axl Rose, Bjork, Pet Shop Boys, and Billie Holliday. Miles: Motown, 70's funk, and 80's punk. Tiff: The band has a ton of influences though – we all listen to a lot of different music – but some of our biggest as a group are The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Blondie, Missing Persons, The Cars, Pretenders, Talking Heads. What would you guys like to say to those out there who dare to be different and deny today's stereotypes and expectations? Tim: We think that they are the demise of modern civilization as we know it- and we applaud their efforts. Miles: The only people who are truly innovative are ones who are willing to break the rules and deny stereotypes! Tiff: Stereotypes and expectations are all bullshit illusions created to make us all feel "safe". Dare – be different – be selfish – be how you feel, not how someone says you should feel. Just be honest with yourself at all times b/c right now is the only thing that's real. Are all of you the original members? Tim: No. But we won't tell you who- you have to guess. And every time you guess wrong, we get to whack you in the ass with a studded paddle. I know you perform in the city quite often…What would you like to say about NYC? - Is it truly the city where anything can happen? - What's your craziest city experience? Alan: One of them was our studio-trashing party, when we moved out of our old rehearsal place. We invited people off the street, got extremely wasted, played a show, and then demolished the place. Miles: I saw a guy hit a bike messenger with his Escalade on Wall Street, then get out of the car to talk to the guy he hit and make sure he was okay. After a few minutes of talking, the guy punches the messenger in the face for asking him for his information! Tiff: Oh God…things I can't repeat—some interesting things always happen in the make out room at CIRCUS though…that is always a spectacle! Tim: Being arrested for "falling asleep" on the train…(something suspicious about that one…) In your own words, what kind of style do you have as a band? (both musically and wardrobe wise) Tim: Sleek but dirty- real dirty. Can you give us a round-about schedule of upcoming events? Tiff: We're releasing our EP "Go Go Go!" in Dec/Jan and working on a video right now—Should be hot! We've got shows happening all fall really…Best thing is to get on our mailing list or keep checking valeze.net and myspace for show updates. (www.myspace.com/valeze) Tiffany, your voice is very reminiscent of Gwen Stefani, is that the sound you were looking for? Tiff: No – I try not to think about the sound and just focus on the emotion. I get the comparison sometimes, but it doesn't really bother me anymore b/c my voice has its own agenda and I can't really fight it ;) What do you think of Gwen Stefani as a role model and gay icon? Tiff: She's a sexy bitch – why not? ;) How do you see yourselves being role models for today's youth? Tim: We don't really. For the youth's sake, let's hope they have the same opinion.

*ALL CONTENT IS COPYRIGHT MATERIAL - INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY GIUSEPPE*

So you landed yourself a serious boyfriend, eh? So, you finally landed the man of your dreams, huh? You spend time together, split your time between each other's apartments AND both of your families have already met! Since you're on the road to success, why not take the next step (a small step but it can make or break the relationship) and double your wardrobe? Here are 4 simple ways in which you and your hubby can share each other's clothes without re-enacting one of the scenes from "The Break-up." : 1- Ask first: Talk about sharing clothes before rummaging through the closet. This will keep communication open from the get-go. 2- Not the same size?: Not a problem! If you are bigger or smaller than your boyfriend and don't exactly fit into each other's clothes, move onto accessories such as watches, shoes, and leather cuffs (and I'm not talking about bedroom toys!) 3- Keep it clean: Once you are finished wearing his blazer, don't throw it on a hanger and leave it for him to get cleaned. Take a stroll down to your local cleaners and pick up the tab. This shows you are grateful and appreciative; he may just do the same for you in the future. 4- R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Respect each other's wardrobe! Once you've worn anything from his printed tee's to seven jeans and put them through the wash, fold them up and put them back into his drawers. -GIUSEPPE