ABOUT US
Valiant Blues
We are a collective of musicians bound by a shared passion for music and a deep commitment to making a difference in our community. Our band is a rich tapestry of diverse backgrounds and experiences, each member bringing a unique element to our collective sound. With three members holding Bachelor's degrees in music, our journey has seen us perform at heartfelt charity events and record at the iconic Sonic Ranch, marking significant milestones along the way. Our story is one of diverse musical experiences converging into a harmonious blend.
Fernie and Belem, with their classical training in cello and viola respectively, have performed side by side from high school, all the way through college, and continue to do so to this day. Both have competed and received 1st division ratings in solos and ensembles at a state level, with Belem holding leading roles with the El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra and the El Paso All-Region Orchestra. Fernie plays in various other ensembles with diverse genres of music such as his mariachi group "Mariachi Real Azteca". Belem, who works with her string quartet "Four Bridges String Quartet" performing in Candlelight concerts, has also collaborated with various ensembles like the Mexico-USA Youth Philharmonic and the Canadian group "Barrage 8." She has recorded strings for artists such as Estereomance and Clemente Castillo from Jumbo at Sonic Ranch and other local studios, and she arranges strings and performs at weddings and other events with her quartet.
Tristan
Jimmy
Fernie
Tristan, the founder, main songwriter/composer, and producer of the band, has been involved in the local music scene since he was 17. He has played in jazz gigs around El Paso with various local musicians and was part of an Afro Beat band gaining recognition for their powerful dynamics. Tristan and Belem are the primary co-writers, sharing the responsibilities of songwriting and idea crafting. Belem contributes string arrangements and lyrics, while Tristan focuses on the main composition and structure of the music. Their collaboration ensures a seamless blend of their talents, with Belem assisting in the arrangements to bring their music to life.
Jimmy, having studied at UTEP, brings a wealth of experience from playing various genres with multiple bands throughout the '90s and '00s. His achievements include 1st chair in All-Region Band and the Best Solo award at the UIL Jazz Competition, along with performances at the famous Whisky a Go Go and various SXSW shows. Marco's solo performance in Germany in 2018 adds an international flair and innovative spirit to our group. This blend of classical precision, jazz complexity, rock energy, and global influences shapes our distinctive sound and artistic vision.
Music for us is more than just sound; it's a vessel for deep emotional and spiritual connections. We strive to move beyond metrics like views and streams, aiming instead to touch hearts and souls. Our songs reflect life's beauty and challenges, offering moments of personal reflection and growth. Each performance and note is a step towards creating a more connected and compassionate world. Our dedication extends to supporting the local music scene, using our art to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.
Our dreams are as grand as they are hopeful. We envision a future where our music lights up festival stages, our songs are featured on editorial playlists, and we embark on tours that bring our music to new audiences. Inspired by the transformative music of the '60s, which captured the zeitgeist of its time, we aim to be the voice of our generation. Our mission is to highlight the world's injustices while celebrating resilience and positivity. We believe in the power of music to inspire change, provide comfort, and foster a sense of unity.
On our relentless quest to develop a sound uniquely ours, we blend diverse cultural influences and profound topics into something fresh and original. In a world where conformity is the norm, we dare to be different, seeking to express our true selves through our music. Drawing inspiration from classical greats to modern innovators, and the struggles and triumphs of everyday life, each song becomes a story, a message, a piece of our souls shared with the world.
Through our music, we aspire to inspire growth and change, touching lives one song at a time. We hope our listeners find solace, strength, and inspiration in our music, forming connections that transcend words. Our goal is to create an experience that is not just heard but deeply felt, an emotional journey that resonates long after the final note has played. Join us on this journey, and together, let's make an impact one note at a time. Our story is just beginning, and we are excited for what the future holds.
