Nick Valentini Collective

Music is an art, and as so it should be treated. It’s quite refreshing to come across a young band who outwardly respects this sentiment, and we’ve certainly witnessed that in the case of eight-piece art-rock band, Nick Valentini Collective.

From their innovative, cross-genre sound to their transcendental, illustrative visuals, the Los Angeles collective permeates music as a creative outlet for emotion with each and every release. Case in point: today’s premiere of “Worms,” supplemented by a narrative music video that makes this not just another release, but a complete art piece by Nick Valentini Collective.

Nick Valentini (singer, keyboard) takes us on a psychedelic journey through what appears to be an individual’s twisted psyche, as he reasons through a distorted medley of thoughts on “losing control” and being “upset that [he] was a product.” This is supported by crescendoing piano riffs and jazz-y stringed instrumentation provided by the rest of the band, Erik Shiboski (bass), Hugo Shiboski (tenor sax), Nate Schwartz (guitar), Nicolo Scolieri (flute), Nick Velez (drums), Gabriel Wheaton (string orchestration), and Tyler Wennstrom (keyboard/percussion).

Valentini shared some insight regarding the meaning behind “Worms,”

“The idea of worms in one’s head is an elaboration on the distorted thoughts we have from time to time. Our society engulfs us with so much meaningless information that sometimes we get tangled in it all. We can’t help but feel like our wacky reality is inescapable. The worms are symbolic of these illusions we face.”

Judging by “Worms” and their other recent releases, we are patiently anticipating what’s to come on Nick Valentini Collective’s debut EP, No Time For Today. In the meantime, you can catch the band live at select venues and pick up your copy of “Worms” here. - Ones To Watch

Some genres have a stigma that make them instant turn offs for certain listeners, as sonically egalitarian as we all might wish to imagine we are. But stay with us for a minute, because although the Nick Valentini Collective may be classified as jazz fusion, that doesn’t fairly encapsulate the sounds this nascent octet creates. The Los Angeles group has been gaining praise for their beguiling amalgamation of indie rock, experimental psych music, and yes, jazz. One listen to their latest track, “Carousel”, and you’ll hear why they’ve been called the “jazz fusion Radiohead.”

The song opens as a dulcet folk number led by softly played piano and quivering harmonies. As Valentini delivers the verse’s poetic lyrics (“We’re always on a different side of a lover’s carousel”) in his airy vocals, a soulful edge reveals itself, something like Bon Iver covering Son Little. Once he begins singing the “goes around” refrain, however, the entire structure of the song shifts; a jazzy guitar solo launches like a rocket through the clatter of drums and strings, showing how fiercely surprising a “fusion” genre can really be.


“Carousel” is presented via its equally surprising and experimental video. A dancer watches as aspects of himself are literally pulled from his body, spinning above him in a colorful, tactile storm of self. Check it out below. - Consequence of Sound

The Nick Valentini Collective is a breakout experimental 8-piece from Los Angeles, and may be the musical discovery of my year. An enigmatic and vivacious amalgam of jazz fusion, psych rock, indie and soul, the octet meticulously crafts indescribably rejuvenating music.

The song "Carousel" is metamorphic. What starts as an inviting, trickling piano melody sweeps you down a mellifluous river into an exuberant and dizzying arrangement of instruments. The chorus bursts with fervent guitar drives, cosmic wind accompaniments, and commanding vocals before floating softly back to earth.

The video is beautiful as well. Beginning at the cellular level, the focus slowly withdraws, depicting human components transcending the body of the dancer. This harmonious combination of elements makes "Carousel" a visceral, multifaceted work of art.

Though the Collective was formed merely six months ago, they have garnered immense attention due to their rare sound and enthralling live performances. They're preparing for a full-length album release this summer, so watch diligently for more musical creations. Keep up to date with their future endeavors on Facebook. - Indie Shuffle