67: Kevin Klein (Valleyheart) & Exploring Spirituality through Music

Kevin Klein is the lead singer and guitarist for the band, Valleyheart. Kevin is a multi-talented musician who has been on a wild musical journey to get to where he is today. Starting out playing in a Christian metalcore band, Exiting the Fall, Kevin eventually veered into more chill outlets as his interests in music evolved. Eventually those efforts would become the Salem, MA-based band, Valleyheart.

During this conversation, Kevin and I dig into his spiritual roots and how they have influenced, defined, and evolved during his life and musical ventures. The conversation also features a bit about the realities of booking DIY tours - playing not only in basements, but in restaurants and boxing rings as well. There’s also a great meditation or two on the influence Sufjan Stevens has had on both my life and Kevin’s life.

This is a fun and thoughtful conversation that I know you will love. AND you get to hear some beautiful music throughout. Valleyheart will be on tour with My Epic this month and into June. The band will embark on a summer run of dates with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - you can check out their tour dates here!

MUSIC NOTE:
- This week you got to hear tunes from the debut Valleyheart album, “Everyone I’ve Ever Loved,” which was released on December 14 through Rise Records.
- Valleyheart is a brilliant rock band the presents each song with expertly layered lush atmospheres and soundscapes while retaining a perfect amount of raw emotion. Fans of From Indian Lakes, Manchester Orchestra, and Copeland will love these guys.
- On this episode, you got to hear the tracks, “Agnosia,” “Friends in the Foyer,” and “Fourth of July,” which is a cover of the brilliant Sufjan Stevens song. You can check out the album through the band’s Bandcamp page, and through all of the streaming platforms!

THE CONNECTEDU NETWORK
- This week, you got to learn about the ConnectEDU Network, of which this podcast is now a contributing member!
- ConnectEDU Network connects the unique perspectives and expert insight of higher education through podcasting. If you’re affiliated with higher education – from professor to director of marketing – you’ll be able to find a podcast that fits your style. Our podcasts are produced and hosted by passionate and innovative members of the field, all fueled by the excitement of the future of higher education.
- You should check out all of the Network’s content creators and podcasts right now if you’re looking for some new education-based pods!

And you can now join our Facebook community by CLICKING HERE!

THE ART OF SURVIVAL UPDATE

We've officially rebranded The Art of Survival and launched a revamping of our website - artissurvival.com! Check out the MANY resources we have available and please feel free to read our stories and share your own!

We are also excited to announce a brand new Patreon account - so if you would like to support our work, please check out your options of how to do so! Even $5/month can go a long way!

Check out the link here:
https://www.patreon.com/artofsurvival

And if you haven't noticed, we're dedicating ourselves to the music scene moving forward - so if your band/venue would like to work with us, please reach out!

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Thanks so much for tuning in - we will be back next week with another great chat!