theneverendinglist asked you: Hey Val, Just wanted to tell you how much I have been enjoying your new album… Got to admit I didnt have as much time to listen to it when I first got it, but now that I’ve carved out sometime to listen I love it. “A Punch” really rocks and there is something soooo familiar about the intro, but I cant put my finger on it yet. (its bugging the crap out of me) I also like ” I Love The Way You Sound, as usual your unique story telling shines like the sun. Its been almost 8 years since I’ve had the opportunity to see you live, a lot has happened in that time but its seems to have just flown by and I think I’m starting to feel old, How is Time treating Val Emmich?

VE: Thanks for the feedback about the record.  I think the answer to your question can be found in the album itself if you dig and you’ll also find it more plainly in the companion book, Proof We Were Here, available later this month (how’s that for salesmanship?).  In all seriousness though, I put all the honesty I could find in the album and the book so it’s all there. The album in particular is itself a response and an assessment of time and how it’s affected me. The album starts with a picture of me in the past, looking forward to the future.  Now, that future has arrived and the rest of the album must deal with that as it looks back and forward, albeit with eyes less wide.

Anonymous asked you: Hi Val! I have been a silent fan for years. You said it’s been a little quiet in the way of feedback on the new album so I think it’s about time I speak up. It is really, truly beautiful. I listen to it everyday, multiple times a day. In ‘When Does the Pain Stop?’ you describe feeling a good song too much. This is how I feel about every song on this album. It’s that happy, sad feeling that almost hurts, but I love it…if that makes any sense. Thank you for everything. -Steph

VE: Steph, your explanation/assessment of that lyric is right on. That’s how I feel. It’s nice to know someone can relate. And I’m flattered that my songs pass the “good song” test and have that impact on you. I’m really glad you broke your silence. Welcome.

Anonymous asked you: I LOVE your new album, everything that’s been released around it so far - the behind the scenes & demo songs - and the way you let your fans participate in the “birth” & process of your album. It’s something that - unfortunately - has become very rare these days and it makes you & your art so special. Can’t wait to finally hold the finished record in my hands (love the cover image btw!) Did you know what the title is in German? Gedächtnisstütze :) So glad your songs are not in German, ha! -Julia

VE: Hello old friend. It makes me smile knowing that you give it your stamp of approval. I know how much music you listen to so it means a lot. Gedächtnisstütze! Wowsers. Your package will be making its journey across the Atlantic shortly. I wish I was coming along with it, pocket dictionary in tow.

damoneorone asked you: My dearest Val, this is more of a request than a question, but as a loyal fan for the past 8 years I hope that it isn’t asking too much. I recently had a book of my poetry published and as a fellow writer would like some of your feedback. Maybe if you like it you could also recommend it to your other fans? I’m aware this may be asking a lot but either way I am ever the devoted fan. Please contact me demkiss at hotmail or just check out my tumblr for samples and a link to the book. Thanks

VE: I’m flattered that you’re asking for my opinion but besides some college classes I’m not much of a poetry pro.  I checked out your site and saw one sample.  If you’d like to send me a copy of the book, then perhaps I could give it a more thorough reading and act accordingly.  Feel free to email me at ve.newsletter@gmail.com.  Either way, congrats on putting your ass in the seat and writing.  It’s hard thing to do.

Anonymous asked you: is there any chance of you playing a gig on the west coast? particularly, in washington? you’re always soooo far awayyy… :(

VE: You’re far away!  Hmm, I was last in Seattle in 2008.  Where were you?  I missed you.  Right now there are no plans but there’s always a chance.  I usually do a small gig in L.A. once a year but that’s a long drive.  Are you up for it?

psychicdrill asked you: Hey there! A female friend of mine and me, were discussing how good looking and relaxed you seem to be all the time. The chat took an interesting turn, when my friend said “I think Val is cool enough to let you kiss him on the cheek” Me, being a male. So, would you let me? Don’t worry, Ilive in Mexico so it won’t happen anytime soon. Just thought this would be a funny question to ask.

VE: Thanks for the compliment but I’m not sure how “relaxed” I am.  I would say, not very.  Theoretically I have no problem with a male kissing me on the cheek, however, like I would do with any person (no matter the sex), I’d have to give you a once-over to check for any obvious signs of [insert whatever] I might catch.  Brush those teeth!

Anonymous asked you: Val I’ve been listening to your new album non stop. Congrats on another brilliant album. The song “I like the way you sound” is one of my particular favorites. I love how it continues to build musically and lyrically. I mean just when you think you’ve let it all out you add another gut wrenching line! What can you tell us about the track that we may not know?

VE: I’m really happy that that song connected with you.  It means a lot to me.  In the book, Proof We Were Here, mentioned above, I give detailed background on each song so I don’t want to spoil that here.  But I can tell you that the entire song was built on the phrase “friend or faux pas” which first popped into my head when I was in Los Angeles in February of last year. 

Anonymous asked you: Will I be able to watch the web concert at a later date? I’m really bummed out that I’m not going to be near a computer that night.

VE: Yes!  If you contributed $25-and-up to Kickstarter then you can use the URL and password I sent you to log-in after the show and watch the recorded version.