Q: How do you come up with the concept for the "Relinquish" music video?

A: The director, the fearless Jason Mongue, locked himself in a cabin and watched a single episode of Gilligan’s Island for three days for inspiration for the project.
Answered on 04/10/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: For you and Veronika - What/who is your favorite romantic character in a movie? For instance, Zooey Deschanel's is Walter Mauthau's character in "Grumpy Old Men" ! ?

A: Valerie: oh! Both Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Hands down. Great question - thanks! Veronika: I gotta say, I've always been a huge fan of Dirty Dancing since I saw it as a little girl. So it would be Baby and Johnny. Something about his rebel nature, and having a dance background, I have a soft spot for those dance scenes. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!"
Answered on 04/03/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: How did your collaboration w/ Mystic come about on "Black & White"

A: I was looking for an MC who might be interested in collaborating on a song about racial profiling. Having been a big fan of Mystic for years, I contacted her via myspace - at the time it was the only way I could see to contact her. I sent her the song and my lyrics and she wrote back! A couple months later, I went down to LA and recorded her at a friend's studio. Mystic and I turned out to be an awesome combo with similar political perspectives and values.
Answered on 03/28/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: what kinds of merch do you have and can we use it for barter after the collapse of the dollar?

A: haha! Right now our merch is our full length album, Faraway City. We have bigger plans for merch in the near future - keep coming to our live shows to check it out :-)
Answered on 03/28/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: Do write your best in rainy days, or sunny days?

A: I often get distracted by the sun, so I would guess that my better writing comes on rainy days when I'm kinda forced to stay inside and focus. But I haven't done a scientific survey of whether that means the writing comes out better or not :) I hope I can write great no matter what the weather is outside - usually it's based on how I'm feeling inside.
Answered on 03/19/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: I heard your song Surrender on the radio this morning and can't find it...can you point me in the right direction?
Thank you!

A: Hmm.... that's not my song... sorry I can't be of more help!
Answered on 03/05/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: What do you do for fun when your not in the studio or on the road?

A: Great question! When I am home and not working on the endless business behind the music, I love writing songs. Actually, I should say, I love finishing songs. Sometimes the process of writing songs is completely torturous for me. But when I actually finish a song and think it's a good one, I feel like I'm on top of the world. Then I sit there and play it over and over, for like an hour, or until someone pulls me out of my room. And I usually record it onto my protools.

I also like to go see good, live music, and am super proud if a friend is in the band. I love dancing, so, even better if I can dance at the show.

And I like to find sunshine. (which is counter to songwriting, when it's best for to find a cave in which to isolate myself and write)
Answered on 02/21/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: What is your goal for this year, 2012?

A: Where do I start?! I guess I should narrow it down to just one goal... but here's the top 3... Release a new, bad-ass record. Build our live band. Become a better songwriter and a better musician.
Answered on 02/21/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: I'm seeing some pretty cool portable digital recording gear in the field these days. Do you use any portable recording devices to capture spontaneous (or planned) inspirations?

A: Yes, there are so many great little recording devices out there. I personally use a Zoom H2. I take it with me to get down song ideas, and can also plug it into the sound board at my shows and get a decent (though only one-track) recording. There are higher quality ones, though, if you want to spend the money. Do you use one? If so, which one?
Answered on 02/21/2012 by Valerie Orth

Q: What is your worst tour moment ?

A: Oh my god, do you really have to remind me? :-) It was probably when one of my bandmates almost left -with the tour car, mind you - when we were at the city farthest from home. (That person is no longer in the band).

Any other tour bloopers I can laugh off. Touring is one of my favorite things to do in the world, so I'm generally a pretty happy person when I'm on the road. I love seeing old friends and meeting new fans. I love playing at new venues and old ones - it feels good to be invited back. I love getting out of my routine here in SF and playing music every single night. Touring is incredibly inspiring for me.
Answered on 02/21/2012 by Valerie Orth