For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to forming Valdaway?
Casey Grogan (guitarist and eldest brother) and Kohen Grogan (middle brother and singer) were in bands prior, but at the bright young age of just 13, Dylan Grogan (youngest brother) jumped on the bass and good friend Rory Keys joined on drums. We started playing covers around the Great Southern area, where we developed our sound and influence. We later ventured to Perth, released some music, but in 2014, we changed our name, refund our sound which is now known as VALDAWAY. We have since recored a full length album with legendary producer, Dave Parkin (Birds of Tokyo, Karnival, Jebodiah).
How long has Valdaway been around?
VALDAWAY has been around for a few years.
What’s the origin of that name and did you have any other names previously?
We got our name after our bass player read the book series 'Wheel Of Time' by Robert Jordan. There was an enchanting character by the name of VALDA and we a name with no connetation, so we added WAY to the end. It's a made up name with the intention of our music to do the talking. We were formally Homebrewe in our earlier years, VALDAWAY is the combination of all our hard work and refining after 12 years.
Is there a chief songwriter and do you find there's a reoccurring theme throughout the new material?
We all contribute to the writing process, but we would have to say that Kohen does the lyrics and most of the melody work. We all come into rehearsals with fresh ideas and from here we work together on structure and the logistics. It's a beautiful and experimental process that we try to incapsulate and replicate each time and try not to take it for granted.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We love local music here in Perth. We dig the vibes of Graphic Characters, Love Junkies and our classic love for Jebodiah. We also love the likes of Violent Soho and even back in the day of Custard. We all have diverse music style that inspire us, from Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, to AFI and Offspring to the classics of Led Zeppelin and Rush.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
We were all at Frenzal Romb in the late 90's that kicked off some spark in us all. Seeing Pearl Jam at Subiaco Oval was also super inspiring in the early 2000's when Dylan was just 13.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any strange rituals?
We usually have a cuddle and kiss, maybe a love tiff or a bubble bath. Anything goes for us :)
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Recording with Dave was an awesome feeling! Hearing our music back to us and getting our creative juices flowing was right up there. We love the recording studio and being together in that process.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present who would they be and why?
Pearl Jam would be rad! Eddie Vedder would be such a cool guy to hang out with and pick his brain hole.