Words by: Jason Russo

Do you believe in ghosts? VALDEZ sure does in his new single, “Ghost” — the perfect Halloween treat for this year. The track displays VALDEZ’S signature quasi Lo-Fi sound with an energized new take on the minimalist genre. The lyrics of “Ghost” are a spooky reminiscence on some of the “mysterious occurrences” he witnessed while working in his grandfather’s mortuary in rural Colorado. The track introduces the fascinating idea that spirits rely on the living to confirm their existence and are not so different from human beings themselves. It’s the type of song that makes you want to belt out like a rockstar while simultaneously checking over your shoulder to ensure there’s nothing haunting you out of sight.

The track thrives on a serious pondering of the existence of God and ghosts with bright, catchy melodies. His ruminations on the human condition are just eerie enough to fit into the Halloween spirit while also posing real and meaningful messages to the listener. Singing, “We all are ghosts waiting for a host or someone to believe,” VALDEZ shifts the single from a mere scary story to a thought-provoking piece on how humans are much like ghosts themselves. It is this perfect blend of inventive and powerful lyrics with ultra-catchy, fun melodies that makes VALDEZ such an infectious new act.

In both a spooky yet charming video for “Ghost”, VALDEZ’S super fan, Nick, shot the home-video style music video, draped in a variety of colored lights. The video cycles between footage of Nick playing the drums, a toy keyboard, and a video game guitar controller to the beat of the music as if he is on stage in front of thousands of people. The video brings a refreshing lightness to the intensity of the track while maintaining the overall eerie vibe.

Nate Valdez created the visionary project VALDEZ back in August with the release of his first single, “Saint Munchausen,” which expresses how people can claim to have the best intentions for you while they are actually holding you back. The track was eerie and frantic which fans of “Ghost” will also love.

“Ghost” is the second of many new projects from VALDEZ that are scheduled to be released in the coming months. Much of his work explores questions of mortality, regrets, fading memories, and ghostly visitations. VALDEZ cites Neutral Milk Hotel and Bright Eyes as his main inspirations behind these two tracks, and fans will also be sure to recognize the influence of The Cure and Morrissey, as well. “Ghost” is the perfect marriage of his bright and fun style with his dark and serious musings which will surely have you checking your attic for ghosts after listening!

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