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Nate Valdez

5 stories

MusicGraveyard Choir: The Space We LeaveGraveyard Choir’s third album, The Space We Leave, is a subdued blues rock record that hints at more to come.Jed Murphy · Nov 1, 2026

Photo for “INTHEWHALE Gets Real on Vanishing Point”

FeaturesINTHEWHALE Gets Real on Vanishing PointWhat sets Eric Riley and Nate Valdez apart from other heavy acts isn’t their musicianship (though it is excellent) but their ability to translate unflinchingly raw moments into music. Starting with INTHEWHALE’s last EP, Dopamine, the band’s tone shifted from the sophomoric humor of their earlier releases to brutally honest explorations of the darker moments of life. These explorations continue on Vanishing Point. The band wrestles with pharmaceutical addiction, suicidal ideation and gentrification. The pain and anger is palpable.Gabe Allen · Dec 4, 2021

Photo for “In The Whale – Not Their First Rodeo”

FeaturesIn The Whale – Not Their First RodeoFor Nate Valdez and Eric Reilly of the two-piece rock band In The Whale, the last seven years has been a wild ride on the slow burn to success.Jed Murphy · Sep 1, 2017

Two men shout excitedly against a yellow backdrop, one in a striped shirt and cap, one in orange sunglasses.

MusicAlbum Review: In The Whale – Quicksand EPSince In the Whale began they have been a band not afraid to take chances.Jed Murphy · Oct 4, 2016

Two men stand before a gray mural of pale, hooded figures, one wearing dark sunglasses and a graphic tee.

FeaturesTails From The Trails With In The WhaleIt wasn’t always this way though. In the Whale got their start after Valdez recorded an acoustic EP titled Songs About You and drummer Eric Riley’s previous project dissolved. In the early days at AF Ray’s (Greeley’s only rock venue at the time) I personally witnessed them clear the room night after night as they searched for what would become their signature sound.Jed Murphy · Jul 9, 2015