The new single from New York based indie folk/pop singer-songwriter Brother Valiant. Entitled “C’est La Vie”, the track is released via Little Planet Music (headed by David Rubin of American Authors). The emotive song chronicles trying to make big changes for someone you care about. He confides, “Mostly, I found it overwhelming to the point where I’d fall back into old habits and behaviors. The premise of the song is accepting that deep down, to an extent, we are always going to have certain qualities and quirks that we cannot change about ourselves. However, despite faltering when trying to change certain negative aspects, I believe expressing feelings of love, compassion, and acceptance through action is still paramount on the journey towards being a good person.”
Brother Valiant has received acclaim from the likes of Atwood Magazine, Earmilk and more. He is known for creating mesmerizing songs that are viscerally emotive.
Brother Valiant is an alternative folk-pop project spearheaded by singer-songwriter AJ Amsterdam. Inspired by folk legends new and old, from Paul Simon to Connor Oberst, Brother Valiant is a noble attempt to capture the magic that made these artists so iconic. After only a few shows, Brother Valiant released the singles “Little House” and “Devil” in 2015, along with a full-length LP “Thus, He Was” in the summer of 2016. His 2021 single “Lady Daisy” received widespread critical acclaim with Atwood Magazine calling the song “a gripping folk sound that enchants listeners”.
Much of Brother Valiant’s sound brings together mental snapshots of living life between a big city and the sprawling suburbs; Riding through coastal beach towns that pave way into bustling city streets. The viscerally emotive, and oftentimes satirical lyricism, bite through a soundscape of anthemic choruses, jangly guitars and rambunctious horns. Themes of navigating feelings of anxiety, love, and fear through an adventurous spirit remain a hallmark of the songwriting, which bleed through with an authentic wit. Brother Valiant has played extensively throughout the East Coast, at such notable venues as The Iridium, Rockwood Music Hall, The Knitting Factory, City Winery, and The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC).
Better Luck Next Time, the upcoming EP, is poised for release later this August. Leading single “C’est La Vie” is an intoxicating dreamy indie folk track chronicling trying to make big changes for someone you care about. “The premise of the song is accepting that deep down, to an extent, we are always going to have certain qualities and quirks that we cannot change about ourselves,” confides Brother Valiant.
With soul-stirring melodies, wistful acoustic guitars and a knack for storytelling, Brother Valiant is an important artist on the rise.