Vigorously with Val Kleinhans
Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, includes artist interviews, conversations with creatives, and solo reflections from me that go past promo and into the real human side of creativity. Candid conversations that go beyond the surface — exploring who artists are, how creators think, why music matters, and what inspires the work we connect with. Through interviews, solo reflections, and commentary on artist news, Val explores the psychology of creativity, the pressure of visibility, and what modern music culture is doing to artists and fans behind the scenes. Vigorously. New episodes go live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube weekly. Inquiries: val.kleinhans@gmail.com
Episodes
Whenever someone lives their life vigorously in public, they’re not immune to feedback or criticism - and that goes for everybody, even the angel that is Dolly Parton…and drummer Travis Barker. Two names we don’t throw in the same sentence a lot, but in this sense share a parallel.
Let’s talk about both of these legends, because there’s a lot to learn from! These two do and have done things vigor...
Val welcomes back Zahna for a very special occasion! Break or Breakthrough is out Friday.
Easily Zahna's most aggressive and vulnerable piece of work, Val and Zahna chat about navigating life's hardships, the music industry, and "make or break" points with humor, feist, and humility to celebrate the new album. They also chat about the icons she's shared the stage with while on tour this summer.
PRE-SAVE BREAK OR BREAKTHROUGH: https:/...
Gåte is slowly introducing the world to their brand of Norwegian folk metal, and we couldn't be more excited!
In this episode, Val and vocalist Gunnhild Sundli chat about the upcoming album Sigil, how Gåte made the best of their Eurovision experience, and the stories and legends that make Norway unique.
Get more Gåte: https://www.xn--gte-ula.com/
Follow Gåte: https://www.instagram.com/gaate_official/
Gåte Spotify: https://open.spotify....
One day you're a fan, the next, you're sharing the studio!
This is the true story of how the collaboration between SAGE and PINKNOISE came to be.
On this New Music Friday, Val and SAGE also get into their lore, horror movie takes, and what the secret to a successful collaboration really is.
Follow SAGE: https://www.instagram.com/sagebandnj/
Stream SAGE: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RmUSpbeOrKWpFtlTHtbLu?si=Zm6PqO9aQzmtO...
There's a lot happening in the rock and metal community these last few weeks. In this solo moment, Val briefly chats about the Madden Brothers controversy and finally examines the STATICA EP from Avenged Sevenfold - and BAY-BEEE, it's a ride!
Is genuine artistry about protecting a brand? Or is it about chasing an idea? …wherever it leads.
Val's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans/
Get more Val at https://val...
Artists sometimes refer to their songs or their albums as their babies. If In Between from Joyous Wolf (out Friday) had to be categorized, you'll find that this "youngest" baby has some eldest responsibilities!
Val chats with guitarist Blake Allard on the new era of Joyous Wolf, what to expect from In Between, the inclusion of new vocalist Pedro Cordeiro, and how their definition of success (and survival) in the music industry...
In this edition of New Music Friday, Chas Huff introduces us to alt-metal project Get Out Alive -and its purpose.
Simply put, the mission of Get Out Alive is to leave anyone who listens feeling better than they were before. You might also find that it's the perfect remedy for a mental health struggle, and your nostalgic 00s loving heart. Something Chas also touches on this episode.
Get ready to meet Get Out Alive and stay ahead...
Identity Crisis are solidifying themselves as the grunge band you need to know - but how is Gen Z receiving them?
Val and lead vocalist Reece Gonzales deep dive into why Identity Crisis is resonating on all cylinders - globally and generationally. They also discuss the Starve EP and what's next musically. Hint: it might just be an album.
Val and Reece get into it all.
Get more Identity Crisis:
Our very first edition of New Music Friday features DARKSTXR.
The boys chat with Val about the rollout process for their new project, their first single "EVERGREEN" their upcoming debut show in South Carolina, why more bands should glaze each other.
Get more DARKSTXR: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EUsHqEocZmF9w0hjmEErM?si=4Cvmp9pUTomk6CiIt59VOQ
DARKSTXR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarkstxr/
Get more Val at https://...
Mastodon have been through the wringer lately with the passing of guitarist Brent Hinds.
While addressing "The Mastodon in The Room" and discussing a new album and era for the band, Val dissects what we can learn from the group about processing tragedy and ponders what calls for a band to take on a new identity entirely.
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Some of the best elements of Xandria include those famous cinematic and symphonic moments we know and love.
In this episode, Val chats with Marco Heubaum about the sonic evolution of the band, why the album still matters, and what to expect from their brand new release Eclipse coming Friday.
STREAM Eclipse: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jzIEzXVJ4p1kFDmio6LEL?si=Q_F7OjR6T16D6oT1SDLYqQ
Get more Xandria: https://www.xandria...
40 years later, the legendary Prong is still fighting thanks to vocalist and guitarist Tommy Victor.
In this episode, Val and Tommy celebrate the release of Prong's first self-titled album coming in November. Val and Tommy also dive into current trends in music, how Prong gave Rob Zombie his directorial debut, the importance of being willing to experiment in music, and what's next for the band.
Stream Prong: https://open.spotif...
It's never easy learning a loved one might be on the opposite end of the political spectrum. XBYRDX might just have the remedy for this dagger in his music - in his new album Anthems For The End Times.
Val and XBYRDX chat about the importance of using artistry to make a statement.
Get more XBYRDX: https://www.instagram.com/xbyrdxmusic/
STREAM Anthems For The End Times: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6YTaWI5Nk358TPiZAhkPWv?si=c5M8lsky...
Val and Joey Vesely of Trace Remains reminisce about their hometown (Pittsburgh), the new Zero Hour EP, and the importance of flexibility when adapting to the ever changing music industry.
Stream the Zero Hour EP: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xnmynY7Zj625B0XAuwU2h?si=7-1F20HGTRKp4g1WwuFc9w
Get more Trace Remains: https://www.instagram.com/traceremains/?hl=en
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Yungblud and Bad Wolves have made the news in the rock and metal scene throughout the early part of this month for a variety of reasons. One is under fire for getting vulnerable. The other is getting mixed reviews as they announce a new era with a new single - something they’ve done a lot in their career. They’re each experiencing two different scenarios right now, but they have one thing in common - they’re both ...
Welcome to a new Tuesday and Thursday schedule for the pod!
In this first Tuesday guest episode, Val chats with Vicky Psarakis of Sicksense about whether or not the range actually helps with Call of Duty play, AI ethics, and the upcoming Funerals EP that mirrors all the thoughts that surround these moments.
PRE-ORDER the Funerals EP: https://ffm.to/sicksense-funerals
Get more Sicksense: https://sicksense.com/
Get more Val at https...
When the world seems to be working against you, Beautiful Skeletons have learned that those are the times to bond together that much tighter when accomplishing a goal.
Val chats with Tina Firefly about music industry challenges, working with legend Ulrich Wild, and the haunted experiences shared while putting the upcoming album Pulse Line Scar together.
STREAM Beautiful Skeletons: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dZD3pOhLSVUZCX...
We’re officially in festival season right now, and every year, somebody somewhere is disappointed when severe weather happens and a show has to either be cut short or is canceled altogether. But what exactly happens when this process unfolds? What does it actually take for a show to be cut short or canceled due to severe weather? Who makes that call? And why does it feel like they sometimes make that call too late? How do you...
Is delulu the solulu? If you ask Døuble Identity, the answer just might be yes! In life, and creativity!
Val chats with twins Arden and Courtney about their new single "Kiss Me Again" and how it came to be, why boys make for good subject matter as artists, show safety, and the frustrations that come with navigating the world as a young adult.
Get more Døuble Identity: https://www.instagram.com/doubleidentityband/
In today's edition of the divorce no one saw coming, Val dissects the divorce announcement coming from Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo.
Does divorce impact public figures differently? Why do fans receive this news the way they do? Can we learn anything from their situation to help us navigate divorce better?
Let’s get into the subject of divorce, vigorously.
When anyone gets divorced, it’s a messy, uncomfortable moment that...
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