Kristian Phillip Valentino currently calls Asheville, N.C. home. His musical palette falls between the lines of indie folk, singer-songwriter and Americana. His lyrics are a healing balm from the daily struggle as they wash over you with a deep reverence. Kristian (aka KPV) was also a finalist at the 2022 LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, a collaboration between NewSong Music and LEAF Global Arts.

NewSong Music: What sort of music was playing in your house when you were growing up?

Kristian Phillip Valentino: I grew up in a strict Pentecostal/Christian household so not much secular music was playing, mostly worship/Christian music. I did find MTV at a very young age though! So I was introduced to hip-hop and Nirvana when I was like 5 or 6.

What inspired you to become a songwriter?

I started writing songs in August of 2010. Within that one month, my dad passed away suddenly, I lost my job, and ended up homeless living in my car, and got broken up with in a relationship I really cared about at the time. I was devastated and started writing some of my first songs in the car. I was able to find my songs as a healing balm for myself. I just hope it can be that for others. 

Do you have any recent or forthcoming projects to tell us about? 

Currently I am working on a four-song EP which is being produced by Gar Ragland at Citizen Studios. I’m hoping to release in the Spring of 2023.