Ahead of their U.K. tour we caught up with Greta Valenti of Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse to talk new music, touring and connecting with their audience.
FT: You are halfway through the European leg five week tour and about to hit the the U.K. How’s it going?
GV: It’s going very well. In Europe, we are still building in many places so it’s a lot like our earlier days in the UK. We played in Czechia to like 1500 people at a festival to play to 14 people in Vienna another day, so it’s very all over the place but for the most parts all shows have been great and this is hands-down the best touring band we’ve ever had. From not only talent (we’ve worked with so many talented people over the years), but also just a vibe and a collection of people that respect each other which is really important. You can tell that we trust each other, because it shows on stage, the jams are better – the vibe is better – and everyone is a team. AND we haven’t gotten sick…yet!
FT: Aside from yourself and Robin Davey, who else is playing with you on this final leg of ‘The Hot Nostalgia Radio Tour’?
GV: Well besides myself on vocals and Robin Davey (guitar) we have from the USA, Tom Rasulo on Drums. Tom has been with us for over 3 years as our U.S. drummer and has come on several international tours. So definitely a staple of the fam. Then we have Miss Charlie Kay on Bass – who has been with us for almost 2 years. Charlie had also just come out to Cali to record a bit with us. Then newer member of the band, we have Ross Monroe on Keys and Sax/Trumpet for the euro dates and then for the U.K. dates, we will be joined by Jack Herbert on Keys and Ross will move to Horns and perhaps organ! Plus we will have Lucca (Trumpet) and Cat (Trombone) for select dates like London, Planet Rockstock and Devizes. PLUS we will have some very special guests at select shows as well.
FT: One thing I’ve noticed in the short time I’ve known the band is the dedicated fan base you’ve built up over the years with many fans travelling long distances often for multiple shows. That must be a lovely feeling being able to make that connection with people through your music.
GV: Its taken a very long time – I feel like we are doing everything the hardest way possible hah, but it IS an amazing feeling. I hope we can continue to find our fans across the Uk and Europe and keep doing this for a living. I mean, there’s nothing like people not only singing your songs and wearing your merch, but the true bonds and friendship people make coming together in a community – it’s beautiful and to me – what music is all about- that what keeps us going.
FT: Before setting off on tour you were in the recording studio working on a new album. What can you tell me about that?
GV: We have done some tracks with Tom, but also with drummer Phil Wilson who we have known for over 15 years and were in our previous band together, Well Hung Heart. We have about 13 songs already and plan to do more after we get back from tour. We have been playing our new single “One Massive Hit”, and also another fun one – “The Rougaroux” – which I still only have 2 verses for (lol!) but we just think its so fun and want to do it now. But expect PROBABLY a late 2026 release of the album.
FT: Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse to me is meting pot of musical styles. Blues, rock, pop, Cajun and more. What are your musical influences and how do they affect the sound of each record?
GV: This question is hard but I believe influence it what is happening to us all day, since we were born. Every sound, sight, touch is an fluence and what we choose to like or dislike is one thing but to me EVERYTHING influences us all the time. The albums themselves are really a commentary on the times and the times to come. Sometimes we are a bit too far ahead and the timing doesn’t connect. Like our new single may have been a tad early, and maybe wont connect as much as we want, but that happens.
FT: The U.K. leg of the tour kicks off on the 26th of November in London and then you’ve got another eight dates across England and Scotland. As a self-sustaining band, with no label backing how important is it that people buy tickets and merchandise at your shows?
GV: It’s insanely important. Like in Europe where we are still building, we had a couple shows where even 70 people was not enough so we now can’t come back next year. Also two shows where we lost money and expenses are about 1000 pounds a day. So not only does it affect our ability to continue to do shows in the future, but our ability to afford the tour we are currently on. So we don’t go home in the negative! And merch is just as important. As merch is about 50% of our income! Without it. – we couldn’t do this.
FT: How to you decompress after a tour is finished.
GV: I get really depressed (post tour depression) so try to go into my garden and reconnect with nature and spend time with Robin and our kitties! And start planning the next thing! 😉
Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse are on tour throughout the U.K. from November 26th. Full tour dates and tickets via: beauxgrisgris.com