Kickin Valentina Talk 2025 UK Tour, New Music And More

USA hard sleaze rockers Kickin Valentina are thrilled to be returning to UK shores in May 2025 for a run of 7 shows. Drummer Jimmy Bardine chatted to us all about their plans:

Who is in Kickin Valentina, how did you meet and what do they play?

 

We are a hard rock band out of Atlanta Georgia USA! The original 4 guys all lived in Atlanta, but our singer now currently lives in California! Line up is DK Revelle vocals, Jimmy Berdine on drums, Chris Taylor on bass and Heber Pampillion on guitar

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

 

My first concert I was 6…but my first rock n roll show was Ratt/Bon Jovi on their 1985 Invasion Tour.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

 

I helped write and arrange songs back in my first band in High School….I really enjoy the creative process

 

Your latest album ‘Star Spangled Fist Fight’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

 

We knew it needed to be a strong album, lots of catchy, fun, energetic songs, so we took our time and wrote around 18-20 ideas, and after DK put melodies/lyrics to most…we narrowed it down to 13 and 10 making the album!

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

 

All of our albums have been recorded at Muse Studios here in Atlanta. And Andy Reilly has produced them all as well! He is the man!

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

 

We always try to enjoy recording new music. It’s fun to bounce ideas back and forth. We stay at the studio overnight at times…that’s when it gets a bit silly!

 

Do you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the album?

 

Not really! We have always said, if you can’t pull it off live, don’t record it! So therefore, it’s a 4 piece rock n roll band, playing songs that sound very close to its live versions!

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your happiest, angriest and most reflective?

 

Ride or Die, Fireback, Amsterdam.

 

Who created/designed the album artwork?

 

I think Chris came up with the initial idea!

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

 

It took us a bit longer than usual, plus the distance between band and singer hurts at times…but we always get the job done!

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

 

That we gave 100% to the performance, and that the audience left feeling happy and energized from the gig!

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

 

Not really, we don’t use tracks/playback…we do have a vocal pedal on guitar and drums backing vocals so nothing crazy!

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

 

Atlanta, Georgia region! Hell hot in the summer!

 

How do you look after your voices?

 

Cigarettes and whiskey.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

 

Not really a novel guy! I enjoy biographies and historical readings!

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

 

My influences are Tommy Aldridge, Mikkey Dee, Mick Brown, plus many others! I love classic rock, anything from the 80’s, and modern rock n metal out of Scandinavia

 

Tell us about the live dates forthcoming in UK/Europe.

 

We love coming overseas! The crowds are so much fun, and we love seeing our friends and fans in the UK/Europe. We are doing 7 shows in the UK and 7 shows in Europe. We will be playing at Wildfest in Belgium this run as well! Can’t wait!

 

What makes Kickin Valentina happy and what makes you unhappy?

 

Happy – Performing, touring, meeting the fans, the relationships we build with venues and promoters, and all the beautiful countries we get to visit! Unhappy – When venues don’t provide anything for artists such as bottled water or towels! I’ll just leave the other issues that piss us off alone, hahaa!