Six years ago today we released our 18-track compilation called First Taste of the Morning! This was one of my first encounters with the industry standard of printing a 10% over/under run. I ordered 1,000 CDs and got 1,100 back. Now, there are less than 30 copies left!
This release is special to me for a few reasons. One is the amount of songs I was able to put on it by Valencia, Over It, The Hush Sound, Park, and two little known bands at the time called All Time Low and The Swellers.
Another reason worth mentioning is that it reminds me of my time living in Clawson Michigan (near Detroit) and has my old P.O. box address. Like The Prize Fight’s The Process EP, it was partially funded by can collecting the night before garbage day.
From Valencia’s blog:
On Friday afternoon, September 30th, our brother and former drummer in our band, Maxim Soria, passed away in a motorcycle accident. We always knew Max as being one of the most meticulous and cautious people we’ve ever met, and hearing the news and processing it over the past few days has been incredibly hard for all of us. We’d like to thank everyone that has been reaching out to us during this difficult time. The shock of this news left the Soria family, our families, our close friends, and ourselves completely devastated, but hearing everyone the world over leave their condolences helped everyone realize how important Max is to the people he touched. Keeping that in mind, we have been doing our best to remember the best times we had with him, think about the way he impacted so many thousands of people around the world, and it helps us find a little glimmer of light in these very dark moments.
We toured with Max for seven years, but even after he left the band, he remained a big part in all of our lives. Whenever we were home from tour, we would spend almost every day together, either talking about music, movies, food, or just life in general. He was everyone’s confidante, always lending his ear and his wisdom to anyone who needed advice and went to him for it. In fact, the last time I spoke with Max was a time where he spent an hour on the phone with me and helped guide me through a personal situation I had no idea how to handle. I’ll never forget that about him. We will always appreciate the chance we had to be surrounded by such a bright, caring, talented, and intelligent person.
After the overwhelming reaction we have seen worldwide regarding what has happened, we would like to inform everyone of a public service and remembrance to be held in Max’s honor this Wednesday and Thursday, October 5th and 6th at Shelly Funeral Home and St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Warrington, Pennsylvania. If you are able to, please join us and the Soria family in paying our respects and celebrating Max’s life. It may have been tragically cut short, but his family, friends, us, and you all have so many great memories to take away from the short time we had with him. Once again, thank you all for your support and kind words, it has meant the world to all of us.
A Celebration of the Life of Maxim Soria
Wednesday, October 5th
Shelly Funeral Home
Viewing: 6 PM - 8 PM
1460 Easton Road
Warrington, PA 18976
Thursday, October 6th
St. Robert Bellarmine Church
Viewing: 10 AM
Funeral Mass: 11 AM
856 Euclid Ave.
Warrington, PA 18976
St. John Neumann Cemetary
Burial Ceremony: Noon
3797 County Line Road
Chalftont, PA 18914
My friend, Max Soria (former drummer of Valencia), passed away Friday night. He was an all-around great guy and I appreciate all the long talks about the music industry and more we had. I’ll always remember you, buddy.
Our friend Shane from Valencia/Promise Of Redemption posted his version of “Take Lots With Alcohol” from A Tribute To Alkaline Trio! Don’t forget to pre-order the album in our online store—limited to 50 copies through us!
What was your first taste this morning? Comment on our Facebook page for a chance to win our compilation CD featuring All Time Low, Valencia, The Swellers, and 15 other bands!
Friends Or Valentine Playlist February 14, 2011
Friends Or Enemies posted Valentine’s Day playlists from a bunch of bands including Barely Blind, Hellogoodbye, Valencia, and more! Check out their list here.
The Promise Hero Interviews Valencia, Terrible Things, & Mercy Mercedes December 18, 2010
Bobby Vaughn from The Promise Hero recently caught up with Valencia, Terrible Things, and Mercy Mercedes at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, OH. Here’s what happened.
Fifth Taste of the Morning December 13, 2010
I can’t believe it’s been five years since the release of our first compilation: First Taste of the Morning. This project took about six months to put together and I was able to land some awesome tracks from All Time Low, Valencia, The Swellers, and more! Check out the full 18-song track listing here.
If only I was able to sign All Time Low back then…
Valencia’s Dwagging With A Ghost October 12, 2010
My buddies in Valencia came out with a new album today called Dancing With A Ghost! I recommend you pick up a physical copy or quickly download it on iTunes. Brought to you 100% in part by the very supportive and independent label, I Surrender Records.
