Valencia met by playing local shows together around the tri-state area in separate bands. George Ciukurescu and JD Perry grew up together; attending elementary school, high school, and their first year of college. They joined a band in 2001 called The Capgun Heroes with Brendan Walter and former member Sean Mundy. Shane Henderson sang in the band Attracted to Miss and Max played drums in The Emphasis. They formed the band that is known today as Valencia in 2004. The band is named after the wife of the protagonist, Valencia, in the book by Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughter House 5.
In 2005 Valencia signed to I Surrender Records after the label's owner, Midtown's drummer Rob Hitt, heard their demo tape. After playing the Warped Tour in 2005, they released their first album, This Could Be A Possibility, in October 2005, which was re-released in September 2006.
In 2006, the band was named SPIN Band of the Day and was a finalist for Band of the Year, but lost to Nightmare of You. In May 2006, the band stopped touring because of the death of Shane's girlfriend in a freak lawn mower accident. In July 2006, Valencia traveled to Japan to play the Fuji Rock Festival.
In 2007 the band toured with Boys Like Girls, The Audition and All Time Low in the U.S. Valencia also toured with We the Kings, The Cab, Charlotte Sometimes, and Sing it Loud in April 2008.
In 2009 Valencia performed at the Soundwave festival with New Found Glory, Say Anything and Billy Talent. The band opened for blink-182 in June 2009 on their summer reunion tour.
Valencia's second album, We All Need a Reason to Believe was released on August 26, 2008, featuring 11 new tracks. The album leaked in its entirety on August 16, 2008. On August 19, 2008 it was made available as a full stream on the band's Myspace page. "Safe To Say" is on the soundtrack for MLB 09 The Show. Valencia spent summer 2009 touring with Every Avenue.
Band member Brendan Walter was one of 32 sued by the RIAA in its first round file-sharing suits. During an interview on WCUR's Foundation Radio on December 9, 2010, host Adam Barnard asked about the circumstances surrounding this incident. Walter stated that he had been chosen at random due to the fact that he had illegally downloaded music by American rock band Smash Mouth.
Valencia's third album, "Dancing With A Ghost" was released October 12, 2010. After a long break from touring, the band went back on tour for their new album in October of 2010. The tour includes a few shows of headlining along with shows with bands like Say Anything, Saves the Day and Motion City Soundtrack. The band's tour will also make it all the way to Australia.
In October of 2011, Shane Henderson released a statement regarding the band's decision to go on an indefinite hiatus after 2011. Following a farewell tour in Japan, the band played a final show on December 28th at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA to a sold-out crowd.
Losing Sleep
Valencia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some say that my life ain't safe
I guess I'm trying to find the words to say, that maybe I'm tired
Been drinking way too much these days
I can't even remember my face
Until I wake up in another state, in a town unexpected
And see myself as I'm changing shape
I'm turning myself in today
I gotta finish what I start
Give me the chance to speak my mind
My opinions are the social kind
If it's you for you and I for I
Then one of us is gonna leave here blind
You know I won't give up without a fight
Even if I'm the one who's wrong and you're who's right
It's not right to be brought down
By words from an unknown mouth
That think that they've figured me out
But they don't even know me
Cause this is taking a turn for the worse
As fate showed up in a blacked out hearse
Ready to carry my soul away, and bury my body
So if you checked the weather report
Then why the fuck are we driving north?
You know we're headed into the storm
To finish what we started
Just give me the chance to speak my mind
My opinions are the social kind
If it's you for you and I for I
Then one of us is gonna leave here blind
You know I won't give up without a fight
Even if I'm the one who's wrong and you're who's right
(I'm losing too much sleep these days
Some say that my life ain't safe)
Cause I've been stuck here waiting
You never gave me the chance to speak my mind
My opinions are the social kind
If it's you for you and I for I
Then one of us is gonna leave here blind
You know I won't give up without a fight
Even if I'm the one who's wrong and you're who's right
Even if you're the one who's wrong and I'm who's right
The first stanza of Valencia's song "Losing Sleep" speaks of the singer's current state of mind. He seems to be struggling with insomnia and feeling unsure about his life. His situation might be exacerbated by people who believe that he is not safe, which adds to his anxiety. He indicates that he is searching for the right words to express his fatigue. His drinking habit is not helping either as he often wakes up in unfamiliar places. He is slowly losing his sense of self as he finds himself in different towns where he never thought he would be before.
In the second stanza, the singer discloses how he is evolving, losing his identity and becoming a coward. He acknowledges that he needs to take responsibility for his actions and face the consequences of his mistakes. He tells his listeners that he has a right to express his opinions even if it might offend others. He believes that everyone is entitled to their opinions, but one of them will leave the discussion with their sight hindered. He promises that he will always fight for his rights and beliefs whether or not he is right or wrong.
The final stanza of the song continues the theme of fighting for one's rights and beliefs. The singer feels as though he is stuck, waiting for a chance to be heard. He expresses the need for the listener to give him the opportunity to express his mind. He insists that he has the right to speak his opinions, and it's a matter of justice for both parties to respect each other's views. He reiterates that he will fight for his beliefs, even if he is wrong, and the other person is right.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm losing too much sleep these days
I am having trouble sleeping lately.
Some say that my life ain't safe
Some people believe that my life is dangerous.
I guess I'm trying to find the words to say, that maybe I'm tired
I am struggling to communicate that I am worn out.
Been drinking way too much these days
I have been consuming too much alcohol recently.
I can't even remember my face
I am forgetting what I look like.
Until I wake up in another state, in a town unexpected
I am surprised to find myself in a new location when I wake up.
And see myself as I'm changing shape
I am noticing changes in myself.
I'm like a coward who changes face
I am timid and hesitant to reveal my true self.
I'm turning myself in today
I am surrendering myself.
I gotta finish what I start
I am determined to complete what I have begun.
Give me the chance to speak my mind
Please let me express my thoughts.
My opinions are the social kind
My beliefs are related to society and culture.
If it's you for you and I for I
If we are only worried about ourselves.
Then one of us is gonna leave here blind
One of us will be unaware or ignorant of important information.
You know I won't give up without a fight
I am not willing to surrender easily.
Even if I'm the one who's wrong and you're who's right
Even if I am mistaken and you are correct.
It's not right to be brought down
It is unfair to be negatively affected.
By words from an unknown mouth
By comments from someone I do not know.
That think that they've figured me out
That assume they understand me completely.
But they don't even know me
They are not familiar with who I really am.
Cause this is taking a turn for the worse
This situation is becoming increasingly negative.
As fate showed up in a blacked out hearse
An unpleasant event occurred unexpectedly.
Ready to carry my soul away, and bury my body
Prepared to end my life and put my body to rest.
So if you checked the weather report
Assuming you observed the forecast.
Then why the fuck are we driving north?
Why are we heading in a direction that is contrary to the weather?
You know we're headed into the storm
We are traveling towards a difficult or dangerous situation.
To finish what we started
To complete what has been initiated.
You never gave me the chance to speak my mind
You did not allow me to express my opinions.
Even if you're the one who's wrong and I'm who's right
Even if you are mistaken and I am correct.
Contributed by Daniel J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Armor42
Great video, great song, great band
Seth Carrick
hell yes! so glad they did a video for this song. love it!
Ronn Snow
2018, still love this song
Brittany H
Absolutely in love with this video! Miss Valencia♡
NobdyNParticular
One of their best songs yet
Nubkips
this video put the biggest smile on my face :)
Colin Hatton
Haha I love this!
Jesse Ansbro
I account for about 4,000 views of this video. I hope this is ok?
Some Reformed Theologian
Sure
SemiSilence
I wish Max was still in the band...