Today we’d like to introduce you to Summit Valley.
Hello Summit Valley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Summit Valley was created by college friends, lead singer Niki Joans and guitarist Rio Eastman, on the front porch steps of a house off Summit Avenue in Arlington, Texas. Though their paths originally crossed at a Greek Life retreat in 2019, it was through a mutual friend that they found their shared passion for music in December of 2020. The duo wasted no time and began to write original music with Rio’s roommates, who happened to play bass and drums. However, fate had different plans for the band, and shortly after their first show, the original drummer and bassist departed the group. With their next show a few weeks away, Niki and Rio were left with the daunting task of finding their replacements, but unbeknownst to them, luck was on their side. The previous summer, a close friend from high school invited Rio to attend a family beach trip with him and his brother. His brother was allowed to bring one friend as well, and on an early July morning, Rio met that one friend; her name was Jayd Cecilia. A seasoned bass player with years of jazz band experience, Jayd was the first call Rio made to fill the vacant role in Summit Valley, which she eagerly accepted. The group needed one more person. On 4/20 of 2021, it was on Niki’s way up to Stoner’s Peak in Arlington when the band’s future drummer ran right past her. At the top of the trail, Niki met Luke Saint Laurens, and after a dab of convincing, he agreed to join the band. With the clock ticking, they began rehearsing tirelessly night and day to prepare for their next 3-hour show just 2 weeks away. United and determined, the quartet managed to pull off a tremendous show on Mother’s Day. Inspired by each other, they each made a commitment to one another and the band, a commitment still burning ferociously today. Since 2021, Summit Valley has performed dozens of shows around the DFW, released their first EP in June of 2023, featured in Shoutout DFW, and now seeks to release their next EP later this year. “We can’t even begin to describe how proud we are of each other and what we have accomplished. It has been a rollercoaster of life events and emotions, but we are just as devoted to the journey as we were in the beginning and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.”
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have absolutely endured some struggles along the way, namely the work it takes to become a tight-knit musical act. It’s hours upon hours of what seems like endless run-throughs, and we have all had our fair share of feeling burnt out. Each of us works a full-time job and it’s a daily struggle to still find the motivation to practice after work and rehearse on the weekends. Sometimes, we even have to rehearse or perform as soon as we get off of work. Additionally, we rehearse in Fort Worth, which is an hour’s drive for some of us since we don’t live together. Independently, we each fight our own battles with mental health, addiction, relationships, and those things deep down that we fear to even say out loud. It’s a blessing to have each other to rely on and be there for support on the days we struggle to even get out of bed.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
“Well, in the modern music industry, we are so much more than a band. We are our own photographers, videographers, graphic designers, marketers, managers, producers, and so much more. As far as what we specialize in, it’s hard to say. We definitely spend a significant amount of time to be well rehearsed so when we perform, our audience can walk away saying we know how to entertain and put on a good show. I think we’re also known for trying to grow an inclusive and diverse community where everyone is welcome. We don’t try to better than anyone or try to be anybody other than ourselves. We want our fans to feel comfortable in their own skin and bring their authentic selves to our shows without the fear of being judged or ostracized. The 4 of us are absolutely some goofy and downright weird people who act like Looney Tunes characters at times. We believe it’s a combination of our unique sound and comfortability we have one another that really sets us apart from the rest.”
What were you like growing up?
Rio – “As a kid, I never imagined I’d be doing what I am today. I actually grew up in Pennsylvania, and there I spent time playing football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse, but my first real obsession was BMX. I would ride my bike all over the place, and the local skatepark was like a second home. I would definitely say I was also a bit of troublemaker in school since being the class clown is apparently frowned upon. I’ve had teachers and principals make calls to my parents more than they would have liked, gotten my fair share of in-school suspension, and been grounded at home. I still cause trouble, but now at least my parents can’t ground me for it.”
Olivia Jayd – “As a Leo, I’ve always loved to be the front of the attention, my parents always said that I’d grow up to be an entertainer. I took a deep, personal connection with music throughout my early life that carried me through some of the roughest patches, and to be able to share my emotions and entertain through music has always been my dream.”
Luke – “I’ve always been someone who wants to experience everything life has to offer, good and bad. And to experience those moments with good friends is what I strive for. I’ve always had an itch for exploring the outdoors, an environment that pulls you away from the noise of everyday life, much like music. Both my parents have an extensive background in music, which, ultimatum, put me down the path of becoming a musician. I’ve played guitar, piano, even a little bit of trombone, but drumming has been the instrument I feel most comfortable behind. It’s technically channeling and has infinite creative potential.”
Niki Joans – “I’ve always had a big personality and severe ADHD and, unfortunately, was looked down upon at times for it. When I was little, I had a ‘band’. By that, I mean when I was 5, myself and the two boys my mom babysat in California had tiny plastic instruments and made noise. Fast forward and at 15 I started a solo career, releasing a cover album in 2015 and preforming at open mics around Mexico City where my family was living at the time. I knew I wanted to pursue music, but the thought of doing it alone was terrifying. In 2018, I went to a show in Fort Worth where everything changed. I met North by North from Chicago at M.A.S.S, now known as The Cicada. Watching the duo on stage that night (Nate and Kendra), I was suddenly inspired to start a band. How I was going to do that? I had no idea. But then 2020 came around and I met my best friend, Rio Eastman, we started Summit Valley together and since then have been pursuing what has become a shared dream and love of music.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summit.valley
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/summitvalley
Image Credits
@madisonfromdallas
@wthmelmel
