Deeply moving and a personal struggle based EP right from the heart, is what “The Sun Is Setting” by is Kristian Phillip Valentino’s latest EP is about. This is absolutely an EP you need to hear if you’re a fan of raw, introspective storytelling in the Justin Townes Earle vein.
This time Kristian isn’t holding anything back. The EP is ‘a darker sound’ than what he’s done before, he tells us. This is a four track journey through some seriously heavy emotional terrain – generations of trauma, loss and some extreme self reflection.
The standout track is for sure “Still Your Boy,” a gut punch of a song about his relationship with his late father. The songs are stripped back, with no place to hide, just Kristian’s raw lyrics and a haunting melody that will stay with you long after the song has finished. The kind of track you want to call your own family, and sort out any unresolved stuff.
The EP is like a heavily personal memoir, with each song feeling like a chapter unto itself. ‘Convince You’ sets the melancholic tone on the opener, which contrasts with the metaphor rich ‘Evil of This World’ and the more philosophical ‘Naked’ which take listeners through the journey of pain, healing and self discovery that led to Kristian.
The thing about this EP is that Kristian takes something deeply personal, and transforms it into something universal. Vulnerable, acoustic Americana: music that doesn’t just tell a story, but feels like you’re living it.
Listen to The Sun is Setting
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Congratulations on the release of *The Sun is Setting*! What inspired the title and overall theme of the EP?
Thank you so much! This project is a darker sound/direction than previous releases. I found myself facing personal demons that I’ve been experiencing for a long time now. After finding some space for healing, therapy and self love these 4 songs came out of that place.
The title comes from some of the lyrics in the song, “Evil of this World”
Can you share the creative journey behind this project? How long has it been in the making?
The creative journey for this record was not what I expected it to be, honestly. This album was originally a 12 song LP that detailed a dark story about a family that endured a lot of trauma and betrayal. My brother and I came up with a concept for what was originally going to be a graphic novel but it later became an album.
Unfortunately, after sharing the LP with some friends and peers I kept getting back the same response, “This is too dark” or “The story is hard to follow unless you are actively listening” and “How did you come up with this, is it real”? and from that reaction I decided to ask them what songs did resonate and these 4 kept coming up. So I scrapped the 12 song LP concept record and went with these songs instead.
Each song on an EP usually tells a story. Are there particular themes or messages that tie the tracks together?
Yes, the themes mostly touch on hard times, desperation, capitalism and family trauma. It is a sad song EP but the lyrics really paint a picture to find healing despite the daunting realism
Is there a track on *The Sun is Setting* that holds a special place in your heart? Why?
“Still Your Boy” is a deeply personal exploration of a complex father-son relationship. My dad died 13 years ago before we had a chance to restore our broken relationship, I really feel like it took me 13 years to finally have the courage to write this song. I hope it inspires those in strained familial relationships to learn how to forgive and find restoration.
How does *The Sun is Setting* reflect where you are right now as an artist and as a person?
For many years, this project mostly dove into love/breakup songs. Now I’m finding my voice by truly vulnerable writing and a more direct, alt country sound that I’ve been searching for. Most of my past records had a lot of production and a more indie folk/pop sound but these stripped down, acoustic yearning records are what I’m craving at this time.
What was the most rewarding part of creating this EP? Were there any challenges along the way?
I finally made a record that was recorded live after 1 or 2 takes. I think the most challenging was sharing 12 songs with friends and peers and getting a negative reaction back. I’m grateful for these 4 songs though and how they were able to shine through despite the dense concept record it originally was intended to be.
How did you approach songwriting for this project? Was it different from your previous work?
Very different from previous work! The songwriting in this record was much more vulnerable than other projects. I focused on just acoustic guitar, heart breaking lyrics, yearning vocals and some harmonica for that high, lonesome sound.
Were there any unexpected influences or inspirations that shaped the sound or lyrics of the EP?
I became obessessed with Townes Van Zandt and John Moreland records/songwriting during the writing of this album. Since this was originally a concept record I was really trying to become a better story teller during this project.
How does *The Sun is Setting* compare to your earlier music? Do you feel your style has evolved?
Very different! This is a darker/alt country sound where my past projects were very heavily produced and more indie folk leaning.
How does your personal life or experiences influence the music you create?
Most of my lyrics/songs come from personal experiences but I always try to keep the listener in mind so it doesn’t sound like a journal entry. It’s always serving the song at the end of the day. for me.
How do you hope listeners will connect with *The Sun is Setting* on an emotional level?
Grab the tissues because this one is a punch to the gut! Lately my live shows have been people being deeply affected emotionally and tearing up or even walking out to gain their composure again. After the set is over I typically get flooded by people sharing very personal stories and how my music/stories affected them, which I’m deeply humbled by.
What’s next for you after this release? Are you already working on new material?
Yes I am, i already have the songs ready for the next EP and I’m hoping to head to the studio next fall 2025. Also, i’m working on a spring/summer tour for the Southeast.
If you could sum up *The Sun is Setting* in one sentence for someone who hasn’t heard it yet, what would it be?
Heart on your sleeve acoustic album that will hit you in all the feels. For fans of John Moreland, Justin Townes Earle, and Townes Van Zandt
