My Purest Heart For You (Probably)
By Mattea Overstreet
Dan Vallerand is a beloved figure in Modesto’s indie music scene, known for his heartfelt lyrics, offbeat humor, and a prolific catalog that spans over 15 years. A former Queen Bean Open Mic host and winner of the 2016 Modesto Area Music Award for Best Singer/Songwriter, Vallerand has cultivated a following with his unique blend of sincerity, satire, and vulnerability.
A songwriter and spaghetti enthusiast, Danny V’s latest EP, My Purest Heart For You (Probably), is a four-track collection centered around the theme of love in its many forms. The idea for the project arose the same week he submitted a cover to the New York indie label Toadstool Records for their 777 Love Songs compilation. With one song already in hand and a long-held desire to re-record another, the EP began to take shape—part nostalgia, part necessity. “I’m getting older and sitting on too much stuff,” Vallerand says.
The opening track, “I Am Cooler Than Your Boyfriend!”, is a tongue-in-cheek anthem brimming with playful bravado and cheeky pop culture references. It's a perfect example of Vallerand’s knack for being playfully candid and winking at his confessions.
In contrast, “A Heart Whose Love is Innocent” offers poetic lyrics and a gentle arrangement that reflect on the purity of hopeful love. With an added breath of melancholy, “Valentine”—written when Vallerand was just 17—dives into the waters of unrequited affection. The song captures the ache of longing while keeping a smile behind the sadness.
Closing out the EP is “Not Worth It,” a song that stitches three separate ideas into one emotional arc about futile relationships. With a structure that builds excitement toward a final chorus, the song reminds us of Vallerand’s early songwriting style—but with a maturity and refinement that reveals just how far he’s come. Fans who purchase the EP on Bandcamp are treated to a bonus collection of archival recordings, including live versions of songs from 2009, 2012, and 2017 and a lo-fi phone demo from 2020. These tracks offer a glimpse into Vallerand’s songwriter evolution and enduring DIY spirit.
My Purest Heart For You (Probably) is available on all major streaming platforms. Vallerand is currently working on several projects, including a T. Rex covers album with fellow musician Micah Van Zandt, a long-awaited full-length album, and the resurrection of a lost EP.
For more updates and music, follow Dan Vallerand on Instagram @moldybreadguys
