Live Music: Quinlan Valdez

Born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Quinlan’s musical life began in 2010 when he first saw local talent Jalan Crossland perform a show for Casper’s ArtCore program, which gave enough inspiration to learn the banjo and then the guitar. Since learning the two instruments Quinlan has been writing his own songs and making his way as a professional musician. Listeners hold his style to the likes of Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens.

For over three years now, Valdez has released two albums and one EP, has been played all across Wyoming, and continues to expand. He’s been able to play shows with Jalan and has even played for Artcore. A few fellow musicians and fans of Quinlan’s melodic and heartfelt works will claim poetry, not songs. It is a compliment he hears often but still struggles to believe it. In the end, he only wants to play music.