US-Based Independent Label Partners with Newcastle’s Rising Goth Rock Act for April EP and Summer Album
Leesburg, Georgia – January 16th, 2026 – Morella Records, a new artist-friendly independent label specializing in goth rock, deathrock, darkwave, and post-punk, is thrilled to announce the signing of Vampire Valentine, a compelling Post Punk/Darkwave act from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. This marks the label’s inaugural artist signing and signals Morella’s commitment to championing authentic voices in the gothic and alternative music scene.
Vampire Valentine will release their highly anticipated 6-track EP “Pale Dawn” in April, 2026, followed by their second full-length album in summer 2026, both distributed through Morella Records’ Bandcamp presence with promotional support across press, radio, playlists, and social media.
“I am quite excited to work with Vampire Valentine, their sound is classic but fresh!” says Blake Carpenter, founder of Morella Records. “They are already busting their asses pushing their first singles and first full length release and that is what drew me to them, after the music of course.”
“Vampire Valentine are pleased to announce that we’ll be joining the Morella Records family for our next EP and album 2! We couldn’t be more thrilled to tell you all if we tried!” – Michael, Kieron, Ricky (Vampire Valentine)
“The upcoming Pale Dawn EP represents a combination of our love for modern darkwave and 80s post-punk with our own atmospheric style that we played with for our debut, Dry Remains. Pale Dawn has really helped us find our feet and boosted our hopes for the band as a whole. We personally believe that this release will be many people’s favorite.” – Vampire Valentine
“Vampire Valentine embodies everything Morella stands for: authentic artistry, dedication to the craft, and a genuine connection to the scene,” says Blake. “I wanted to create a label that prioritizes genuine partnerships over traditional label structures. Artists keeping their masters and having creative control isn’t a gimmick for us – it’s the foundation of how we operate.”
Vampire Valentine’s “Pale Dawn” EP will be available April 17, 2026 via Morella Records on Bandcamp, with streaming available on all major platforms. Physical cassette and CD formats will be available through the band. Vampire Valentine will release their highly anticipated 6-track EP “Pale Dawn” in April, 2026, followed by their second full-length album in summer 2026, both distributed through Morella Records’ Bandcamp presence with promotional support across press, radio, playlists, and social media.
“I am quite excited to work with Vampire Valentine, their sound is classic but fresh!” says Blake Carpenter, founder of Morella Records. “They are already busting their asses pushing their first singles and first full length release and that is what drew me to them, after the music of course.”
“Vampire Valentine are pleased to announce that we’ll be joining the Morella Records family for our next EP and album 2! We couldn’t be more thrilled to tell you all if we tried!” – Michael, Kieron, Ricky (Vampire Valentine)
ABOUT VAMPIRE VALENTINE
Vampire Valentine is a darkwave/post-punk band from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, featuring singer/producer Michael Longstaff, bassist/guitarist Kieron Wright, and US-based producer Ricky Conover (aka Forerunnerx). Michael and Kieron formed the band in October 2025 and soon after added Ricky to the team.
Debuting onto the scene with their first single “Porcelain” (featuring B-side “Olivia”) on November 14th, 2025, followed by their second single “Thorns” on December 1st, the band released their debut album “Dry Remains” on January 14th, 2026. The album showcases standout tracks including “Stitching Undone,” “Decay,” “Poison,” and “Fresh.”
Michael and Kieron started Vampire Valentine after meeting through Michael’s fiancée, who previously attended school with Kieron. The pair shared a desire to create darkwave/post-punk music, so ideas came naturally and fast for the duo. They recruited Ricky, a friend and frequent collaborator of Michael’s on his solo project ‘Necro Noise’. The band takes inspiration from classic post-punk acts like The Sisters of Mercy and new-age darkwave artists like Twin Tribes, giving them a distinct and welcome sound.
The band are yet to play live but are gearing up behind the scenes to put together the best show possible and are in the process of finding additional members. Vampire Valentine is looking to be a strong addition to the goth scene with the love and passion they have for it.
Vampire Valentine is:
Michael Longstaff – Singer & Producer (North Shields/Newcastle Upon Tyne)
Kieron Wright – Bass Guitar & Rhythm Guitar (Consett/Newcastle Upon Tyne)
Ricky Conover – Producer & Synth Work (Murrayville, Illinois)
Vampire Valentine Online
Website: https://vampirevalentine.morellarecords.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vampire_valentinencl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583302482320
Bandcamp: https://vampirevalentine.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5IFOqHlbt37UXsz73a02og
ABOUT MORELLA RECORDS
Morella Records is an independent record label founded in 2026 by Blake Carpenter originally to launch his new project GIO, an anthemic goth rock project releasing the first album early in 2026. Morella specializes in goth rock, deathrock, darkwave, and post-punk music. Founded on principles of artist empowerment and transparent business practices, Morella provides promotional support and distribution while allowing artists to retain full ownership of their master recordings. Based in Leesburg, Georgia, Morella Records seeks to build a roster of authentic voices within the gothic and alternative music communities.
Website: https://morellarecords.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morellarecords/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morellarecords
Bandcamp: https://morellarecords.bandcamp.com/
MEDIA CONTACT
Blake Carpenter
Morella Records
info@morellarecords.com
