IN THE WHALE (stylized as INTHEWHALE) is an American alternative rock band from Greeley, Colorado composed of Nathaniel Valdez and Eric Riley.
In the Whale began as a solo project for vocalist Nathaniel Valdez while obtaining his Masters in Educational Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado.
[1] Valdez also cites his experience as an undertaker as a catalyst for the morbid nature of the band’s lyrical content of its newer material.
[4] This gave scope for the band’s growth across the state of Colorado which eventually landed them an opportunity for a supporting slot on The Photo Atlas' Spring 2012 tour of the Midwest and inclusion in KTCL's annual Hometown for the Holidays contest.
[11] In the Whale spent the summer and fall of 2014 touring alongside Guttermouth, Jane's Addiction and The Presidents of the United States of America.
[30][31] The band celebrated their seven year anniversary in 2018 with Dopamine, a six track EP produced by Steve Evetts (The Used, Sepultura, Dillinger Escape Plan) and recorded at the Foo Fighters’ famed Studio 606.
In the Whale spent the summer and fall of 2018 playing alongside Bob Mold, Decendents, Authority Zero, Toadies, Local H, Flatliners, DOA, Underoath, and Papa Roach.
Notable acts include Filter, Gibby Clark, Jefferson Starship, King's X, and Riley's LA Guns.
[36] The band's 2020 single "Drug Dealer" contains Eric Riley's screaming backing vocals, while fast guitars paired with slower drums "create a push-and-pull effect and an overall edgy vibe".