A new Grand Rapids pop band named after a 1983 Nicolas Cage movie will be performing their debut show at the Pyramid Scheme just in time to kick off spring break.

This group is made up of five men, and four of them graduated from Grand Valley State University in April of 2015. They call themselves Valley Girl. Ryley Grayson, Valley Girl’s singer and guitarist said he originally wanted the name to be Valley Girls, but it was already taken by another band so they took inspiration from the Nick Cage film: “Valley Girl.”

Jake Nuechterlein, Valley Girl’s guitarist, said that GVSU students should come out to their debut show because supporting local music is important and he enjoys meeting and talking to students after the show.

“I think it would be cool for (currents students) to see GVSU (graduates) living out their dreams and chasing their dream in music,” Nuechterlein said. “We’re very thankful for everything that we’ve learned from GVSU and it’s actually where we all met and it’s what brought us together. Without GVSU we wouldn’t be here.”

Valley Girl will be performing at the Pyramid Scheme on March 4 at 7 p.m. The Pyramid Scheme will also be holding a ‘college night’ on March 4. A bar for those who are 21 and up will be available at the Pyramid Scheme. Valley Girl will be playing some of their new songs and this will be their first official show in Grand Rapids. Valley Girl will be going on tour this spring and won’t be returning to play in Grand Rapids for a while.

Valley Girl started up in Feb. 2015 and recorded their self-titled EP in Nashville during March 2015. Their EP only holds four songs, but Valley Girl plans to release a full length album next year. The group identifies as a Michigan band rather than a Grand Rapids band because most of their members are from the east side of the state. They produce pop music inspired by 80’s rock and roll. They plan to record more music in the spring.

None of the Valley Girl members that graduated from GVSU left with a degree in music. All four of the GVSU graduates obtained degrees from the school of communications. Taylor Robida, Valley Girl’s bass guitarist, held a film and video major at one point. Robida said that without the knowledge the band members gained from the business and communication classes they took at GVSU, they wouldn’t be in the position they are now.

“It’s not easy, you have to work really hard,” Robida said. “It’s not like what people think it’s going to be. It’s not just writing music. It’s promotion, production, business, and finances. You own your own small business.”

James Reinhardt, Valley Girl’s drummer, said they aren’t making much money yet. He said that most of what they make must be used to fund their band and is placed toward producing music and touring. His advice for anyone pursuing music is to remain passionate even when things get tough.

“Stay humble and focused and always be inspired and hardworking because as soon as you want to give up or not work as hard then you’re kind of already losing it,” Reinhardt said.

Nuechterlein said Valley Girl is grateful for GVSU not only for the useful information they learned, but from the music shows the campus put on by hosting bands such as The Maine, Hellogoodbye and Jason Derulo. Nuechterlein said he can’t believe how much GVSU has changed and grown in a short period of time and hopes it continues to thrive.

“Take all of the knowledge you get at GVSU and don’t take it for granted because if you’re interested in music there’s still a lot that this campus have to offer that is going to be useful for your career in music,” Nuechterlein said.

Valley Girl, Red Legs, Jesse Ray, The Carolina Catfish and Lights & Caves will all be performing at the Pyramid scheme on March 4. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door on the day of the show. Visit www.pyramidschemebar.com for more information. To download Valley Girl’s music and for more information about upcoming shows visit valleygirlmusic.com.