Be Mine Phantom Valentine (BMPV) is an alternative-indie rock band formed in 2016 who played their first show on Valentine's Day. According to the band, "The name was inspired by phantom valentines who perform anonymous acts of kindness."
Members include Dean Primicias (whose day job involves working in education), Wes Primicias (an organizational psychologist who lives in Carmel Valley), Justin Billingsley (electric bassist and ensemble leader for the Marine Corps Music Program), and Dash Rower (who tests software for vulnerabilities).
A 9-song album called End State was released in December 2020, sporting introspective titles such as “I Was Afraid,” “Who Are You Inside,” and “I Never Dream.” "The album is based on the idea of transitioning into a new era or moving into something more in harmony," says Escondido-based Dean Primicias. "I work in education and supporting positive change is a main goal. I felt the need to find an additional avenue to make this push outside of the workday. It was also another way to cope through 2020. It was a strange year and I think most of us were and are still trying to cope."
According to the band, "We actually started recording in December 2019. Covid created a big change for the album. We had to diverge from our original approach to recording all together. During the lockdown, everyone withdrew and, with all of the uncertainty, I ended up setting up a recording room in my garage. During the summertime, everything was in lockdown, isolation, and with traveling shut down, I had time to focus and explore more of the recording environment and dive into the recording process and instrumentation."
Dean Primicias says the album has several local-centric inspirations. "The track 'I Never Dream' is a track that kind of revels in some of the negativity screens and social media can have on our life and psyche. Screens and social media has really become a huge part of our culture. Sometimes Wes and I would take a break and go camping at Nathan Harrison Ranch in Palomar Mountains. The life story of Nathan Harrison, the site, and the views are amazing. We found a lot of inspiration going there and he really is a historical figure for San Diego."
"We also like to go to the beach for walks and get a glimpse of the ocean for a breathe of fresh air. I think it was at Swami’s Beach in Encinitas when I saw a trash can with art on it and it said in big letters 'Just Breathe,' which is a title track on the album. Inspirations can come at any time and any place and as an artist I find it good to be ready for it, jot it down or record it while its still inspiring, and then be willing to explore it."
In summer 2023, the band released a video for their track "Don't Let Me Bullet."