After introducing themselves with their vibrant initial offerings 'Something' and 'My Perfect Enemy' earlier this year, Boston-based outfit Violet Revival are back once again to deliver their shimmering new single 'Heart To Gold'.
Conjuring more of that rich and illuminating indie-rock aesthetic they are quickly earning a reputation for, 'Heart To Gold' makes for a wonderfully fun and lively listen. With its bright and uplifting textures, breezy atmosphere, and stellar hooks layered throughout, they continue their rise as one of the more exciting names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I began playing drums around the age of 10. I played it through middle and high school before I picked up bass. I fell in love with bass, playing it for several hours every single day. I then picked up guitar and had always loved to sing. To this day I still play bass as much as I play guitar. I record both bass and guitar parts on the songs that have come out from us so far.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was a huge fan of alternative 90s and 00s music because of my dad. Some bands I remember listening to as a kid are Tool, System of a Down, Alice In Chains, Radiohead, and Nirvana. I have since still been obsessed with those bands and so many more.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I have a decently sized vinyl record collection. One of the first ones I bought for myself was Lateralus by Tool because I love the album and the Alex Gray artwork on the vinyl discs is beautiful.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
If I had to pick it would be either Paranoid Android by Radiohead, or H. by Tool. These two songs musically and lyrically have always stuck to me so closely and I absolutely love then.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not as much rituals, but I tend to write lyrics last when I songwrite. This is because I can get more of a feeling for a theme of emotion of a song's lyrical content when the music is done and it has its own expression of a feeling.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Recently I have been listening to a ton of Queens of the Stone Age and A Perfect Circle. I find these bands have such talented musicians and both are extremely unique sonically.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would open a show for Tool because they’re one of my favourite bands of all time, and also the first concert I ever saw.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Definitely finding self expression through the art, and being able to share that with others. It’s so rewarding to know somebody may relate to or understand a song's theme, and enjoy it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part in all honesty is trying to get your music out there. It’s a tough era for small artists for so many reasons, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To not care about how good you are, and just worry about if you’re enjoying it and doing what you love.
-
Violet Revival's new single 'Heart To Gold' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.