A Violet In Youth: Blending Dissonance, Pop Sensibility, and LA’s sonic Landscape
A Violet In Youth isn’t easily categorized. This Los Angeles-based band crafts music that’s both experimental and undeniably catchy, a deliberate fusion born from diverse influences and a deep-rooted collaborative spirit. If you’re seeking music that challenges expectations while remaining accessible, you’ve found it.
A Calculated embrace of Contrast
Frontwoman Lollie explains that a certain level of dissonance is crucial to their sound. It’s what holds her attention and delivers those moments of unexpected sonic texture. This isn’t noise for noise’s sake, though. it’s a carefully considered element woven into songs that also draw inspiration from pop giants like Taylor Swift and One Direction, alongside the more atmospheric sounds of Beach House and the industrial edge of Nine Inch Nails.
This blend isn’t accidental. It’s a reflection of the band’s core ideology: exploring the beauty found within contrast.
Silence as a Sonic Tool
Beyond the interplay of harmony and dissonance, A Violet In Youth understands the power of space. Taking cues from Nine Inch Nails’ dynamic live performances, they utilize silence and restraint as compositional elements. Their songs breathe, shifting between moments of intense energy and quiet introspection. This creates a compelling sense of movement, guiding your ear through a landscape of sound and absence.
The Band Behind the Sound
A Violet In Youth is a collective built on friendship and mutual trust. The lineup features:
* Lollie: Vocals and creative vision.
* Lisa Yan: Synths and piano, providing crucial textural layers.
* Amanda Erwin: Drums, anchoring the songs with structure and drive.
* Kelly Kuhn: Bass, bringing intricate jazz-influenced basslines.
* Garrett Zeile: Guitar and technical engineering, balancing sonic exploration with precision.
each member’s unique background contributes to the band’s distinctive tone. Notably, Lisa Yan’s collaboration with Lollie fulfills a poignant personal connection - a dream shared with Lollie’s late father.
A Collaborative Process Rooted in Trust
The band’s creative process is remarkably fluid. They prioritize openness and experimentation over conflict. Lollie notes that Lisa frequently enough playfully teases her for readily embracing new ideas. This ease allows them to explore sonic territories without hesitation, fostering a truly collaborative environment.
Yan’s contributions are notably lauded.Her classically trained background combined with a passion for indie music unlocks a vast palette of possibilities, defining much of the band’s textural identity.
Los Angeles: A City Woven into Their Music
The band’s environment profoundly influences their art. Lollie describes daydreaming about the city’s unique beauty – graffiti-covered train tracks at sunset, the way light illuminates flowers. This blend of urban grit and fleeting beauty consistently surfaces in their imagery and songwriting.
If their songs could capture a single image of Los Angeles, Lollie says, it woudl be ”a place where concrete meets flower petals when the sun is going down and you can hear the sounds of the people and smell the food.”
Exploring Complexity Through Sound
Ultimately, A Violet In Youth’s work is about exploring the complexities of the world around them. They mirror the intersections of roughness and delicacy, structure and spontaneity, through their music. They invite you to listen closely and experience the world through a uniquely sonic lens.
Disclaimer: SPIN Magazine newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
