After introducing themselves with a string of dynamic efforts these last few months, New York-based duo The Violet Mine are now looking to cement their vibrant legacy to date with the release of their stunning debut album 'White Night'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Perfect Host', 'Air Ride', 'Phantom Pain' and the record's shimmering title-track, this new ten-track collection makes for a wonderfully rich and euphoric listen. Filled with broad and illuminating textures, a soaring atmosphere, and mesmerising hooks layered throughout, 'White Night' continues to establish them as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Meredith: The voice.
Jim: Electric bass: I loved the feeling of the sound in my chest and the way it just moved the air in the room. It was the first instrument I learned and I felt really comfortable on it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Meredith I loved anything on the radio initially. The first concert I went to was the Commodores opening for the Jackson 5 at Madison Square Garden when I was 3 years old. Of course, Kiss was a gateway drug to any number of bands. I saw The Baby’s Open for Cheap Trick at a real 1970s-era beach ball rock show. Once I was 13, it was The Police, The Pretenders, The Divinyls and The Go-Go’s.
Jim: The first music I loved was the music my parents loved - 70s country music, Irish music, and 50s rock and roll. I was raised Catholic so hymns were an early memory. I loved the melodies - O Come O Come, Emmanuel, Silent Night. My Next phase was Kiss. If you were a kid in the 70s Kiss was it. I also loved the fact that Ace Frehley grew up in the Bronx about 15 minutes from my house. Gary Numan's “Cars”- that song spun my head around. I would get so hyped when it came on the radio. During high school, I listened to the Clash, U2, the Cure, the Smiths, Squeeze, the Sex Pistols, and the Replacements.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Meredith: The first album I was ever given as my own was Band on the Run by Paul MacCartney and Wings. The first album I bought with my own hard cold cash was Blondie’s Parallel Lines.
Jim: I was eight years old. I bought an album of a jazz band playing music based on the themes from Star Trek and Planet of the Apes. Major disappointment! I also bought Kiss Alive II. Yes! The first singles were My Sharona by the Knack and Pop Musik by M.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Meredith: Aaargggg….too many. Day in the Life by the Beatles, I Think it’s Going to Rain Today by Randy Newman, Between The Bars by Eliott Smith, Pardon My Heart-Neil Young, Quicksand-David Bowie, Deja Vu-David Crosby, almost anything by Joni Mitchell. Even her worst songs are better than most people’s best ones. This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.
Jim: Elliott Smith’s Miss Misery. There are so many songs of his that I love but I’d say for understated emotional impact, lyrical imagery, and melodies traveling to unpredictable places this is a standout. Golden Brown- it features a harpsichord, an unusual time signature, and a lyrical narrative about heroin that spans centuries - all in a 3-and-a-half-minute song. Blue Sky-Allman Brothers - this song always puts a smile on my face but it wasn’t until I went for a walk alone on a beautiful day in rural West Virginia that I understood how beautifully this captures the feeling of a perfect spring day. The guitar solo is transportation.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Meredith: Listening to music and wishing I had written that song (see question #4). I also learn a new chord and try to write a song around it.
Jim: If there is a song or a part of a song that we need to finish, I'll drink some coffee walk around, and let my mind drift. Things usually come when I’m not pushing too hard. If it’s a narrative song I like to write it out very quickly on my phone so the idea is fresh in its initial state.
Who are your favorite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Meredith: I always go back to my faves because they are an endless fountain of inspiration.
Jim: I listen to a lot of ambient Brian Eno and other analog synth music.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Meredith: Liberace.
Jim: Van Morrison.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Meredith: Playing music.
Jim: When I’m writing or playing a song and it feels like energy is flowing through me and I am not selecting notes - it’s all just happening unconsciously.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Meredith: Working music.
Jim: Promoting shows and social media can be challenging. although there are times I found I actually enjoy creating social media posts if it’s something creative instead of just generating “content”.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Meredith: If you’re any good, you’ll find out quickly because talented people aren’t going to waste their time if you’re not.
Jim: Actively listen to other people in the band when you are playing. Getting your tone is 90% of the deal. Learn songs - something I should do more of!
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The Violet Mine's new album 'White Night' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.