The band

Ben Consoli - Vocals
John Ducharme - Guitar/Keyboard
Greg Faucher - Drums
Tom Gallo - Bass
Nick Lewis - Guitar

Location:

How long has the band been together?

We’ve been together for just about 4 years.  We made noise together for the first time on June, 11 2002.

Website: http://www.violetnine.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/violetnine

Band Bio:

As one of the few bands that can genuinely say that each member brings something to their sound, Violet Nine has worked hard to make music that truly reflects each individual. Creating that sound has not been easy. Formed in Boston in 2002, Violet Nine has spent the last 3 years traveling the country, performing almost 100 shows each year and developing a loyal fan base with their energetic and honest performances. However, when they first formed no one was quite sure what to expect; said guitarist Nick Lewis, “We needed to find a sound of our own. Before we performed any shows, we spent time in rehearsal crafting our sound.” Finding a common sound is not easy when each person brings so much history and personality to the table.

When it was time to go into the studio, Violet Nine had the opportunity to work with veteran producer Greg Archilla (Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Edwin McCain). The result is “Any Wonder” an album that showcases the sound that Violet Nine has developed and refined over the constant performing of the past three years. Violet Nine’s unique blend of light and depth, indeed the very “chiaroscuro” nature of its sound - combining melodic tension (counterpoint), harmonic depth and energetic hooks, yielding lush “soundscapes” with a profoundly emotional vocal performance - betrays the utter freedom of this band’s self-image and absolute musical fearlessness. With Mr. Archilla at the helm, Violet Nine have been able to put down on record their unique brand of indie/pop/alternative rock, a sound that has been described as “radio ready and resolutely original”. The first single “Yell it Out” is a straightforward rocker packed with edgy guitar hooks and dense rhythms, while songs like “All that Glitters” and “Hope” are emotional anthems that underscore the maturity of Violet Nine’s songwriting.

Sound best described as:

Indie/Pop/Alternative

You recently released your disc “Any Wonder”.  Can you tell us a little bit about it?

The whole situation was a pretty spontaneous course of events. We knew we were going to Nashville and we were pretty sure we were making a record. That’s about it. When we arrived we didn’t even know what songs we were going to record. Greg Archilla, the producer, didn’t give us much freedom to over-think what we were doing. We had decided early on that we wanted to make an honest and down to earth record without all the bells and whistles that can be found in so much modern day pop music. It was also important for us to make an inspired record. Inspiration comes in all forms and as it turned out, we didn’t have to look too far for it: Ben’s brother (and biggest creative influence) quickly fell ill during the early stages of recording. Ben immediately flew to LA to be with his brother, while the rest of us worked in the studio. During Ben’s stay in LA, his brother passed away. When he returned to Nashville, the entire record, minus the vocals, was complete. It was an unusual set of circumstances. Ben was left with nothing else to do but sing the whole record from beginning to end...most notably “All That Glitters” and “Hope”, which were written about his brother. Now the record is complete and in our hands. In some way’s we’re detached from that whole time period, but we’re pleased with the finished product and excited to see where it will lead us.

Violet Nine - Any Wonder

Influences:

We’re influenced equally by Pop music and the Avant-Garde. We work just as hard on writing big choruses and memorable melodies as we do on exploring the more subtle and non-conventional approaches to writing and making sounds.

Ultimate goal as a band:

It would be great to be the next Fleetwood Mac. They’re so good. But, that’s not very cool, is it?

Best Gig:

The stand out show of the moment would be our recent Album Release Party in Boston. The club was sold out and the room was full of energy. Symbolically, It marked the beginning of a new chapter for us.

Worst Gig:

We got payed a dollar and change after playing a club in Providence, Rhode Island. It would have been less of an insult to have received no payment. I recall taking a picture of Nick climbing into a dumpster the same night, but i don’t think it was related.

Dream Tour:

Any tour that involves playing for new people would be a dream tour. Although, certain members of the band (who shall remain nameless) would probably want to be touring with Hall and Oates.

What sets your band apart from other bands out there these days?

We started this band with the mindset that the 5 of us are equal and each have something unique to offer. Keeping that in mind, we’ve been able to create something we believe in. We write all of our songs together from start to finish. With that said, we’re not going to tell you to listen to us over someone else. Everyone is worth listening to. Plus, people aren’t stupid..they have ears and they know what they like. 

What are your thoughts on the current music industry?

All things ebb and flow..things are always changing. The music industry is no exception. But, regardless of what the state of the music industry is..as long as people have feelings, music will be relevant. When we’re old and rickety, we’re still gonna be sitting at pianos and dusting off our guitars.

MySpace-blessing or curse?

It’s both..isn’t everything? When anything reaches that kind of popularity it can get annoying quickly. But, it’s important to understand the value of MySpace. From a psychological stand point it’s totally fascinating. From a band perspective, it would just be a flat out mistake to not recognize and utilize it’s power as a promotional tool. 

Message to your fans:

The most sincere and heartffelt thanks imaginable.