In a mirage of sex and sounds, The Violet Lights are anything but the typical lust-crazed rock ‘n’ roll band from the big city.
“Rock ‘n’ roll by definition just has a sexual component to it,” said Joel Nass, the band’s lyricist, singer and guitar player. “It is what it is.”
Originally from Bowling Green, Nass and his girlfriend, Amber Garvey, decided to try their luck in Los Angeles and made the transition from a conservative small town to a liberal haven. As to be expected, the couple said the move wasn’t easy at first.
“The music is inspired by our experience moving from Bowling Green to L.A.,” said Garvey, the crew’s keyboard player, percussionist and vocalist. “It’s a big difference going from the Midwest to a big city.”
For Nass, who had attempted touring in the past, life on the road was nothing new. However, he said he attributes the success this time to his collaboration with Garvey and her support since going cross-country.
“That’s life for a young person moving to a new area: trying to fit in, to find yourself,” he said. “A big part of it is your relationships … and I think that having (Garvey) around and having her support for whatever we are doing has been absolutely indispensable.”
In between working odd jobs, The Violet Lights recently released an EP titled Sex and Sounds. In an effort to promote the release, the two decided to sublease their apartment and hit the road, traveling across the nation and sleeping in their van in between shows.
“We are constantly on the road,” Garvey said. “It’s an adventure.”
Nass said the EP highlights the couple’s experience during its many voyages with themes of love, sex and urban life. So far, the band has received a positive reaction to the set.
“I don’t sit down or try to write relationship material,” Nass said. “It’s just sensual in how people relate to each other and understand each other. … It’s more something that is there because it’s there, not because I make an effort.”
The duo is focusing on life on the road until returning to L.A. and recording its next EP based on its most recent experiences and lessons while on tour.
“Honestly, if I really think about it, we have learned to appreciate each individual band,” Nass said. “In L.A., no one thinks that way. But each individual is important and going on tour reinforced that. Connecting with just one person is a special opportunity, and it can be just as rewarding.”
lf328610@ohiou.edu
