Artist Advent Day 10: Subviolet
Written by: Freya Zaidi
Welcome to Day 10 of Next Wave’s Artist Advent, where we’re introducing Chicago based band Subviolet. Explore the origins and influences behind their music as they share insights into their creative journey and the challenges of breaking into the industry. Discover the driving force that led them to pursue music, rooted in a deep connection to the arts and the desire to express emotions through their unique sound and lyrics.
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the creative process, discover memorable moments from their journey, and learn about their long-term goals and aspirations. And, of course, get a closer look at their latest EP, "NO AFTERGLOW," released in June.
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Next Wave: What inspired you to pursue music?
Subviolet: The idea of creating something of your own. The arts/entertainment have always played a huge part in all of our lives between music, film, and books. Getting to be able to express our emotions through music and lyrics has always been extremely inspiring.
Next Wave: Who are your musical influences or role models?
Subviolet: The 4 of us have a pretty wide range of musical tastes and influences but if I had to pick a few, I'd say artists like Japanese Breakfast, Turnover, and Tears For Fears.
Next Wave: What's the most challenging aspect of breaking into the music industry?
Subviolet: Touring for sure. It takes a lot out of you and you need to have a lot of patience and motivation for it. That being said, it's extremely important to get your name out there into other markets outside of your own and one of the most vital steps to take for your band and its growth.
Next Wave: How do you go about promoting your music and building your fanbase?
Subviolet: Social media is such a huge part of the music scene these days, so we always like to constantly be creating content and staying active. That is for sure the best thing that you can do to promote yourself and your music.
Next Wave: How has technology and the internet impacted your music career?
Subviolet: For us, it's definitely made connecting with people so much easier. It's also interesting to see the streaming side of things as I feel like no one is buying music like they used to. We used to print CDs until we noticed people would come up to the merch table and just simply ask if we were on Spotify or Apple Music. It's just made everything a lot easier and convenient for the average listener.
Next Wave: Do you have any advice for other up-and-coming musicians trying to make it in the industry?
Subviolet: Play shows and write the best music that you can.
Next Wave: What are your long-term goals and aspirations?
Subviolet: At the moment, we're just taking things in stride and having fun with it. We're working on our next slate of new music for 2024 and are very excited to share what we've been working on lately.
Next Wave: Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey so far?
Subviolet: Being able to tour the country is something that we have the most fond memories of. Seeing different cities/states and meeting so many new people. We collectively agree that Montreal, QC is the most fun we've ever had in a city before.
Next Wave: Can you share a little about your creative process and how you come up with new ideas for songs?
Subviolet: I will usually come up with an idea, whether it be instrumental, or vocally, and record it on my voice memo app. For some reason I find that ideas come to me in my head throughout an average day more than sitting down with a guitar sometimes. I'll then translate that to a demo on Logic and show the other boys. They'll then add their creative touches and we will start the recording process. Our bassist Tom produces, mixes, and masters everything that we do. It's quite convenient and it helps that he really knows what he's doing.
Next Wave: What song, ep or album of yours would you recommend to someone who is listening to your music for the first time?
Subviolet: We just released 2 songs on an EP this past June called NO AFTERGLOW that we're very proud of. You can check them out wherever you listen to music.