27 march 2006 -

EXCLUSIVE Interview: The High Violets
Chuck Norton, deadjournalist.com

A musical double-take. That is the best way I can describe my reaction upon first hearing "To Where You Are" by The High Violets. The subtle intensity of their songs, which harkens back to the shoegaze movement, was surprising and refreshing.

The band's second release features several superb tracks, including "Invitation", "Sun Baby", "Two Where You Are" and "Cool Green". With the layered, ethereal guitars of Clint Sargent and the satisfying voice of Kaitlyn ni Donovan, the band's finely honed sound is apt to change your personal music landscape.

The Portland-based band is comprised of lead vocalist Donovan, guitarist Sargent, drummer Luke Strahota and bassist Aaron Overstreet. While finishing up their recent western states tour, Sargent and Donovan graciously took time out of their schedule to discuss the band and their new album.

What's the history of The High Violets?

Clint: The High Violets were born in 1998, but it wasn't until 1999 that we secured Kaitlyn ni Donovan as the vocalist. Luke Strahota (currently drumming) and I created the band when our former band The Bella Low fell apart.

It took a while to find the right singer. In fact, when Kaitlyn first offered up her services we initially declined because she had her own band. To this day she contends that she just wanted to party and play tambourine with us. But obviously with a voice like hers she had to be persuaded to be the main singer.

Your sound is refreshing compared to the current wave of sound-a-like indie bands. Teeming with layered guitars that create a rich, ethereal verve, the band draws a lot of comparisons to My Bloody Valentine, Ride, The Sundays, Slowdive and other shoegaze-esque bands of the late '80's or early '90's. Do you find the comparisons flattering?

Clint: Well, it's hard not to be flattered when someone compares you to My Bloody Valentine. We just played a show in Tucson and a girl attending the show was told about the MBV reference and her reaction was "we'll see". But at the end of the show she felt it held up.

To be honest when we started out these bands were a sort of blueprint. I think it would be wrong to say The High Violets are a carbon copy or some sort of tribute sound because there are other influences in our music.

Who are the artists that influenced you musically?

Kait: Satie, Ravel, XTC, Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush, The Church, The Ink Spots, Elvis Costello, Lisa Germano, Talk Talk ...

Clint: Echo and the Bunnymen, The Jesus and Mary Chain, New Order, The Cure, The Chameleons, Clan of Xymox, Ride, Lush, Stone Roses, The Verve, Oasis ...

Kaitlyn Ni Donovan now provides lead vocals exclusively; how has that allowed you and the band to grow as artists?

Clint: One of the reasons for this was to show that it's important to us that our sound is more associated with her voice. It also frees me up to concentrate on guitar figures.

However, we do enjoy our voices together and for sure will do more of this on the next record as well as having a few that I sing.

How was your experience working with producers Jeff Saltzman and Tony Lash on "To Where You Are"?

Clint: Great! They both really made this happen for us.

Jeff was very up front when the drummer we were initially using wasn't working out. He was like, "We can't use these tracks." This created quite a bit of drama - resulting in that drummer's departure - but we stuck it out and got what we wanted.

Tony was also pretty direct about some things that weren't up to speed; that really needed to be better. And again we put in the extra effort.

Are you flattered by all the positive industry buzz the band is receiving? And does it add pressure to your performances?

Clint: Very flattered, and yes there is pressure and stress. I would say that the performances at this point are like a pressure valve in that we let it out and really go. Once we are playing and all the gear is working - I really think the pressure is off.

Kait: Yes and yes.

I know they are like you kids - you aren't suppose to have favorites - but are there any tracks on the new album that you love a little more than the others?

Kait: I like the beauty and power of the ending of "To Where You Are".

Clint: Well I suppose the track I'm most proud of is "Invitation" because it's the one we worked the longest on and really put in extra effort. It was another case of "these drums aren't right". This time it was Tony Lash to break the news. We ended up redoing the drums to make it right.

The band is currently finishing a western states tour. How has the reaction been to this tour?

Kait: Very enthusiastic with a record number of encores!

Clint: It's been great getting out to places we haven't been to yet and meeting people who have been fans since our first record. We met a guy in Albuquerque who was like "High Violets, I love that band! Wait you're right here in front of me!"

Although "To Where You Are" was released in January, are you working on new material?

Clint: We are talking about the next record a lot and thinking about how to proceed. It will be interesting to see what songs develop - or should I say make the cut.

I know that I have 10 or 15 ideas floating in my head and Kait has songs. And Aaron has some ideas and Luke wants to do some old-fashioned style writing in our practice place.

So yeah we're not short on material. It's juggling touring with the process of writing a new album that will be challenging.

What is you best-case scenario for 2006?

Clint: Cover the nation touring, record new album and sign a new record deal with European distribution.

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