Women ROCK! Article index >> A ConcerningWomen.com Interview with Victoria Crago of Violet Truth Their newest release Candy Coated, is a sweet and sometimes bittersweet look at life. With their Folk/Rock and slightly Alternative sound, Violet Truth is making their way in the world of original music. These are tunes that you will find yourself humming and hitting the repeat button for. This thoughtfully produced and arranged CD marks a new chapter for the Hoboken, NJ based foursome. Lead singer Victoria Crago is joined by the band's most recent addition, guitarist John Sonntag along with Bass Player Trent McGinn and Drummer Brandon Kurzawa. CW: I understand you have a background in Theater, how did that experience lead you to where you are now? VC: That was what I originally thought I wanted to do. I kind of got into it because my Mom was a dance teacher and I was sort of born into that environment. But, I was always into singing - much more than dancing - to my Mother's chagrin. I ended up begging my Mom for singing lessons and when I grew up and went to college, I majored in Theater. My vocal teachers were always on me about my voice having a "rattle" in it. It was that "Rock-n-Roll" quality that wasn't totally suited for the Theater. After about four years working in plays, I finally said 'I don't want to do this anymore'. I wanted to write and be singing my own stuff. I had met a guy when I was working in the off Broadway musical Hair, who was the Bass player in the orchestra at the time, and we started the band together - that's how I ended up doing this. CW: What is the song writing process like for you and the band? VC: It's weird. I don't always come up with the lyrics first and then put the melody to it, sometimes I get a melody first. I'm not ever really sure how it's going to come to me. I have a little tape recorder and I use that a lot. If I get a melody or something, I'll just grab the recorder and sing into it. I mostly write with my voice. I find it less limiting than guitar because I'm not a well versed guitarist and my voice can go anywhere. I just come up with the melodies that way, then bring the finished song to my guitar player and sing it to him, then we arrange it. Once we have it down, we take it to the rest of the band. Actually our producer, James Mastro, was instrumental in the arrangements on this new record. He had great ideas that seemed risky at the time, but in the end it turned out really great. CW: I noticed that the CD was released through Buffalo Queens Music. Can you tell me more about the label? VC: I started the record label myself, and right now Violet Truth is the only artist on it. When I was trying to get a label to pick up Candy Coated, I realized that I didn't want to wait for someone else, so I said 'I'm just putting it out there'. I'm okay with doing it ourselves. I think I can put more caring and attention into it than anyone else could, because it's mine and I care the most about it. CW: Who would you say are some of your favorite musicians or influences? VC: Well, I'm a huge Beatles fan, although I wouldn't say you'll hear their influence in my music. I'm also a big U2 fan. I really like four piece bands. I like solo artists as well, but there is something amazing to me about collaboration. I think that there is a sense of family about a band, and maybe it's because I came from a messed up family myself... it kind of gives you a second chance at a little unit. I'm a huge Sundays fan, so they're a big influence on my writing. I'm also a little bit Nashville influenced. I do appreciate some country "twang" in artists like Chris Isaak, Bonnie Raitt - she rules I love her - and Fleetwood Mac. I'd have to say that I like more classic artists like Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading. There's not a whole lot of modern artists that are influencing me at this point. CW: I was reading on your web site that the band is playing a music festival this month? VC: Yes, that's the Independent Music Festival that's taking place in Hoboken. It's a four day event that's happening this week and it's been a great vibe. It is very encouraging to see all these Independent artists totally doing it themselves and supporting each other. The festival is just a nice thing and we've been very fortunate we have a great spot in the lineup. We will be playing at Maxwell's tonight, opening for singer songwriter Freedy Johnston. This is probably one of our biggest shows to date. We're riding pretty high right now with the release of the new CD and then we're going on the road for an east coast tour. CW: Who is the little girl on the cover of your CD? VC: That's me (laughs)... Craziness isn't it? There's some real great subtleties about that photo. The whole concept behind the title Candy Coated is that my songs are really jangly and sweet sounding but if you look at the lyrics there really not. So that's why the title and the photo fits - sweet on the outside but not necessarily on the inside. For up to date tour information on Violet Truth, visit: www.violettruth.com. You can also buy their new CD online at: http://www.cdbaby.com/violettruth By Jacqueline Evans Find music at Amazon.com! Women ROCK! Article index >> News I Health I Wellness I Exercise I Profiles I Business I Links I Women ROCK! Product Review I To the Point I Contact I Home Created by: Art Street Design Studio. © Concerning Women Communications, Inc. all rights reserved.