Young alt-metal artist Madison Violett is wearing her 2000s alternative influences on her sleeve. Following the release of her nostalgic track “BLEED FOR ME” featuring Kellin Quinn, we caught up to talk about her post-hardcore roots, the inspiration behind her music video, and the reality of navigating the metalcore scene.
Reuel
Hello Madison! Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. The ‘BLEED FOR ME’ song and video completely brought back my teenage nostalgia. What is it about the 2000s alternative scene that inspires you so much today?
MADiSON ViOLETT
100% the authenticity. There’s nothing quite like 2000s pop-punk/post hardcore because of its rawness and pure emotional power. A lot of the modern music I like is so good because it was inspired by this era & the innovation that came with it. The lyrics are so beautifully crafted, and the riffs and instrumentation never miss.
Reuel
What was it like working with a scene legend like Kellin Quinn?
MADiSON ViOLETT
It was absolutely incredible working with him. He’s one of the reasons why I’m doing what I do today, and my vocal technique is very much inspired by a lot of his music. The whole process was so much fun, he’s a very kind soul, every second of the project was a blast. I really love how he supports independent artists/music & the up-and-coming music scene in general. It’s so cool to be on a song with one of the voices that motivated and inspired me to get to that point. BLEED FOR ME wouldn’t exist without him!
Reuel
That’s incredible! How would you describe your sound using emojis?
MADiSON ViOLETT
🕸️🗡️💋🖤
Reuel
Which bands and artists did you grow up listening to that had the biggest influence on how you view and create music?
MADiSON ViOLETT
Some earlier post-hardcore/pop-punk/metal bands that inspire me include Evanescence, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Bring Me The Horizon, Sleeping With Sirens, The Used, Underoath, Linkin Park, to name a few.
I also love modern alt metal, especially bands like Spiritbox, Architects, Thornhill, Loathe, Dying Wish, and Silent Planet. I love the seamless combination of heaviness with polished and experimental production.
Reuel
Many artists draw inspiration from outside of music, like movies, books, or comics that they enjoy. Were there any non-musical works that heavily inspired your music in general or this release specifically?
MADiSON ViOLETT
I’m an artist all around. I love to write (non-music too!) and draw. I create all of my graphics for this project as well.
Specifically, this music video was heavily inspired by MCR’s ‘I’m Not Okay’ music video, which is a 2000s high school movie parody. I guess you could say that the visual inspiration behind the whole music video and song was a combination of that video as well as the 2000s nostalgic films themselves, such as Mean Girls, 10 Things I Hate About You- basically any movie where there’s a jock, nerd, and a dramatic hallway/house party scene lol. I really wanted to lean into that nostalgia and tropey campiness that gives those movies that feel-good familiarity when you watch them.
Reuel
If you could jump on a tour tomorrow and open for any active band, who is your dream lineup to share a stage with?
MADiSON ViOLETT
One hundred percent Evanescence and Spiritbox. They’re actually currently doing a tour for their new album Sanctuary, and I’d like to say that those two bands are fundamental inspirations for my sound and music-wise. Vocally, it’d be a powerhouse night along with crazy instrumentation, visuals, and mosh-pit-ready heaviness.
Reuel
The alternative and metalcore scenes are still heavily male-dominated. As a 19-year-old woman, do you find yourself having to fight harder to be taken seriously by promoters, sound engineers, or other bands?
MADiSON ViOLETT
All the time. There’s always a sound guy or promoter who thinks I can’t plug in my own gear or know how my own guitar works lol. I think, though, the fact that I’m a woman in metal is metal in and of itself. It’s a common thought that femininity and heaviness are incompatible. Since the scene is so male-dominated, breaking that mold with an unapologetic boldness is what art is all about. In addition, I love supporting my fellow female artists, not only the bigger acts (Spiritbox, Evanescence, Dying Wish, Entheos, etc.) but the local ones too. Our togetherness and resilience are what makes us strong.
Reuel
Thank you for your time, Madison! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MADiSON ViOLETT
Make sure to check out the song on your favorite music streaming platform! Stay tuned on my social media as well- @venomous.violett on everything. I have a lot of super awesome so-cal local shows coming up this summer, as well as a merch drop!
Maybe I’ll be releasing some new tunes soon as well 😉
Here’s my linktree: https://linktr.ee/madison.violett
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