After emerging from the Rio Grande Valley three years ago, Violet Rising has left audiences reeling with “sultry, psychedelic, heavy rock” performances and anti-oppression, pro-human messages. They’ve already made quite a name for themselves in that short time, stirring up local buzz and receiving global press coverage. You’ll usually see their name on the bill with some of the best acts New Mexico’s hard rock scene has to offer as well as big-name artists who happen to stop and trip out on soaring purple hazy grooves on their way through the desert. The band’s rhythm section (led by drummer Ricardo Sánchez and bassist Chris Tickner) might be the initial lure that draws listeners to the stage, and guitarist Alex Larrañaga’s metal-inspired licks and psychoactive solos set the snare, but singer Christi Sánchez’s engaging vocal performance is the emotional elixir that keeps everyone hooked on Violet Rising. Imagine a Portishead and Black Sabbath wedding in the rain with Kyuss playing as they walk down the aisle and you’ve got an idea of the sound they create. Keep your ears and your hearts primed for a full-length album soon and a tour as early as September.
Will you describe your sound for us?
We switch back and forth between clean and fuzzy guitar sounds depending on the parts of the songs. It can be really pretty and slow, like heavy blues, then switch into a fast-driving song. With the drums, Ricardo takes a lead role – not just sitting in the background as drummers sometimes do. His sound is flashy, vibrant, dynamic and full. As far as the vocals go, someone once said what sets this band apart is that the music can be hard and heavy and the vocals will sweetly sit on top — airy and light, sinking down into a sexy lounge feel — then build up along with the song, erupting passionately at the choruses. We recently got nominated for a New Mexico Entertainment Award for Top Musical Artist in the Alternative/Indie category.
What bands or genres inspire your music?
Our bass player, Chris Tickner, is a self-professed punk rocker and grew up playing in various punk bands. Our guitarist Alex Larrañaga is more of a hardcore metal guy. Our drummer Ricardo Sánchez is really into desert rock and our vocalist Christi Sánchez is really into rock in general, gravitating toward bands such as Rage Against the Machine and Bad Religion that make a social commentary. We were included in a book called Sonic Seducer by Sunil Singh and have been included in a “Metal Talk” article about a band called Kyuss that is of great influence to us!
What are your lyrics about?
We feel that this melting pot of influences has led to a unique sound and lyrical content ranging from [topics such as] love and politics to the inner world of the mind. The lyrics often serve as cautionary tales warning of greed and mass consumption – but more than anything, they have a common tie calling for the unification of all humans. If we were to give any advice it would be to do your thing without thinking about what others will think and never give up on your dreams … ever.
What are your favorite venues to play and why?
Locally, in Albuquerque our favorite places to play are The Launchpad and Sister Bar, because they have great sound and are pillars of the music community and especially the heavier rock scene. We also really look forward to going on the road again, to see new places, broaden our horizons and make new friends. We had the opportunity last year to play at a festival called Ripplesfest Texas in Austin, TX which is a four-day festival with bands from all over the world. It was truly life-changing!
What is the best show you have ever played and why?
We’ve had the honor to headline shows such as the “Desert Party” on the huge stage called The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Company. We also headlined High and Dry’s six-year Anniversary party which was really special. Another great honor has been to be included on the bill for Burque Rock City along with amazing national touring bands from all over the country.
Check out their website violetrising.com for music, bios and more.
Hit them up on their bandcamp page and jam or purchase albums such as their latest 2024 release Fortune and Fame.
Watch Violet Rising performing live at Sister in 2023 here:
