Portland Oregon's music scene is diverse. From blue grass at the Good
Foot to metal at Satyricon, local artist offer it all; and as any Portland music
enthusiast knows, there are 100’s of music artists in this town. Yet few of them could fit into as many places as Violet Isle. Combining singer-songwriter gems with alt-rock jams Violet Isle is carving its own niche into the music world.
Violet Isle was born out of singer-songwriter Sean Garcia's desire to expand his sound. Garcia had growing success as a solo musician, and in Feb of 2007 at age 20, he placed as runner up for the 2006 PSA Singer Songwriter Of The Year contest. However, with his heart set on something bigger, in 2008 he set out to put together a band. Garcia recruited his high school chum, Nick Gable, to join him on the drums. Gable had recently split from the band Bella Florentine and had always wanted to pursue a project with Garcia. While performing solo one night, local bass player Alva Valencia was so impressed by Garcia that he offered his services to complete the rhythm section. Alva had been a fixture in the local music scene playing with Benevolent which disbanded in 2006 and more recently with The Seatbelt Tragedy. The three musicians started working on Garcia's new material while still searching for a lead guitar player. Gable recommended a friend of his; Kevin Jones. After a couple of jam sessions it was clear that Jones was the right fit. Jones is an expert guitarist, whose influences range from Feist to Joe Satriani. With the four musicians in place, they settled on a name and Violet Isle entered the world.
Violet Isle's real debut came in the summer of 2008 at the Ash St. Saloon. The bar was crowded, the audience came anxious with anticipation and they left satisfied. Since that first show, Violet Isle has been paying their dues all around Portland. From wine cellars to the Hawthorne Theater, Violet Isle has been greeted with open arms at all venues. With most venues asking them back for repeat performances. In early October Violet Isle invited a hundred fans to join them as they recorded their live EP. Those recordings are featured on this site as well as their 4 song demo cd.
With all this momentum, Violet Isle is looking to the future. With new songs being crafted for a full album and their eyes set on Portland and beyond, It is apparent this group can go far. Violet Isle is a valuable asset to any venue or festival. In the words of Soul of a Clown Production's Dan Ouchida-Walsh, "I would recommend this band to most everyone. They have that rare unique quality of "broad appeal" but still maintain an edgy enough sound & niche that my music critic, emo, skinny jeans wearing teenage brother would pay to see ‘em."
hey we just wanted to let you know that we have a new song up on our page called "useless"!!! We will be streaming our whole ep saturday 12/19 so keep an eye out for that and tell all your friends!!!! yay! Be sure to head over to our itunes to pick up the ep!
Pretty much my work schedule is shitty till well end of this year. & I was hoping to attend your show on the 17th. That's a question mark for now. I hope you guys holidays are going great.
& Alva hows your son doing? I still need to give you that gift. I forgot to bring it lastime I saw you.
Hey Loves, I might not make it this coming weekend. ): I'll try to make your other shows. But I hope you have a great thanksgiving! So happy thanksgiving & see you guys eventually. hugs+loves, Dean
Nick I told loren tony was there lastnight. Loren was all like fucker didn't say he was in town. Haha. & sean-ner have a good show tonight. Also seriously sean-ner thank you so much for saving amanda & I from that creepy guy. He was all like to amanda very demanding saying come here. Rofl. Anyways goodtimes. Ill see you guys at doug fir.
Too much fun lastnight! Sorry I left without saying bye to you sean & alva. Loren wanted to leave. I actually during tsbt set. ): I will see you guys this thursday.
That's just insane about the halloween show! I might end up going, because I don't think I can make the Nov. 5 show. ): Plus my friends keep asking me whats going on for halloween. So I'm gonna suggest going to the show. Hah. Anyways see you guys one way or the other soon. I already miss you studs. <3
I'm having a banner made for you guys (late next week). Let me know if you want it a certain way. & holy shit I am so gonna come to Doug Fir show too. That place is cool. See you in like 4 weeks!
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