Music is an instrument of change. When music has the power to move you both physically and emotionally, that’s something truly beautiful and worth appreciating. Now, there is a very short list of bands that can inspire me to jump up and dance or sing along. BoxViolet is one band that is a constant. No matter where or when the music hits my ears, I’m compelled to sing along and tap my feet. Even so, I’ve caught myself off guard a time or two dancing and singing at the top of my lungs. I can (and have) get lost in their music for hours on end. This is a band that will forever have a place in my heart (not to mention my iPod).

I remember meeting Margot and Luke around the time “Sad Sad Girl” was about to be released. At that time was trapped in a sad state of mind, so this EP was chicken soup for the heartbroken soul. “Obvious Mistake” was one of the first songs to grab me. After going to a few shows I started noticing that every single time Margot would sing, “Oh how I’m glued to what comes next, once you’ve put your hands upon my dress,” she would delicately lift up the hem of her dress. It’s the little details like this, the subtle aspect of stage presence that keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what she does next. I love that she’s not begging for attention by throwing herself on the ground crying and instead she lets her music and lyrics command the attention they deserve.



“Had I Known” is one of my favorite songs. The title says it all. It touches on the feeling most of us get after a failed relationship. Kicking your self, thinking, “had I known, I never would have let you.” Margot has a real gift for crafting these powerful and honest thoughts into a vivid and intimate boxViolet experience.

Luke has to be one of the most versatile musicians I know. He went from playing lead guitar to drums, which is like going from a raw vegan to a chili-dog lover overnight. Yet Luke makes it seem so effortless. He’s also the brains behind the bass and keyboards on the backing tracks you hear on all of their songs. This band can be addictive live. I often find myself looking at their isgood page (www.isgoodmusic.com/boxviolet) to find my next live fix of sound, shrieking with excitement when I find something close or at an especially cool venue.

I love the new material that boxViolet has been releasing. The songs “Portable” and “Star Stuff” in particular make me feel like I’m hearing boxViolet for the first time all over again. I am eagerly awaiting the new EP, which is in the process of being recorded and due for release in the next few months. My suggestion; quickly go check this band out if you have not already. Only then can you say, “I saw them before they were big.”

Published 5.09 for Isgoodmusic.com