Watch a single live performance from Violents’ songwriting mastermind Jeremy Larson, and he’ll tell you his first full-length album Awake and Pretty Much Sober isn’t actually his at all. Larson’s productive prowess outlined the blueprint to his full-length debut, but it was Monica Martin who brought the album to life. Martin, the former lead singer for Wisconsin indie band PHOX, was poached by Larson with a greater purpose in mind. Larson created Awake and Pretty Much Sober by designing each song around Martin’s impressive vocal range, intimate stage presence, and emotionally disarming tone. Talk about an offer she couldn’t refuse…

In fact, Larson’s entire career under the moniker of Violents is built around borrowing gifted and distinctly identifiable singers to star in projects tailored to each of their respective voices. In prior examples, Violents has featured one EP with talented vocalist Olga Yagolnikov (lead singer of electronic rock group Kye Kye), while he’s also formed two EPs with solo folk singer Annie Williams. There’s a reason why Monica Martin was the first of that trio to earn herself a complete 10 song collection. Her meaningful lyrics have the one-two punch of effortlessness and empowerment, leaving listeners subconsciously entranced by an act of purely spiritual charm.

Favorite Tracks: Unraveling, Equal Powers, Awake and Pretty Much Sober, How It Left, Line Lie