Hey Violet
Hey Violet is an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California, consisting of Rena Lovelis, Nia Lovelis and Casey Moreta.
Formed in 2008 as Cherri Bomb while its members were still in middle school, the band was originally an all-female hard rock group, consisting of Julia Pierce, Miranda Miller, Rena Lovelis, and Nia Lovelis. In 2013, Pierce left the band and was later replaced by Casey Moreta. In 2015, the group changed their name to Hey Violet and drastically altered their sound. They later signed to Hi or Hey Records, founded by 5 Seconds of Summer, whom they supported on the Rock Out with Your Socks Out and Sounds Live Feels Live tours.
Iain Shipp joined the band officially in September 2016 but left in 2019. In August 2017, Miller announced her departure from the band via social media.
History
2008–2013: Cherri Bomb and Pierce's departure
Cherri Bomb consisted of Julia Pierce, who was the lead guitarist and vocalist, alongside Nia Lovelis, Miranda Miller and Rena Lovelis. The name Cherri Bomb originated from the book Cherry Bomb The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick, and a Hotter Girlfriend, and to Living Life Like a Rock Star by Carrie Borzillo. On June 14, 2011, they signed to Hollywood Records, and on October 18, 2011, they released their debut EP, Stark.The band were opening acts for rock bands, including Bush, Camp Freddy, Filter, Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins, Staind and Steel Panther. They also played European festivals, including Oxegen in Ireland, T in the Park in Scotland, Sonisphere and the Reading and Leeds Festivals.
The band released their debut studio album, This Is the End of Control, on May 15, 2012, which charted on Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums at number 24 and Top Heatseekers at number 11. They appeared on the Warped Tour in July-August 2012. In August 2012, they toured with the Welsh rock band Lostprophets.
On January 23, 2013, Cherri Bomb announced on their Facebook page that they had parted ways with Pierce. When asked the reasoning behind Pierce's departure, Miller commented on her Tumblr that it was due to "creative differences", and that "we went our separate ways because we wanted to go in one direction and she wanted to go in another." However, after Pierce's departure was announced she took to her own Facebook page and clarified that she did not leave the band voluntarily. Pierce stated, "When I started Cherri Bomb five years ago, I envisioned something beautiful for this band. It's unfortunate that I'm no longer part of it. Sadly, what has happened wasn't my decision. I never imagined it ending up this way."
Guitarist Casey Moreta joined the band that year on a temporary basis on the rebranded band. On March 9, 2013, Moreta was asked to join the band permanently while performing on stage at the Viper Room.
2015–2018: Hey Violet, ''From the Outside'', and Miller's departure
On February 18, 2015, after Pierce's departure the remaining members announced on their official YouTube channel that they had changed their name to Hey Violet. On March 19, 2015, they released their new single "This Is Why". On March 24, it was confirmed that they would be signed to Hi or Hey Records, 5 Seconds of Summer's partnership of Capitol Records. On June 15, Hey Violet announced that they would be releasing their first EP I Can Feel It in July. The band were the opening support act for 5 Seconds of Summer on the European and North American legs of their Rock Out with Your Socks Out Tour. In both the European and USA/Canadian legs of the tour, they played free acoustic sets outside the show venues for fans. The band also went on its own European headlining tour in winter 2015. It was during this tour that Rena Lovelis stopped playing the bass to focus on her vocals, and a temporary bassist was brought on. They continued to open for 5SOS on the North American leg of their 2016 Sounds Live Feels Live World Tour. During this tour, new touring bassist Iain Shipp was introduced, and was later made an official member of the band in September 2016. Their second EP Brand New Moves was released in August 2016, with follow-up single "Guys My Age" in September 2016. Hey Violet toured radio stations in fall 2016 and was on the lineup for a number of Jingle Ball shows promoting their EP and the single "Guys My Age".In March 2017, "Break My Heart" was released as the second single from their second studio album, From the Outside. The album was released on June 16, 2017.
On August 31, 2017, Miller announced her departure from the band via the group's social media accounts, stating that touring had become "grueling".
2019 Releases and Shipp's Departure
The band released a new single titled "Better by Myself" on April 12, 2019, along with a music video, directed by Marcella Cytrynowicz.On April 16th, 2019, following allegations of sexual assault, the band parted ways with Shipp via a statement made through their Twitter account.
Throughout 2019, the band released a slew of singles including, "Close My Eyes." on 21 June 2019, "Queen of the Night." on 19 July 2019 and "Clean" on 17 October 2019.
Musical style
Hey Violet's musical style has been described as pop punk, pop rock, pop and electropop. As Cherri Bomb, their music was referred to as hard rock and alternative rock.Band members
Current members- Rena Lovelis – lead vocals, bass, backing vocals
- Nia Lovelis – drums, percussion, piano, backing vocals, keyboards, synthesizers
- Casey Moreta – lead guitar, backing vocals, rhythm guitar
- Julia Pierce – lead guitar, lead vocals
- Miranda Miller – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, synthesizers
- Iain Shipp – bass, synthesizers, keyboards
- Edison Lo – bass
- Vicky Warwick – bass, keyboards
Discography
- This Is the End of Control
- From the Outside
Awards
Tours
;Headlining- Hey Violet Live
- From The Outside UK Tour
- 5 Seconds of Summer – Rock Out with Your Socks Out Tour
- 5 Seconds of Summer – Sounds Live Feels Live World Tour
- Olivia O’Brien – It Was a Sad F**cking Tour