Madison Violet Interview

Madison Violet Interview

Acclaimed Canadian roots duo Madison Violet are thrilled to announce their return to Australia, taking in dates across New South Wales and Victoria this February and March, including a run of shows at the Port Fairy Folk Festival on the Victorian coast. With their fourth studio album 'The Good In Goodbye' released recently in Australia via MGM, the pair is primed to win over East Coast audiences with their melodic folk-roots infusion and sweet harmonies.

'The Good In Goodbye', an 11-song collection penned entirely by Madison Violet's Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac, is an open diary that explores the pair's upbringing, life on the road and overarching friendship. With renowned producer and friend Les Cooper at the helm, Madison Violet have crafted a sweeping record that invokes the essence of Lucinda Williams or Steve Earle, brimming with bittersweet sentiment but anchored in a place of contentment and peace.

Having toured internationally with artists like Ron Sexsmith, Indigo Girls and The Temptations, along with a current sold-out headline tour through Europe and the UK that is garnering rave reviews, Madison Violet will look to continue their success here in Australia. The duo has chalked up numerous industry accolades including a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, 2010 Juno nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year, and last year became the first Canadian act to win the prestigious international John Lennon Songwriting Contest. 'The Good In Goodbye' is one of the nominees for Album Of The Year at the forthcoming Canadian East Coast Music Awards in April.

Madison Violet will kick off their Australian East Coast tour on February 22 at The Brass Monkey in Sydney's Sutherland Shire. Don't miss your chance to catch a one-off performance from this lauded duo while they're on Australian shores!

Madison Violet Australian Tour Dates
Friday 24 February - Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba NSW
Saturday 25 February - The Vault, Windsor NSW
Wednesday 29 February - Lizottes, Kincumber NSW
Thursday 1 March - Caravan Club, Oakleigh VIC
Saturday 3 March - Harvester Moon, Bellarine VIC
Sunday 4 March - Burke And Wills Winery, Mia Mia VIC
Thursday 8 March - Wesley Anne Hotel, Northcote VIC
Friday 9, Saturday 10, Sunday 11, Monday 12 March - Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy VIC

Interview with Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac

Question: How would you describe The Good in Goodbye?

Lisa MacIsaac: Well, it's been described by others as an 'open diary' of our lives these past few years, and I have to say I agree with them. Brenley and I experienced a lot of changes in our lives, socially, and this album was the recipient of all the blood, sweat and tears that came of that change. The title sums up what we were feeling when we were writing it, in that we needed to find the good in goodbye. And thankfully, we did.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Lisa MacIsaac: Hunter S. Thompson summed it up when he said "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Brenley MacEachern: Yes we write all of our own songs. Books, movies, people on the subway inspire us to write but mostly it comes from all the conversations we have in our heads that end up in the songs.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Brenley MacEachern: Right now I'm listening to the new Bahamas record and really liking it a lot. I recently bought The Head and The Heart and the new Elliot Brood record as well. Generally though, I don't listen to music a lot these days unless I'm off the road for a few weeks in a row which is seldom.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Lisa MacIsaac: Was there, or how many? I think every artist has good days and bad, where they wonder why they do what they do. As long as you can see the light at the end of the tunnel or at least a spotlight from the ceiling, you can get through it. Knowing that your music has helped some people through rough times enables you to go on doing what you do.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Lisa MacIsaac: Definitely performing live. There's no real instant gratification in the studio. It can be tedious. It can be stressful. And there are no fans clapping along, even when you cock something up. Performing live is why we do it.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Brenley MacEachern: I'm not sure but If I find out, I'm gonna give them a good slap.

Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Brenley MacEachern: Learning how to stay in the moment and be happy for what you have.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Lisa MacIsaac: On the road? Well, we get up early. Pack the van. Tour manager drives us many hours to the next city while we sleep. Soundcheck. Gig. Eat late night schwarma. Sleep. Repeat. Sometimes we have time to do a little walking around the city between soundcheck and the show, but honestly, it's typically go go go.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Brenley MacEachern: I think I have a different answer every time I'm asked that question. Depends on my mood I guess. Today I'd say Paul Simon


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Lisa MacIsaac: Yes, it's www.madisonviolet.com, or you can also find us on Facebook or @madisonviolet


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Brenley MacEachern: 1. Surround yourself with good, positive happy people.
2. Laugh a lot. Smile a lot.
3. Be good to yourself so that you can be good to other people.
4. Play something - whether it be a game or a sport or an instrument. Just play something everyday. 5. Be selfless


Question: What is the story behind the bands name?

Brenley MacEachern: Violet is the name of an extraterrestrial we met at a hot springs in New Mexico. At least we think she is.


Interview by Brooke Hunter