Press Kit | Violet Wilder

Violet Wilder

Once upon a time, three music nerds became best friends in college and formed Violet Wilder - a genre-bending group that explores sounds of alternative indie, rock & roll, and folk. VW's compositions incorporate piano, viola, acoustic & electric guitar, miscellaneous percussion, and (last but NOT least) sumptuous 3-part harmony. Sometimes they write unconventional melodies & harmonies, and sometimes they take you on a sonic journey. Whatever happens, they aim to keep you listening.

A Bit About the Alias

VW chose their name as a tribute to their WI roots - the Wisconsin state flower is the violet, and the color violet represents dreams and imagination. “Wilder” refers to an adventurous explorer living off of the beaten path, AND one of the girls happens to be related to the famous Laura Ingles Wilder (Little House on the Prairie) who was also born in...you guessed it...Wisconsin.

(On the release of 'Enough') "Indie folk trio Violet Wilder released a new single from their forthcoming album today. It’s a song about accepting yourself for who you are and not allowing the demon on your shoulder to get you down. Instrumentally the song is exquisitely layered with lovely harmonies, crisp piano and graceful viola underneath the lyrics affirming self-love and compassion. If you’re prone to being hard on yourself, this is a wonderful tune for you to hear. Stay posted for Violet Wilder’s album out on March 3rd!" - Ben Slowey, Breaking & Entering Milwaukee - 1/20/23

READ THE REVIEW HERE

(On the release of 'Wait For Me') "Alternative folk trio Violet Wilder’s most recent single swells into dreamy splendor. It’s about being happy with someone and determined to make things work, trusting the road you’ve embarked together. Starting with gentle and ethereal harmonies before a violin assumes the melody, the song is guided into lush, crashing orchestration. Violet Wilder erupt with alluring fervor through “Wait For Me.” - Ben Slowey, Breaking & Entering Milwaukee - 7/7/22

READ THE REVIEW HERE

Listen to Ben Mulwana's "The Outside" (Ft. Violet Wilder on background vocals)
READ THE REVIEW HERE

"(Violet Wilder's) three-part harmonies and multi instrumentation are the supportive ground that hold up the emotionalism and sincerity in their songwriting. Touching, progressive and raw, this trio isn’t afraid to blend some of the formal narratives of folk music with the influence of jazz and alternative audio expression. With their latest single release called “Woke,”Violet Wilder displays a delicate movement towards an intrinsic serenity with a song that sways and changes musical and personal culmination." - Mark Hubing, Local Cords Podcast - Episode 33 - 1/10/22

LISTEN TO EP 33 HERE

"Violet Wilder is perhaps one of the most lovely bands you’ll ever hear live.
The trio of Kimberly Hetelle, Melissa Hardtke and Jayna Rouse has mastered the art of harmonizing and happen to have perfectly complementary voices.
This bathes each song that they perform in a consistent balance of harmony regardless of what instruments are involved. And that’s not said to belittle their instrumental skill. All three members are also masterful musicians on various instruments.
Quite simply, they are the full package." - Daniel Thompson, The Uptown Observer - 2/13/21

SEE THE REVIEW/PERFORMANCE HERE