Almost A Dirty Dozen with ALEX GONZATO from VIOLET BREED – SEPTEMBER 2024

According to a recent press release: “Violet Breed represents a powerful collaboration between Brian Wheat, a seasoned rock icon, and AleX, a fresh and dynamic voice in the music industry. The pair have spent the last five years meticulously crafting an album that draws from their own life experiences, creating music that resonates with listeners of all ages. With honest and emotive lyrics, Violet Breed’s sound blends rich rock and pop influences, promising a unique and compelling listening experience. The debut album, which features Tesla’s own guitarist Dave Rude on guitars, will showcase the musical prowess of the duo. Fans of both Tesla and AleX will be eager to hear the new material, as Violet Breed looks to make a significant impact on the global music scene.” We get AleX to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Well this is our debut single, so I guess we wanted something that was instantly engaging, catchy and a strong indication of what’s to come from our band Violet Breed. People can expect a strong rock/alternative rock track. We wanted to write honest and emotive lyrics, wrapped in hooky melodies so audiences can relate and sing our songs! Ear worms!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I’ve been surrounded by music from an early age through my parents…singing at the piano on christmas day and performing in local battle of the bands competitions. My mum is a singer and performer too. And my dad has always been a huge music fan. When I was 7-8 years old my dad introduced me to Queen & Freddie Mercury… Since then, I’ve been totally obsessed with music, collecting music and going to live shows! At the end of day, I’m just a huge music fan myself! I love collecting records now. It’s a hobby that me and Brian share together too!

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

There’s a few answers here! Albums: Queen – News Of The World; Paul McCartney – RAM (me and Brian Love this record! Especially driving around the English Countryside around my house in the UK); The Beatles – Revolver; My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade; Jeff Buckley – Grace; and Oasis – Whats The Story Morning Glory. Live Shows, naturally Queen Live is an extraordinary event to watch. I’m also a huge Michael Hutchence fan as well, he was an incredible frontman for INXS! Live Wembley 1991 is amazing. But I love to watch early Jeff Buckley performances too. Just him and his electric guitar in these small dive bars and pubs is electrifying to see! I’ve got this 4 lp record of him live in a small club in New York. It’s inspired me a lot in my performances live with a guitar.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Brian Wheat! When you hear Violet Breed, you’ll see why!

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Expect to hear catchy loud rock music, but also melodic ballads too in future releases…

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Writing songs. I find it very therapeutic and it helps me function I guess. I love performing live as well, but underneath it all, it’s always about the songs. I’m quite a reserved person really, so writing songs/music is a form expression I guess…

7. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Probably being front row at a Kings Of Leon concert… I always loved their music growing up and it was great to be that close at one of their shows! What a sound live! But I am seeing Sir Paul McCartney this December, so that could all change very soon!

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Well I’m not a full time musician (YET). So I’m working a full time job and touring all over the south of the UK on my own with an acoustic guitar, PA system in the trunk and a microphone, singing 2-3 hours maybe twice a week? And writing songs with Brian / Violet Breed. Pretty old school, but I’m a big believer in getting out there and playing live! That’s what I think makes you… You’ve gotta be able to sing like your record.

9. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

May sound generic, but I would’ve loved to have seen McCartney sing “Oh Darling” in Abbey Road Studios 1969 studio 2. That vocal take is out of this world! The velocity and power of his voice is insane. It’s not my favourite Beatles record though. I think to be involved in The Revolver sessions would be really cool. Sitting alongside George Martin and Geoff Emerick at the mixing desk crafting that album with The Beatles.

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Category: Interviews