Silent Violet CD release party! − 17 February, 2007
The official CD release party for Silent Violet.
Of course this was the week when New York was hit with a ton of snow, & her brother was stuck there. And in true Murphy style we didn't find that out until a few days before the show. Mariam had to quickly finagle the beats together so she could perform. (The beats were her brother's department.) This was a stress she didn't need.
Another hiccup was that we didn't find out until two days before that she was to go on stage at midnight. This was a problem for her because she had plans for her grandmother to watch her sing, but the venue wouldn't budge. They said she was to be the headlining act, & therefore she needed to go last. This also meant that the babysitter had to stay later, & would cost me more money. Oh, well. We don't get out much, & this was going to be worth it.
I arrived at the venue early so I could scope out a good place to take pictures. The opening bands seemed to have a relatively small following that night, so getting a good seat was easy. My wife was already there because she was singing backup. Just before Silent Violet went on stage, I settled into position.
I had been taking a few pictures all along the setup of the show, & must have caught the attention of a "professional." He asked who I was shooting for. I think he was thinking I was shooting for the local paper or Metro Times or something. I told him Mariam. I got the "Oh..." He then mentioned that they're always looking for photographers & that I should look them up. He handed me his card. I was flattered, but I knew it was just the camera...
She came out & I shot 90ish pictures during the half-hour show. I had seen her show a few times, so I was familiar with the material (not to mention I had attended many rehearsals over the previous two weeks). I made sure not to use a flash so I wouldn't lose the colors of the lights, nor distract the artists during their performance. After all, I didn't want to distract Mariam any more than she already was.
The show went off great. She had one minor "oops" but with mostly friends & family in the audience, it wasn't a big deal at all. In fact, the picture on the right is her laughing off the mistake.
She managed to boost my ego as well by commenting on how awesome my pictures were. "Anything for a friend." I told her.
"Silent Violet is a collaborative effort between two siblings - Mariam and Michael. They both come together with a passionate desire to create music that is not only original but also aesthetically pleasing and satisfying to the human ear and soul. Based out of Detroit, this independent duo is getting things kicked off with their upcoming debut album entitled "Sounds of a Dirty City." The elegant sounds of Silent Violet range from relaxed trip-hop/downtempo to upbeat electronic indie-pop. From Michael's complex beat arrangements and meandering effects to the vintage keys and Mariam's breathe-taking and enlightening vocals. Silent Violet is a promising artist that will continue to work hard in creating well-designed and graceful artistry for any listener seeking an authentic and captivating musical experience..."
"Special thanks from SV: Sarah Dorsey for her art work and designing SV promo materials and for being a true encourager and inspiration. Coree and Aaron of Wiseguy records for previous beat arrangements and mixing and getting SV launched in the recording process. Meghann Houser, for her support and encouragement throughout the years and for introducing me to many excellent musicians and contacts. Andrew Dielman for Photography of the album, Allen Kuderick and Jeff Whitters -photography live shows... Greater Alexander for introducing me to new venues. Andrew, my love. Others, Jason Croff, Clinton Kennet, Tone and Niche, Stirling & Sue Static of JAC 313, Jean Mason, Jon Lamb, Greater Alexander and many more."
Silent Violet's debut album, "Sounds of a Dirty City" is available currently available at CD Baby.
Of course this was the week when New York was hit with a ton of snow, & her brother was stuck there. And in true Murphy style we didn't find that out until a few days before the show. Mariam had to quickly finagle the beats together so she could perform. (The beats were her brother's department.) This was a stress she didn't need.
Another hiccup was that we didn't find out until two days before that she was to go on stage at midnight. This was a problem for her because she had plans for her grandmother to watch her sing, but the venue wouldn't budge. They said she was to be the headlining act, & therefore she needed to go last. This also meant that the babysitter had to stay later, & would cost me more money. Oh, well. We don't get out much, & this was going to be worth it.
I arrived at the venue early so I could scope out a good place to take pictures. The opening bands seemed to have a relatively small following that night, so getting a good seat was easy. My wife was already there because she was singing backup. Just before Silent Violet went on stage, I settled into position.
I had been taking a few pictures all along the setup of the show, & must have caught the attention of a "professional." He asked who I was shooting for. I think he was thinking I was shooting for the local paper or Metro Times or something. I told him Mariam. I got the "Oh..." He then mentioned that they're always looking for photographers & that I should look them up. He handed me his card. I was flattered, but I knew it was just the camera...
She came out & I shot 90ish pictures during the half-hour show. I had seen her show a few times, so I was familiar with the material (not to mention I had attended many rehearsals over the previous two weeks). I made sure not to use a flash so I wouldn't lose the colors of the lights, nor distract the artists during their performance. After all, I didn't want to distract Mariam any more than she already was.
The show went off great. She had one minor "oops" but with mostly friends & family in the audience, it wasn't a big deal at all. In fact, the picture on the right is her laughing off the mistake.
She managed to boost my ego as well by commenting on how awesome my pictures were. "Anything for a friend." I told her.
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