MADISON VIOLET
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
“[The Good In Goodbye]’s strong points are the near flawless, rich vocals that sing about love, bittersweet, goodbyes, and finding happiness in departing.” - The Fulcrum
The Good in Goodbye showcases the duo’s vocal chops on material as varied as Cindy, Cindy, a
good-humoured folk tune that’s been covered in various forms by everyone from Burl Ives to Robert
Plant, and the closing track, an original number called Christy Ellen Francis. - Ottawa Citizen
“If there was a purity law for flawless alternative country, "No Fool For Trying" and "The Good In Goodbye" would satisfy all the premises.” - http://www.kultur-forum-amthof.at - http://www.kultur-forum-amthof.at
“...the two-part singing and the sweeping musical accompaniment with acoustic guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica and double-bass, made the concert a unique experience, a treat for all lovers of American folk music.” - Kölner Stadtanzeiger
“In the end, it's all about the vocals. The playing is top-rate, especially Cape Breton-er Lisa MacIsaac's native and familial skill on the fiddle and all stringed things, but the harmony blend between the two is arresting.” - CBC.ca
....IN MADVIOLET TWO BECOME ONE...Their harmonies are so rich and come so naturally it's almost as if they're sisters…a superb album with an alternative country sound that features those wonderful harmonies… - Hamilton Spectator
…this country's songwriting pool runs deep and shows no sign of drying up...vintage corn whiskey wrapped in a silk stocking… - Kitchener Record
...solid storytelling set against tumbleweed pop…. - NOW Magazine
…heartfelt country twang, silky vocals offer a beautiful helping of stripped-down simplicity... - Metro
…Obviously we’ve entered into a new renaissance of excellent countrified folk music… highly intelligent women who are confident enough to passionately and expertly express their heartfelt emotions… - metro times, Detroit
A wonderful album. - BBC Radio 2
...a gorgeous-sounding roots-pop collection.
(4/5)
- R2 (Rock 'N' Reel)
The profundity and poetry of the songs are worn lightly and swathed in glorious
harmonies and delectable melodies. There is not a weak track to be found on this
magnificent and consistent album. - Country Music People CD of the Month (5/5 – August 2009)
...easy on the ears and nurturing to the soul...trade lead vocals and harmonies with the ease of two pros steeped in roots music for much longer than their tender years...all 10 tracks are strong... - Kelowna Daily Courier
...Fuelled by dynamic energies and songwriting abilities...a crafted blending of country, Celtic, pop and folk... - Halifax Chronicle Herald
Discography
ALBUMS
The Good in Goodbye 2011
No Fool for Trying 2009
Caravan 2006
Worry the Jury 2004
Madviolet EP 2002
SINGLES
Wake Up
Light It Up
Top 40 Hot AC single in Canada:
Light It Up
East Coast Countdown #1:
Skylight
Photos
Bio
The Good in Goodbye by Madison Violet
Available online and in stores: Canada - September 6
Finding the good in goodbye is always bittersweet. JUNO nominated roots duo Madison Violet (Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac) can attest to that with their latest release, The Good in Goodbye, out on September 6 (True North Records). An album born from their growth, both together and apart, The Good in Goodbye is an open diary of their personal and professional experiences together as friends and musicians, two very unique relationships that affect each other in profound ways.
Since releasing their last album, No Fool for Trying (2009), Madison Violet won the 2009 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their track “The Ransom,” took home the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, and were nominated for multiple East Coast Music Awards and a 2010 JUNO Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year (Group).
As a follow-up to their breakthrough successes in 2010, The Good in Goodbye captures the duo’s growth and musical maturity. Their distinct take on iconic Americana-inspired up-tempo melodies beautifully contrasts with their breathtakingly sweeping and personal lyrics, creating songs that blend nods to Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch with radio-friendly flecks of The Court-Yard Hounds.
To capture the intimacy of The Good in Goodbye, Madison Violet returned to the studio with trusted friend and producer Les Cooper (Jill Barber) while bringing a collective of remarkable musicians into the fold, including Joel Stouffer (Dragonette) on drums, Adrian Lawryshyn (Andy Stochansky) on bass, and vocals from Ruth Moody (The Wailin’ Jennys) and singer/songwriter Blair Packham.
Though Madison Violet seemingly made their mark in the last year or so, success was hard earned, spending up to eight months a year on the road, winning fans and champions the old-fashioned way, one song at a time, one gig at a time.
Their first disc, Worry the Jury (2004), was an introduction to the lush arrangements and radio-friendly harmonies that would become a Madison Violet hallmark, with their sophomore album Caravan (2006) further exploring and incorporating country-infused, toe-tapping melodies.
Their breakthrough album, No Fool for Trying (2009) enlisted, for the first time, the help of producer Les Cooper. The record showcased Madison Violet’s heartfelt (and often heartbreaking) lyrics in brilliant contrast to their uplifting arrangements, pushing their graceful harmonies to the surface.
Receiving a mass of acclaim from outlets including the BBC, the CBC, Maverick Magazine, NPR, and Penguin Eggs Magazine, No Fool for Trying made dedicated fans of even the most hard-to-crack critics. Ultimately, Madison Violet captured the attention of Mojo Magazine, landing “Small Of My Heart” on the publication’s distinguished playlist, “Mojo’s Top 10,” in December 2009. Madison Violet also have the unique distinction of being the only Canadians to win The John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
The duo has sold-out venues across North America and Europe, had the prestigious distinction of touring with Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe, and has shared stages with contemporaries such as Chantal Kreviazuk, Ron Sexsmith and The Indigo Girls. With their newest effort, Madison Violet prove on they’re among Canada’s brightest singer/songwriters.
MADISON VIOLET CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Awards
- 2005 ECMA nomination (Best New Artist)
- 2005 ECMA nomination (Pop Recording of the Year / Worry The Jury)
- 2007 ECMA nomination (Group Recording of the Year / Caravan)
- 2008 ECMA nomination (Folk Recording of the Year / Caravan)
- 2008 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination (Best Vocal Group)
- 2009 Canadian Folk Award - (Best Vocal Group)
- 2009 Winners of the “Maxell Song of the Year Award” from the John Lennon Songwriting Competition - “The Ransom”
- 2010 ECMA nomination (Group Recording of the Year / No Fool for Trying)
- 2010 ECMA nomination (SOCAN Songwriter of the Year/ “Small of my Heart”)
- 2010 JUNO Award Nominees - Roots & Traditional Album of the Year, Group
- 2011 Independent Music Awards Folk/Singer-Songwriter Song of the Year for "The Ransom”
For publicity inquiries, product request or interview opportunities, please contact Meghan Gamble at True North Records, meghan@truenorthrecords.com 905 278 8883 ext 234
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