Interview: Tessa Violet
An innovator and creative at heart, whatever singer-songwriter Tessa Violet does, she is sure to do it at 110%. Even then, she’ll probably take the concept and remix it. Launching her debut album in late 2019 right before the beginning of the global coronavirus pandemic, the timing could not have been worse. However, unlike most, Tessa turned a canceled 2020 tour and series of setbacks into reworking many of her songs, featuring other well-liked bands and artists, and even launching a virtual tour where she performed weekly. Some of these features included “Bored (feat. Misterwives),” “Words Ain’t Enough (feat. Chloe Moriondo),” “Games (feat. lovelytheband),” and more.
Tessa Violet
Photo by Sarah Pardini
Of the remixes and collaborations, “Games” with Lovely The Band was one of the first to really take off. Garnering over two million streams on Spotify and going viral on TikTok, the track was instantly a fan favorite. After teasing another possible version of the track on her Twitter and Instagram, Tessa sprung a new surprise on her fans and listeners. Introducing, “Games” with lovelytheband, punk version. Inspired by a PUP concert she attended in 2019 that brought her back to a punk-influenced upbringing, Tessa rekindled her love for the genre and continued to work this high-level energy into her live sets. After the idea to make this version a reality sparked on a radio campaign, it caught the attention of legendary alt-rock producer Matt Squire, who has worked with a plethora of artists including Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, 3oh!3, and more.
Holding a full discography of hit singles and a strongly supported debut album, Tessa Violet has truly taken over the world with her impressive vocals and lyricism. With “Crush” nearing 100 million Spotify streams, finding success on TikTok, and being a common soundtrack to people’s lives, the track continues to be a relatable anthem that fans simply can’t get enough of.
“What would it feel like to have a song hit 100m streams on Spotify? That’s so many. Before Crush, I think my biggest song had maybe 3m. And this is the first time I’ve taken this moment to really reflect on that .. I’m just like wow you did it, kid, that’s awesome.”
Sharing that her goal is to follow what lights her up, Tessa Violet finds influence from her everyday life and what she listens to. On the punk version, she adds that “the song just sounded like it wanted it.” With a punk version of the track, Tessa aims to remain genuine to herself and let her music follow that. Allowing herself to explore her own creative freedom is something that wasn’t always easy for her. Over her years as an artist, she has not only grown in confidence but in finding herself and style. Self-described as genuine, fun, and energetic, Tessa is truly a trailblazing artist and has established her place in the alt-pop world.
With the punk version of “Games” with lovelytheband now released, Tessa shares that she hopes the track does well so she can perform the punk version live on tour, bringing even more unreleased energy to what already serves as a cathartic and crazy live set. Serving unmatched energy, Tessa is a standout human in every aspect of the world.
But her overall goal with her music? Tessa reveals that she simply wants her fans and listeners to be happy. “I want people to feel good in life, and feel good about who they are. When artists boldly allow themselves to be who they are, they give others inspiration to be who they are as well,” she adds.
To keep up with all things Tessa Violet, check out her website here!!
Interview by: April Bredael
