Hyperviolet
If Placebo made Metal, it would sound something like Hyperviolet. This west coast based indie rock outfit combines elements of shoegaze and alternative rock with synthwave and indiepop to create a unique blend of energy and emotion.
Chief songwriters, Drew Mottinger and Wesley Richards, met while working together at West LA Music back in 2010. Drew worked in the Advertising department while Wes was in Pro Audio. The two quickly bonded over a mutual appreciation for metal, indie rock and Benitos tacos. Since then they’ve collaborated on numerous recording projects including, Foxlore, Fifty Year Storm, and now Hyperviolet.
Drew Mottinger built a name for himself in the indie rock scene with his previous bands Wintergreen (Mt. Fuji Records), Handshakes (Old Flame Records, Razor & Tie), and Hotel for Strangers. Wintergreen’s breakout hit single “When I Wake Up” made waves with their viral video, which tells the story of the misbegotten Atari E.T. game cartridge. Wintergreen received continuous airplay on indie rock radio (98.7, 103.1, KCRW, KEXP) and they were featured in SPIN magazine as well as Der Spiegel. They embarked on several west coast tours, opening for bands such as The Get Up Kids, Liam Finn, Augustana, and Family of the Year and also took the stage for a label showcase at SXSW. Drew’s band Handshakes received local praise from LA’s 98.7 and KROQ 106.7; and multiple song placements in the MTV hit series, Teen Mom 2. Drew’s final show with Hotel For Strangers was at LA’s world famous Troubadour club opening for Grizfolk!
Wesley Richards is the founder and creative force behind the widely successful alternative music collective, Riot Ready. RR highlights today’s sociopolitical issues through a satirical punk rock lens while fostering a community of like minded musicians. Wes also has an extensive background in recording and performing (Troubadour, Whiskey, Roxy) with critically acclaimed metal bands including 21 Bricks, Choke Me, Kill the Con Man, Death Therapy Cure, HXTXD and Dr. Ghost.
“The Dawn Patrol” marks the sophomore release from Hyperviolet, featuring a variety of hard hitting tracks reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie, Helmet, Mew, and The Flaming Lips. The album also includes covers of “Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World and “Second Chance” by Liam Finn. Hyperviolet’s first single, “Metal and Dust,” has gained significant praise among music fans for its nostalgic mix of 90’s style grunge, alt rock, and nu metal.
