THE VIOLET MAY are rooted in Sheffield, but their sound is influenced by a much broader spectrum. Formed in early 2009, the band earned an early reputation for a raukus live show and were named in The Guardian's "Top 15 Tips for 2010". The 5-piece went on to release their debut single “Bright Or Better” as a limited edition 7" vinyl single in May 2010 and consequently appeared on Steve Lamaq's BBC 6Music show as his "New Favourite Band", headlined London's KOKO (1,800 capacity) for Club NME, shot their debut video with Douglas Hart of Jesus & Mary Chain, undertook a headline residency at Alan McGee's Death Disco clubnight, played at Leeds Festival and Secret Garden Party, a sold out Italian tour, and won widespread support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music, XFM, The Guardian, NME, Clash, Artrocker and the Daily Mail, amongst others. With loud and lunatic tunes, leaving many a venue battered and bruised across the UK, audiences seemed hooked on the energy produced by a band in its raw stages. Singer Chris McClure's aggresive charm is backed by the rough-edged guitar work of John Kubicki & Jono How, while the rhythm section of Dan Booth (Bass) & Alan Whitaker (Drums) have forged their own powerful live reputation.