Violet Hull (AKA VOH) bounces between Sydney and NYC, recording and releasing pop-forward music. Inspired by her Australian rock royalty uncles, Jimmy Barnes and Diesel, she lives to sing and share music. VOH’s songs have been played on Triple J and Unearthed, Kiss 106.5, Asia Pop 40, Joy FM and more, with several of her music videos broadcast on MTV Asia. She has recently started performing with her new band in Sydney and is preparing to release her sophomore EP: “Star Songs.”
SEE HER HERE: Violet will be joining fellow Aussies and stellar musicians Ben Butler (Sting, Roseanne Cash, Kate Ceberano) and Jonathan Linden (Broadway veteran, Elizabeth & The Catapult) as the featured band at the BIG AUSSIE BBQ on August 16. They’ll be playing all your favorite Aussie hits and more.
You can also catch VOH at Pianos NYC on August 9 and at Nook on August 22nd.
Tell us about yourself.
I was born in NYC and grew up here until I was ten. It was a very formative part of my life. After living in Sydney for the rest of my schooling and university years, coming back to the city was a no brainer. Childhood towns pull you like a magnet! Since returning, living and working here, it’s become clear that despite my Aussie roots, this city is a part of me, and my story, so I bounce between Sydney and NYC.
As a singer and musician, I feel the arts are valued here more than at home – or at least, in a different way. People here feel more free to be creative without self-judgement or the judgement of others.
Where do you live? Why did you choose that area?
When in the city, I live in Chinatown. While somewhat gentrified, I feel like it still holds some of the grittiness that SoHo used to possess when I grew up there as a kid. I love hearing the food trucks at 6 am in the morning, subliminal reminder that the city is moving, people are working, systems are running, and I am just a small little dude in comparison to the great wide world. So refreshing.
What do you like/dislike about living in NY?
One of my favourite things about this city is that I can be fully myself – weird and wacky – in public! My favourite thing is to sing out loud when I’m in walking on the streets. No matter how “weird” I behave, I know people have always seen weirder someplace on the subway, or at the very least, they would tell themselves “Oh well. It’s New York City.”
What’s your ‘only in New York’ moment/s?
Singing Hallelujah to a local painting framer and an investment banker from Dubai at a dark bus stop at 10 pm in Brooklyn. It was the investment banker’s first time catching a bus.
Hosting at a restaurant and walking Ralph Fiennes and Bryan Cranston to their table. A villainous luncheon!
Not screaming at the rats anymore…
Any advice for people moving to NY?
Take classes! Join a club or a sporting team! Go out to see plays, live music and art exhibitions. Wander. Spend time in parks. Have a self-romance.
What do you do?
I’m a singer! I write and release pop music. I make music with my family. I do gigs in Sydney and NYC, and make awesome and silly music videos.
I was a foilist on the Australian Fencing Team for over a decade and have now decided to focus my energy on music and performance.
I am also a passionate podcast maker, and love working with the sound medium to immerse people in stories. Creating podcasts was my favourite part of completing my Media and Communications & English Degree at The University of Sydney.
Three words to describe New York
Visceral, rich, dense, raw, eye-opening. It’s impossible to limit me to only three.
Hidden gem of the city
Columbus Park
When you need retail therapy, you run to
Goodwill
Favorite NYC cultural hotspots
Nublu, Café Ornithology, Magnet Improv Theatre!
Favorite NYC brunch spot
Café Habana
What was your biggest win this week?
I played a gig in Sydney with my brother. And I packed a suitcase. But definitely the biggest win is that I’m still here, and still trying my best at life! Yahoo! Be gentle with yourself!
What’s the biggest challenge or road block you’ve been faced with since being in NYC and how do you overcome it?
Loneliness. First-crying, then-trusting myself.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about living/working in NYC?
Say yes, yes, yes. Do everything. Get out.
Who are some Aussie ladies doing awesome things in NYC who are currently on your radar?
Emmanuelle Mattana! A friend from high school in Sydney who has just finished performing in her own self-written play “Trophy Boys” at Off Broadway Theatre MCC which had to be extended twice due to popular demand.
What things do you do to keep home sickness under control?
Chat to Aussies on the street. They are everywhere. Open your ears and you’ll hear the accent eventually.