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About two weeks ago, my YouTube algorithm recommended a video of a girl named Viola Hutchinson. The thumbnail showed her sitting atop the roof of a car surrounded by a vast desert landscape
For a split second, I thought of not clicking on the video, but I did, and I loved the song so much that I couldn’t stop listening to it. “Too Far Again” is a beautiful rock ballad about the overthinking that comes along when you start dating someone. “Did I take it too far again?”
The song starts with a dreamy psychedelic melody that builds up into a charged rock chorus. The sound was very nostalgic. It reminded me of Michelle Branch’s pivotal album The Spirit Room, which wonderfully captures the pop-rock sound of the early 00s.
When I saw that Viola was based in LA, I reached out to her on Instagram to see if she would like to be featured on the blog, and she agreed! Coincidentally, she happened to be performing live at The Silverlake Lounge the following week. This was her second live show.
The Silverlake Lounge is a tiny venue, but it was packed that night! The valet even told me about the long line to get in. “I don’t even know how this happened”, said Viola the next day.
Despite only being Viola’s second show, her strong stage presence and banter with the audience are worthy of a mention. It looked like she had been doing this forever! That night, she played two unreleased songs where she showcased her impressive vocal range. In between songs, she repeatedly gave props to her band.
When I asked her about her band, she said: “We’re always rehearsing. I probably see the people in my band three, four times a week. We’re all very very close. When we go into rehearsals, we play random stuff and have a good time. That’s where the raw and fun energy comes from when we’re on stage. We’re so comfortable with one another.”
Born and raised in LA, Viola moved to NY for college to study creative arts.
After graduating from college last year, she moved back to LA to work on her music with the help of Robbie Nevil, a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has worked for the likes of Destiny’s Child, Disney and Jessica Simpson. In the interview, Viola refers to Robbie as her mentor and a guiding figure in finding her voice.
Viola’s first single, “Lust at First Sight”, was released in the summer of 2020. The dreamy guitar chords, the tinges of jazz, and Viola’s ethereal vocals feel like a warm hug from the sun during golden hour. These thoughts were confirmed when I watched the music video, where Viola is seen basking in the Malibu sun and trotting along an LA street during sunset.
In November 2023, Viola released her second single, “Ruby Moon”, an 80s-influenced uptempo song about a little girl who wants to escape to the moon. Every time I listen to it, I think of Sunset Blvd, neon signs and Mulholland Drive (2001).
There are many artists that put out great songs but their music videos fall short. For Viola, creating a compelling music video is as important as writing a song. Her three music videos have a cinematic quality to them. Whether it’s the East side of LA, the beaches in Malibu, or the desert in Joshua Tree, each video is like watching a short film.
When Viola is not writing songs, she’s either working as a Taekwondo (martial arts) instructor or discovering new dive bars with her friends.
Viola is only 23, but her vulnerable lyrics, dreamy vocals, and stellar production of her songs connect with audiences of all ages. When I went to her show, there were people of all age groups. As you will see in the interview, her discerning taste for music speaks for itself. I can’t wait to watch her flourishing music career. This is only the beginning!
If you live in LA, stay tuned for her upcoming shows on Instagram or Spotify.
Hello Viola! Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in LA. I grew up on the Westside. California girl through and through. I moved back from NY and I’ve always been in love with writing. I’ve always loved performing. I went to school in NY and studied feminism, music, acting and philosophy. I studied how women should be at the forefront of books, writing, plays and music. We have such powerful voices that need to be heard. After delving into that, I came back to LA to do my own art. I love NY, but with the career I’ve chosen, it makes sense for me to be in LA.
Where does your love of music come from?
I’m a singer/songwriter at heart. I’ve been writing songs since I was a kid, probably not good songs (laughs). As a kid, I was obsessed with Amy Winehouse. Her first album, Frank, is very near and dear to my heart. I’d listen to it on repeat. Also, my mom would always play 70s on 7 in the car. That’s how I got into Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, and all these amazing artists. I fell in love with the storytelling element of it. It’s always been there.
Let’s talk about your latest single! What was the inspiration behind “Too Far Again”?
I started dating somebody. When you start dating someone, you’re like “Did I say the right? Did I go a little too far?” You’re trying to navigate each other and it’s a weird dynamic. I really, really, really, liked this person, but they did not like me back. I started beating myself up over it. “What did I say? What did I do?” Then, I was like, “Oh! Fuck you. I’m too much? Whoever ends up liking me, whether it’s a friendship or a romantic relationship, they’re going to like me for who I am.” The song starts with that doubt and questioning, but it evolves into this anthem of “This is who I am, take it or leave it.” I’ve probably taken it too far too many times, and I’m going to keep on doing it.
In the video, I apply a popsicle on my face. I could be self-deprecating and awful about it, or I could embrace it and be like, “This is who I am. It’s funny and the joke’s on me.” You have to look inward to really understand the song.
Why did you shoot the music video in Joshua Tree specifically?
Even though “Too Far Again” was inspired by another person, it was about the self. The self-doubt, but also the self-discovery. The scenery in Joshua Tree is gorgeous.
I wanted too shoot it somewhere that was desolate, a place where you could focus on the individual. I didn’t want a guy or another person in the video.
I love it there
It’s very peaceful. I insisted on my best friends shooting it with me. Each of them have a different camera to film their own perspective of me. It’s a way of seeing yourself through different angles. Joshua Treee is so beautiful. I’ve only been there a handful of times, but I want to go more. I’ll probably go back at the end of the summer. There are a lot of musicians that are very inspired by Joshua Tree. It’s a very artistic and healing place. I loved shooting my music video there. It came full circle for me.
Robbie Nevil helped you produce and co-write the three songs. How did you meet him?
Robbie has been a longtime friend of mine. We’ve always had great conversations about art and music. When I was in college, I started writing more. He’s a writer, so I was curious to see what he thought. He said he really liked my stuff and wanted to do music with me. He became a mentor figure. When I brought him “Too Far Again”, he helped me with the chord progressions and find my voice. He’s helped me become the person and the musician I want to be today. He has also helped me realize that I could make my poetry tangible and something people could enjoy.
What was the inspiration for the “Ruby Moon” music video?
“Ruby Moon” was actually the first poem I ever wrote. It’s about a girl who wants to run away, yet be seen. She goes to the moon and becomes the dancing silhouette with the moon. I always pictured a ruby moonhead. The girl was actually my best friend Anna. The director helped me bring that vision to life.
I want all my music videos to show different parts of California. “Too Far Again” is in the desert, “Ruby Moon” is LA landscape, and “Lust at First Sight” is beachy.
It’s also important for me to combine different mediums, like film with music, and to collaborate with new artists. For “Ruby Moon”, I wanted a band and more people in the video, and now we’re all friends!
I love the feel-good vibes of “Lust at First Sight”. What prompted you to release that song as your first single in 2020?
“Lust at First Sight” is a big blast from the past for me. I was a freshman in college, navigating dating and love. That was the first song I wrote, and Robbie co-wrote it with me. I wrote a huge stack of poems, all titled “Lust at First Sight”.
I go to flea markets and second-hand stores a lot. When I was in college, I’d find pins that said
“Lust at First Sight”. I was like, “Ok, this keeps coming up too much, so I need to keep writing.” Robbie helped bring it all together.
What artists could you listen to on repeat?
The Sundays and The Cranberries are huge inspirations for me. I’m obsessed with Amy Winehouse’s Frank album. I love her voice.
Surprisingly, one of my all-time favorite bands is called Belle and Sebastian. It’s a Scottish band. My music is nothing like theirs, but the songwriting, the storytelling and the essence of music in their songs is beyond compare. They write about the most mundane stuff. It’s a band of 8 plus people and they all met in college! It’s a band very near and dear to my heart. I love the musicality of it. It’s like, “Hey, let’s preserve what music should be.” It’s not about making money, it’s about people coming together, making something, and getting to know each other through that.
“Don’t Delete the Kisses” by Wolf Alice. Phenomenal song. Great storytelling and the best music video, in my opinion. Their recent album Blue Weekend is phenomenal.
The thing that made me want to perform was when I saw this girl singing a cover of a Frank Zappa song, “Uncle Remus”. I was like, “Oh, so you can be a girl and scream into a mic and take over that whole stage?” I want to do what she’s doing! That’s also one of my favorite songs because of that memory.
I could talk about music for too long (laughs).
What’s your songwriting process like?
My songwriting has evolved a lot. I write every day for 20-30 minutes. I see what words resonate and I go back to stuff that I’ve previously written because I have too much stuff (laughs). Then, I pick the strongest words with imagery and symbolism. I’ll pick a guitar strum or a guitar pattern, anything, and I’ll start writing from there. Then, I’ll edit it over the following two days. I played a few unreleased songs yesterday. Those came from me sitting in my bedroom and sifting through different words and being like “Ok, where can I get a story from this? What’s the strongest imagery and the strongest words to hear?”
To be a good writer, you have to immerse yourself in other people’s writing, genres, and listen to different songs. I challenge to think myself outside of the norm.
Yesterday was your second live show. I was very surprised because you were very comfortable with the crowd and you didn’t seem nervous at all. Is performing something that comes natural to you?
It’s so funny. One of my friends who was there yesterday came up to me and said, “Viola, your mom took all of your nerves for you. I don’t know how you do it.” My mom? Nervous wreck. I’ve never been nervous to be on a stage. I’ve been doing it since I was little.
I LOVE entertaining people and making sure people are having fun. That’s where a lot of my joy comes from. I’m part Thai and I’d always do shows for my “maetu” (grandmother). She’d be my audience and she loved everything. My middle name is “Sang-dau” which means shining star. She gave me that name. I got so much joy when I entertained her when she was sick.
What is your dream collaboration?
Oh my God, that’s such a hard question. If Belle and Sebastian wanted me to do a little tune with them, that would be like “OMG, I’ve done something.” I’d also love to do some type of performance art with Mitsky. I love her voice. She’s so cool and has always done things in her own way. I really appreciate that individuality and originality. I’d also love to collaborate with Beabadoobee, she’s so cool.
Beauty
Since this blog is also about beauty, I have to ask! What are your favorite makeup and skincare products?
Oh, I’m a huuuge makeup and skincare junkie!!
I use the Saie’s tinted moisturizer, then I’ll spot treat with the Hourglass concealer and the brush that they have. I think it’s the best concealer on the market. I’ve stopped using CC cream or foundation. I just use the tinted moisturizer from Saie. I love Merit and their blushes. I use it on my eyes, lips and cheeks. I love using a lip color all over for a continuous look. For that, I use the Tower 28 lip liner, and the Glossier lipstick in the shade Villa. It’s such a pretty pink, that’s my favorite lip combo. I love Chantecaille’s mascara, but it’s a little too expensive, so I’ve been using the Hourglass mascara and it’s great. I also wear the Charlotte Tilbury Rock N Kohl eyeliner every day.
One of my favorite stores is Credo. It’s a vegan beauty store. They have three locations in LA. I love the brands that they carry. I think they have some of the best beauty and skincare products on the market, and I’d rather support them than anyone else.
Note: Although Credo has physical retailers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Plano (Texas), they ship nationwide.
Skincare
I love the Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser. That’s my go-to. There’s a new toner that I’ve been using from Credo. It’s the Indie Lee’s Co Q10 toner.
I love the Embryolisse moisturizer. I just came back from Paris and went crazy in the pharmacy because it’s cheaper there. If you rub the cream with your fingers and put a little bit in your hair, it makes it messy! I love a messy look.
Hair
Honestly, I don’t do anything for my hair. I wash it and that’s it. It used to be sleek straight, but now it’s wavy. I use Vegamour Gro dry shampoo on a daily basis. It smells so good. For shampoo and conditioner, I use MOMO by Devine’s. But yes, I’m more of a skincare and makeup junkie. I learned how to braid my hair like a year ago (laughs).
Los Angeles
What do you like about living in LA?
I love the weather, I know it’s a very basic answer, but I feel so much peace when I wake up in the morning and see the sun and the blue sky. There are chirping birds and squirrels that visit my window and I feel like Snow White.
When I was living in NY, all I saw were brick walls. I love that LA is in tandem with nature. It’s so cool. I love going to the beach. I missed it and it makes you appreciate the smaller things in life. My family and my dogs are also here, and I love them. (laughs)
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and is a big thing in LA. There’s such a strong community here. I’ve been doing it since I was four years old. I’m also a big foodie and I looove the restaurants here. LA is a meld of so many different people. I love the creativity and the innovative nature of it.
You mentioned you’re a big foodie. This brings me to my next question! What are your favorite restaurants and coffee shops in LA?
It’s so funny. My friend wrote me something for my birthday and she was like, “If you ever need recommendations for food in LA, NY or Paris, you go to Viola.” I was laughing because that’s my favorite thing! I love giving recs.
I love LOLO Wine Bar. They have this honey butter bread that is soo good. I’m a big dive bar girl. I love El Prado Bar in Echo Park, where you can get a hotdog for $5 and a glass of wine. It’s always fun there.
Thirsty Crow is right across from where I played last night. I probably go there twice a week. My favorite drink is the pickleback. I love The Brickyard Pub in Hollywood. I love playing darts and pool, and that bar is very fun. There’s always a good crowd there. The Red Lion Tavern (Silver Lake) is a German bar with great sausage plates. They have cigarette vending machines.
I also love The Douglas in Echo Park.
For playing pool, I love Q’s Billiard Club & Restaurant in West LA.
Dan Sung Sa is my favorite place for Korean food. I looove Woon in Echo Park, and Father’s Office has one of the best burgers in LA.
Note from Mariana: Dan Sung Sa was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurants in LA!
Coffee-wise, I love Maru Coffee. I’ve also been going to Andante a lot. They have a summer drink called the Minty Matcha, which has peppermint and iced matcha. I love Milo & Olive, but it’s on the West Side, so I don’t go there as often.
Places
I’ve been going to this shop since I was 11. Everyone in LA should go there, it’s called Pygmy Hippo Shoppe and it’s the cutest store ever! I love knick-knacks and random things. The owner is very sweet and she represents all these small artists.
My ideal day would be going to Terroni, have a great Rigatoni Arcobaleno, walk down the street, go to Andante for a drink, and then right next door is the store, where you can buy something cute.
I love going to Squaresville (Los Feliz). They have great clothes and that area has phenomenal shopping. I just got a pair of cowboy boots that are very cute, but I love Echo Park, it’s always fun. If you’re visiting LA, you gotta go!
My favorite beach is El Matador State Beach, but it’s very far.
Since you’re a musician, what are your favorite music venues in LA?
Genghis Cohen is so fun. There’s always great new artists playing there. That’s where I did my first show. Their Chinese food is great, and their orange chicken is one of the best I’ve had in LA.
Photo @violahutchinson
I would looove to play at The Greek. Ugh, The Greek. I always drive past the Troubadour on my way to work. I see so many of my friends play there and I’m like, ‘Ugh, one day!”
You’ve already accomplished so much, but if the sky was the limit, what else would you like to achieve?
I want to perform worldwide on every stage, collaborate, and meet more artists. I get so much joy from working with others and learning about others. I’d also love to go to Thailand and play music there because my family is from there. That would be super rewarding! If I can make one person dance, smile and forget whatever annoying thing happened in their day, then I’m doing what I want to do.
In your opinion, what makes a good song?
Telling a story. Storytelling is lost upon a lot of pop music nowadays. Whether it’s through the music video or writing, I want something that totally transports me. It also has to be a story that you want to tell. I don’t want to hear someone else’s story. I want to hear why you think it’s important for you to sing it.
Thanks for this interview Viola! What’s next for you? Is there maybe an EP in the making?
Yes! There’s an EP in the works. I want to get two more solid songs on the EP before I announce a release date, but it’ll be around fall.
I’m playing at The Hotel Cafe on August 15. It’ll be a fun, all-women indie show.
We’re going to start getting into the DIY music scene and do more shows around LA. We’re going to play with these bands, Acolyte and Joseon. I’m very excited for that because I definitely want to play more live shows!
Viola Hutchinson: Instagram, Spotify, Youtube and TikTok
