Violet Road: The Driving Force of Modern Heartland Rock

Violet Road is an American heartland rock band known for its anthemic guitar work and blue-collar lyrical narratives. Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, the group achieved mainstream success with their 2018 sophomore album, 'Asphalt & Neon,' which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned a certified Gold single.

Early career

Formed in 2012, Violet Road's core members—vocalist/guitarist Jake Sterling and lead guitarist Marcus Vale—met while playing in various bar bands across the Midwest. Their self-released 2014 EP, 'Midwestern Skyline,' captured the attention of regional rock radio and led to a development deal with the independent label Rustbelt Records in 2015.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 following their signing to Capitol Records. Their first major-label album, 'Asphalt & Neon,' became a slow-burn hit, propelled by heavy rock radio rotation and a relentless touring schedule supporting acts like The Gaslight Anthem.

Key tracks

Two Lane High — This certified Gold single became the band's signature anthem, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in 2019.

Asphalt & Neon — The title track's music video, featuring iconic Route 66 imagery, solidified the band's heartland rock aesthetic and received strong MTV Rocks airplay.

Steel Mill Ghosts — A fan-favorite deep cut that showcases the band's more nuanced, storytelling side and is a staple of their live setlist.

Radio Waves — This 2021 single marked a slight sonic expansion with richer production and became their second Top 10 hit on the Mainstream Rock chart.

Following the success of 'Asphalt & Neon,' Violet Road headlined theaters and major festivals throughout 2019 and 2020. Their 2022 follow-up album, 'Resilient Heart,' debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200, proving their staying power within the rock genre. The band has collaborated with artists like singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus on the track "Parallel Lines" and contributed to the soundtrack of the film 'The Last Ride.'

Fans of the heartland rock sound of The Gaslight Anthem will appreciate Violet Road's earnest, narrative-driven songwriting. The guitar-driven energy of The Strokes finds a more Americana-inflected counterpart in their work. Listeners who enjoy the modern rock approach of Kings of Leon will connect with Violet Road's anthemic choruses. The heartland roots of Tom Petty are a clear and enduring influence on the band's melodic sensibilities.

The music of Violet Road maintains consistent rotation on a wide network of rock radio stations, from mainstream rock FM stations to online rock radio streams dedicated to guitar-driven music. Their catalog is a frequent feature on independent music radio stations that champion authentic American rock and roll.

You can discover the driving sound of Violet Road by tuning into the rock radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Listen for their hits and deep cuts across our curated selection of classic and modern rock radio stations available on our platform.