Violet Violet hit US tour success

Kim Briscoe

An all-female city band have been making a name for themselves on a successful tour in America supporting one of John Peel's favourite bands.

Violet Violet travelled to New York to play with The Nightingales, one of the legendary DJ's most played bands.

The three-piece spent a week on tour, playing several gigs in the Big Apple and Boston, including a show the well-known Arlene's Grocery, where a handful of major New York bands have played their earlier performances, including the Bravery and the Strokes.

Violet Violet, who are Cheri Percy on lead guitar and vocals, Fliss Kitson on drums and vocals and bassist and backing vocalist Kylie Rouse, also toured with The Nightingales on a European tour earlier this year.

Miss Percy, a 22-year-old UEA languages student who lives in St Giles Street, said: “We have been lucky enough to go on about three UK tours, supporting different people, including Blood Red Shoes, but it was great to go to New York with The Nightingales.

“It's made our live material a lot stronger and we been writing more songs to play for people to hear live.

“Going abroad helps you get used to different crowds and we made lots of new friend in America.

“Our music went down really well there as they like the girlie rock sound that we do.”

However, the NR1 Records band have had a setback since returning to Norwich after Miss Percy tripped and broke her arm stumbling in one of the city's cobbled street.

Miss Percy, who went to school in Dereham with the band's drummer, said: “I'm just hoping the cast can come off in time for our next gig which is an NR1 Records event on Saturday, December 20, at Norwich Arts Centre.”

t Violet Violet currently have a five-track EP, Bring Bring the Morn and Bike Till Dawn, on sale through NR1 Records.

Further listening: Violet Violet