Meet Indigo Violet | Producer, DJ & Founder of M.1317
We had the good fortune of connecting with Indigo Violet and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Indigo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After working in management and the wellness industry for 10+ years, I was satisfied helping others improve their health and using my professional skills. However, I was never completely fulfilled in simply working for others’ companies and leaving my full creative potential untapped. I did not enjoy having my desire to inspire and move others be limited by the ideas of people who were no longer in touch with their mission.
What does really call to me is music. In fact, without music I am not sure I would be here today. As someone with autism, I sometimes struggle with both my mental health and communication. And music has always been where I could turn, to feel not only relief, but connection. Electronic music such as house and techno transcends language and what we perceive as ‘normal’. With either simple and easy to follow lyrics, or none at all, these genres push our bodies to move without thought.
What we call ‘dance’ music is meant to bring us out of our heads and into our bodies. And for someone like me, who is already in their head all the time, that kind of energy and scene is exactly what I need. For people who haven’t experienced the communal environment of a live electronic show, it can be hard to understand just what I mean. DJs and producers often take a back seat to other musicians. Clubs are often seen as nothing more than a place to drink and meet others. But there is nothing like the intimate moment where an artist is on stage manipulating sound in real time, with no music sheet or rigid plan, to bring everyone into a tribe like state. To feel everyone moving to the same rhythm regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or class. And the artist feeds off of all this; the dancing feet, the flow art such as poi, the whistling, smiles and more. It becomes such an interactive and consuming experience that everyone seems to forget about the outside world and all its stress. In these moments all that is important is love for ourselves, love for one another, and releasing all that ails us.
I decided that not only do I want to be in this environment all the time, but I want to create it. So not only do I perform live and produce music, but I have started my own Record Label/Distribution company, “M.1317”. That way I can not only continue to give this gift to others, but I can create a like-minded community and give opportunities to more marginalized individuals such as myself; fellow LGBT+ members, women, ethnic minorities, and even those who are also neurodivergent.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of my perspective and approach to music. I enjoy creating an experience built upon turning what you know upside down. In a show, I will alter tracks into something new and possibly unrecognizable, while also sharing original sounds and effects that my audience has never heard and may never hear quite the same way again. My goal is to create a unique and powerful musical experience.
This is where the inspiration for my Label “M.1317” comes from. Some of us DJs are more than a ‘hype’ person or a playlist curator. We modulate sounds in real time, changing loved tunes and chords into something fresh and just as enjoyable. When listening to a true artist, you often will have no idea when one song blended into the next, or what track a particular altered sound originated from. Some of us even create original beats and progressions live for the crowd. To be a modulator of sound, a musician, and not just a press-play DJ is what sets me apart and what I look for in my record label.
I don’t know that I would call my journey difficult, but I spent years teaching myself to produce and perform music live without any outside influence. It took a lot of trial and error, dedication, and passion. But this is how I came to my own unique sound and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
And so I want the world to know that they can expect original, dynamic and moving art in the form of my music. A journey into one’s mind and body.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the things that inspired me to move to Denver, was eating delicious vegan food at City O’ City. A friend could not visit me without trying both City O’ City and their sister restaurant Watercourse. They have so many yummy foods and drinks to try!
They would also have to eat at Metaburger, the best vegan burger spot in town!
And of course, we would also have to visit our very own Meow Wolf exhibit, where you can also enjoy live electronic music!
It goes without saying that we would hike at least a few of our numerous beautiful mountains as well.
Closing the week off, we would enjoy a dark underground rave to which I do not know the venue of yet. 😉
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
One of if not the first artists to inspire me on my journey of music, was The Chemical Brothers. I have fond memories listening to them in my youth and am not sure I would be where I am today without them.
I also must express love and gratitude to my partner Carina, who has always been my number one fan. Her support and encouragement gave me the courage and determination to see my dream through.
Website: https://linktr.ee/indigovioletmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigovioletmusic/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/m1317
Twitter: https://twitter.com/m1317records
Image Credits
Luke Jasso
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