Transviolet Address The Toxic Glamour Of Fame In “Drugs In California”

LA band Transviolet beckon us into the dystopic world of fame in their new single and video “Drugs in California.” Smeared with dreamy synths, the track is a chest-swelling anthem that captures the addictive glamour of fame, which is depicted in the haunting visuals. Speaking of the video, Transviolet’s Sarah McTaggart shared: “Director Kyle Vorbach, Cinematographer Skyler Bocciolatt and I wanted to create a dystopian world where the feeling of fame had been synthesized, and you could take a diamond pill to feel adored. But like the real thing, this glamorous drug comes with horrifying side effects.” Check it out:
On the song, McTaggart elaborated: “‘Drugs in California’ is a song about a toxic relationship. Specifically, it’s about a toxic relationship between fame and adoration. I’d always felt sort of ambivalent to fame. it always just seemed like an inconvenient side effect to making music that I might have to endure one day if things went really well. I felt like I could prepare myself for it. I’ve had small tastes of fame now, but it’s nothing like I anticipated.
It’s weird because I wouldn’t think of myself as famous, but the truth is, to some people, I am famous. I won’t lie to you, it feels amazing to have people connect with my work so deeply- to feel so seen, understood, and appreciated- to be adored. However, that feeling can be really addictive, even destructive. it’s made me question myself- who I am, my intentions, my integrity; at times it’s made me feel isolated and disconnected from people. it’s fucked with my head more than anything else I’ve ever experienced. should I want this? should I not want this? I still don’t know.”
Transviolet will go on tour this upcoming fall.
North America 2021
9/8 – Constellation Room (Santa Anam, CA)
9/24 – Knitting Factory Brooklyn (Brooklyn, NY)
9/29 – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern (Cleveland, OH)
10/6 – Globe Hall Live Music and BBQ (Denver, CO)
10/9 – El Corazón (Seattle, WA)
10/14 – The Echo (Los Angeles, CA)