Madison Violet

Madison Violet

Madison Violet is a Canadian folk and singer-songwriter duo from Toronto, formed in 1999 and made up of Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac. The pair work as singer-songwriters and are known for close vocal harmonies, acoustic-led arrangements and songs that sit between folk, pop and Americana.

Career

The duo’s early releases establish the sound that becomes their hallmark. Worry the Jury appears in 2004 and introduces their layered arrangements and radio-friendly harmonies. Caravan, released in 2006, develops that approach further with country-influenced melodies. No Fool for Trying follows in 2009 and becomes their breakthrough record, with producer Les Cooper involved for the first time. The album draws attention for its contrast between uplifting arrangements and often emotional lyrics, and it earns praise from outlets including the BBC, the CBC, Maverick Magazine, NPR and Penguin Eggs Magazine.

Their later album The Good in Goodbye reflects the duo’s growth together and apart, and is presented as a set of songs rooted in their personal and professional history as friends and musicians. It is recorded with producer Les Cooper and includes contributions from Joel Stouffer on drums, Adrian Lawryshyn on bass, as well as vocals from Ruth Moody and Blair Packham.

Awards and recognition

Madison Violet receive a number of folk and pop award nominations and wins over the course of their career. They are nominated for a Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year (Group). They win the Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year in 2009 and are the only Canadians to win the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, taking the Maxell Song of the Year Award for “The Ransom.”

The duo also collects multiple East Coast Music Awards nominations, including Best New Artist, Pop Recording of the Year for Worry the Jury, Group Recording of the Year for Caravan and No Fool for Trying, Folk Recording of the Year for Caravan, and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for “Small of My Heart.” “The Ransom” later receives Folk/Singer-Songwriter Song of the Year at the Independent Music Awards.

Touring and collaborations

Madison Violet build their audience through extensive touring, spending long periods on the road and playing sold-out venues across North America and Europe. They also tour with Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe and share stages with artists including Chantal Kreviazuk, Ron Sexsmith and The Indigo Girls.

Their recording work brings in musicians associated with Jill Barber, Dragonette, Andy Stochansky, The Wailin’ Jennys and Blair Packham, reflecting a network that spans Canadian folk, indie and pop.