Rooted in the Carolinas and growing steadily through the Southeast, Private Violet is an indie-alternative band known for their textured sound, emotional depth and electric performances. Combining expressive vocals with intricate instrumentals, the band invites listeners into a space where melody meets meaning. With every performance, Private Violet continues to evolve - blending artistry and authenticity in a way that feels refreshing.

Formed in 2022 by vocalist and songwriter Emma Brooke Alley and keyboardist and composer Reid Calchary, Private Violet began as a creative spark between two classically trained musicians who shared a vision of crafting music that the Upstate had never heard before. Emma - a classically trained vocalist and contestant on NBC’s The Voice (Season 22) - brings a captivating presence, her voice shaped by years of performance across the country and a degree in Vocal Performance from Converse University. Reid, who studied music composition and production at Belmont University, weaves textured, eclectic arrangements that merge modern indie energy with timeless musicality.

The duo’s chemistry sparked something special - a sound uniquely their own. Together, they wrote and recorded their debut EP, The First Glance, at Studio 101 in Woodruff, South Carolina - a release that introduced listeners to the band’s signature blend of shimmering synths, powerful vocals, and expressive instrumentals.

As their music evolved, so did their lineup. Private Violet soon expanded to include Skyler Hall (drums), Daniel Kurtz (lead guitar), Louis Keenan (rhythm guitar), and Hunter Lanier (bass). Each member brings years of experience in the Upstate’s music scene and a distinct musical voice that amplifies the band’s ever-growing sound.

Inspired by artists like Flipturn, The Marías, Crumb, Radiohead, and Magdalena Bay, Private Violet merges dream-pop textures with alternative rock energy. Their live performances are immersive and electric - a mix of precision and passion that has captivated audiences across the Southeast.

Private Violet has performed at a wide range of venues and festivals, including Fall for Greenville 2025, Swanson’s Warehouse, Sofar Sounds (Greenville and Charlotte), Warehouse at Vaughns, and Starlight on 22nd, among many others. They’ve also played benefit concerts supporting causes close to their hearts, including Speak for Animals SC and relief efforts for First Responders in Rutherford County, NC following Hurricane Helene.

As Sofar Sounds artists and rising figures in the Southeastern indie scene, Private Violet continues to refine their sound - one that’s as intimate as it is expansive. With each performance and release, they invite listeners into a sonic world that blooms with emotion, introspection, and message.

Read more about their story in South Carolina Voyager Magazine, and listen to their debut EP The First Glance, available on all streaming platforms.