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Creating early auditory connections might be the last thing parents think they’re doing when casually deciding between Joan Jett or The Rolling Stones to play on the car ride to school. The commercials using radio rock as background music, old and weathered musical instruments lying around the house, or thrifted art pieces hanging in the bathroom may not outwardly birth a prodigy, but for the Bolin brothers Drew and Reed, this is what started it all.

The Bolins' household is surrounded by items that influence creative exploration, and although the Bolin brothers and Kyle Grant weren’t raised together, they unknowingly experienced a very similar creative childhood. With Kyle Grant absorbing his father’s music choices or watching VH1 music videos, he found himself magnetically drawn to the world of music. With a guitar gifted from his grandmother, Kyle Grant found friends Drew and Reed who quickly became family and it felt much like what they would eventually call their pop-rock band: Practically Paradise.

Despite their vastly different music preferences, from hardcore to pop, the three friends started this journey to just create music that feels right at this moment in time. Knowing this, the trio thought Practically Paradise could end up with a unique sound and they were right.

Glass Mansions, led by the charismatic, sultry voice of Jayna Doyle, is an Altpop trio from Austin, TX influenced by modern and 90s pop, heavy synths and tight, dance-friendly rhythms. Their music is propulsive and elastic, with bubbly pop-melodies, lush electronic beds of sound and intelligent, intimate lyrics.

Live, it’s pure Rock n’ Roll – raw, sweaty, passionate and covered in a cloud of fog and confetti – and chances are you’ve probably seen Glass Mansions at some point or another as they’ve crisscrossed the country, playing places like SXSW, Warped Tour, Daytrotter, Canadian Music Week, Indie Week Canada, South Sounds and Florida Music Festival. In the case that you haven’t, you are in for a treat.

Go See Live Music says “Glass Mansions are a pop lover’s dream,” and that the music “follows pop anthem sensibility, and does so magnificently. You feel like you know the song when it is over and are reaching for the repeat button.”

That knack for writing earworms recently landed the band featured spots on Bravo, Netflix and MTV, among other sync placements. Their sophomore EP, “RITUAL” was helmed by multi-platinum producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount and finds the duo of Doyle and multi-instrumentalist Blake Arambula exploring self-discovery, demons, nostalgia, and the satisfaction and laser focus that comes with leaving toxicity in the past.

After releasing the fiery “STANDING O” in 2022 and sultry “NEARSIGHTED” in 2023 to both streaming success and critical acclaim the band has returned with the dark alt-pop track “VIOLET” and accompanying music video to finish the trilogy.

Their most recent releases have also elicited support from KUTX, who said “if you’re on the prowl for the top purveyors of alt-pop right here in Austin, have peek into Glass Mansions, ” and Indie Music Spin echoed that sentiment saying “If you’re a fan of artists like Halsey, PVRIS, or Royal & The Serpent, “Nearsighted” is a must-add to your alt-pop playlist.”

To Doyle, it’s all about relief, especially in the live show. “They are 100% cathartic. They are just raw rock and roll vibes and a lot heavier and super fun. Every show is different and everyone has a good time”

That rawness and authentic connection translates from the songs themselves directly to the live experience, something you’ll have to witness yourself. Catch them across the country, and you’ll see why Glass Mansions is proving their worth, one sweaty fog and confetti-filled show at a time.

The band was voted to become a Sonic Guild Grant recipient in December 2025. Look for a brand new single in March, with even more music headed your way this Summer.

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.