Over here in the east, the west coast seems like some sort of alternate universe. Musically speaking, some of the most interesting and successful acts are coming from this side of the country.

One of the more unique bands that I have stumbled across from this region is a Vancouver-based electronic metal band called Autoviolet. They're sound is a unique blend of many genres set against Amy Arsenault's edgy yet controlled vocals, and the musical solidarity of Chris D, Chris B and Brent.

Meet the four unique influences that make up Autoviolet in this exclusive interview from theMOVEMENTZ.com, and don't forget to check out their brand new tracks on their MySpace and official website .

Interview: Autoviolet

Members: Amy Arsenault, Chris Dang, Chris Banting, Brent David Johnson

Sound: Electronica meets metal meets a lot of other things.

AMY ARSENAULT
(Vocals)

After performing extensively in highschool, and performing in an R&B soul revue, Amy thought that trying out for Autoviolet would give her the opportunity to branch out into new things.

"I didn't want to do the typical chick rock or folk music that is so prominent here on the west coast, and being a female searching for a band that is edgy is always a hard task in a male dominated scene...I finally feel that in this band, all my ideas and inspirations can come to fruition."

Known for her powerful vocals and impressive stage presence, Amy believes that being in Autoviolet has really allowed her to put her unique influence into the group. She also revels in Autoviolet's unique fusion of musical genres and believes that it bodes well for the group.

"AutoViolet is a world where metal, pop and electronic music can co-exist, flourish and grow together."

CHRIS DANG
(Loops, samples, keys and guitar)

Chris Dang is the founding member of Autoviolet, having put out the ad for member recruitment only a few years ago. Chris has an extensive resume with the music industry, having worked in both the performing and programming arenas.

In 2003, Chris D. decided that he wanted to create a group that fostered his own diverse musical tastes.

"I have an extremely eclectic taste in music and needed to create a group that encompassed my ideas... To me, AutoViolet is a musical hybrid, it's like taking your favourite mix-tape with all it's different styles, boiling it down, and leaving the best parts of each song to create one dynamic track."

That point easily explains the meaning of the band's name, which Chris D. described to us, "Autoviolet is the ying and yang.  Auto represents our cold, mechanical and technical side.  Violet is the colourful and organic nature that balances our music."

"After listening to our songs, I hope people will walk away with an open mind to other forms of music.  I would like to think of us as a "gateway" band: where someone who only listens to top 40 pop music can listen to us, and may become interested in seeing a Deftones or Slayer show; or a metal head wouldn't object to checking out the latest Girls Aloud single. I hope we can help make the music scene a more interesting and inspiring place again."

CHRIS BANTING
(Drums and percussion)

Chris Banting represents a high level of formal music training within the band, a trait that he describes as enabling to adding something different to songwriting mix.

"I find that my years of training enable me to be diverse in choosing certain rhythm patterns and drum grooves from all genres, and making them work within the musical style of AutoViolet."

So far, Chris B. and the other members have been pleased the public response to AutoViolet.

"We receive nothing but positive reinforcement from people who have taken the time to check the website and listen to our music.  Autoviolet is available to people on all levels because it encompasses a diversity of styles."

So what's the best part about this whole experience for Chris B?

"From the inception of having a musical idea in my head, to writing then performing a finished track has always been an incalculable experience for me, knowing that people are enjoying the music which I have created is my ultimate virtue."

BRENT DAVID JOHNSON
(Bass)

For Brent, thinking about Autoviolet's five-year journey leading up to the future release of their first full-length album brings him back to the time when it all began.

"I remember the classified ad Chris Dang had put out.  It was something like: "Bass player needed for electronic/rock hybrid project.  Chemical Brothers meets AC/DC, Fatboy Slim meets Pantera.  Have songs, studio, space.  Serious commitment." ...After I heard the first tracks Chris had, I knew this was something special; something unique.  This was something I wanted to be a part of."

Being a part of this project shed a new light on exactly how unique AutoViolet is.

"Blending genres isn't a new concept, but we're doing it in a way that fuses more than just two genres, like rap-rock or electro-punk.  We're pulling from a lot of different sources of music that we love; like electronic, metal, pop, even old Motown R & B funk/soul sneaks in.  It's all coming together in a way that is making a unique sound for us.  I think listeners will hear something fresh and new in Autoviolet, and they'll catch onto it."

So where does Brent see Autoviolet in five years?

"I see us on our second, maybe third album and touring North America and hopefully Europe.  Overall, I think the next five years are going to be awesome.  I'm very excited about what's to come.  We've been developing this for a few years, and it's finally all coming together."