Credit: Found On Internet

Lavender Diamond – Give Peace A Chance

Forget what you know about 21^st Century music and the industry that powers it.

Forget sex, drugs, rock n’ roll, boybands, badlands, bling and cash-cow cynicism.

That is not why we are HEAR. How do I know? - because Lavender Diamond told me.

“People say the music industry is cynical and dictated by money; if that’s the case then it needs to change,” says Becky Stark, songstress and philanthropic force behind the Californian four-piece.

“It is time for the musicians and the community of listeners to take back the music industry.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have beautiful, uplifting music on the airwaves other than someone is afraid to make it. I’m not afraid, and if nobody else is going to make it, it may as well be me.”

True to her word, Lavender Diamond have recorded a collection of shimmering folk-pop songs that could not be more different to the current chart-clogging crop of jagged, sleek and affected artists.

The Cavalry of Light EP marks their debut release in the UK on Rough Trade Records and, recorded as live onto two-inch tape, it is a record of unusual purity.

Stark’s vocals radiate with a clear resonance akin to ringing sound from the top of wine glasses while her band - pianist Steve Gregoropoulos, guitarist Jeff Rosenberg and drummer Ron Rege – provide a warm backdrop.

The feel-good fug surrounding the record is intentional – Lavender Diamond have much, much bigger plans than just sprinkling a little integrity over the music industry.

“Our aim is to make music that is uplifting, that can make people feel better and give them strength and energy,” says Becky.

“We want to share love through our music and hope that will be some part of there being more peace in the world.”

Hang on, peace and love? Is she for real?

“Unfortunately it is for real,” Stark says seriously through a half smile. “I know it is hard to think that it could be and it might seem clownish but it is for real.

“Because of the war in Iraq, for me, living in America and talking about peace is something that is real and very relevant.