PURSON play Beach Goth 4, The Mayan Theater Oct. 26 and The Observatory North Park Nov. 2
Purson will make the most out of their second visit to SoCal by playing three shows within a week, stopping first to perform at this year’s Beach Goth Festival at The Observatory in Santa Ana Oct. 24-25, followed by an opening set for Ghost at The Mayan Theater in LA Oct. 26 and The Observatory North Park Nov. 2.
The band, comprised of Rosalie Cunningham (vocals / guitar), George Hudson (lead guitar), Samuel Shove (keyboards), Justin Smith (bass) and Raphael Mura (drums), combine elements of 60’s psychedelic music, progressive rock and heavy metal to create a distinctive throwback sound.
The UK natives were recently presented with the Vanguard Award, given to a musical act deemed worthy of wider recognition, at this year’s Progressive Music Awards in London.
Their debut album The Circle And The Blue Door was praised by critics and caught the eye of legendary rock band KISS, who invited the band to play on their KISS Kruise last year.
A few days after the cruise came to an end, Purson performed their first show on American soil at The Viper Room in West Hollywood.
“We didn’t know what to expect but the place was packed and the vibe was very exciting,” Cunningham said. “U.S audiences don’t hold back. If they dig it they let you know and that is always a wonderful feeling. And then there was the added kudos of playing such a prestigious venue.”
The band’s gig as the opening act for Ghost will be their first time traveling and playing extensively across the U.S.
Audiences unaware of Purson will have an opportunity to witness firsthand the fearless stage presence and stunning voice of Cunningham.
Although the frontwoman has been praised by both critics and fans alike for her powerful vocals, Cunningham admits she never received a single lesson of formal vocal training.
“I have been singing for as long as I can remember and that is training in itself,” Cunningham said. “You learn what works and what doesn’t. Before the last couple of years, I didn’t like to consider myself a singer but rather a songwriter, musician, or anything else really.”
In addition to writing and singing the band’s songs, Cunningham has also served as the producer on both The Circle And The Blue Door and their second album Desire’s Magic Theatre, scheduled for release later this year.
“This album was even more self-produced than the last,” Cunningham said. “I have a complicated relationship with control that can be either productive, or destructive, but always in extremes.We often find that when we work with people outside of the band, it never turns out right. It’s a very specific, yet very eclectic vision that is hard to explain. Self-production is therefore essential.”
The added pressure of producing a strong follow-up and avoiding a sophomore slump was a non-factor during the creative process of the second album.
“To be honest, the thought only crossed my mind very recently when contemplating how it will be received,” Cunningham admitted. “Throughout the writing, recording and mixing process, I was making it for myself, selfish as that may seem. It represents a time in my life. People might like it or they might not. I don’t want to be influenced by those thoughts.”
With a follow-up album awaiting release, a growing fanbase and an opportunity to play at a series of dream venues along the way, Cunningham acknowledged the excitement the final few months of the year would bring.
“The Aztec Theatre in San Antonio is really beautiful and we just so happen to be playing it on the upcoming tour,” Cunningham said. “In fact, there are more than a few theaters to satisfy our penchant for vaudevillian charm on this tour. We owe Ghost’s booking agent a beer.”