Purple Mafia are five Yorkshire boys from Ripon Grammar school and after performing together for over 4 years they have built up a worldwide fan base. They have a combined twitter following of about 4000 and their very first single ‘She Thinks It’ has over 16000 views. Purple Mafia is made up of singer- Dan Reynard, lead guitarist-Josh Stockdale, rhythm guitarist -Harry Yates, bassist- Tom Stringer and drummer /backing vocals-Alex Boulton. The boys are not only cracking the UK they have also recently been over to LA in order to record some of their original songs and perform a live show in a Hollywood club. This all happened when they were contacted by Mitch Goodman who is the label Manager at Unison Music, an independent record label in Los Angeles. He was impressed by their energy, talent, enthusiasm and love of music.
It is easy to see why these boys have such a big following not only do they have good looks but they also have a fun nature and bags of energy. However it would not be fair to say that their likability is only because of these things as they also have writing ability way above their age. They have their own music style and stick to it rather than trying to be like other famous bands like One Direction. Their lyrics say it as it is but in a way that is positive and catchy. They manage to change from an upbeat song like ‘Sunburnt Orange’ to a slower sweet song like ‘She thinks it’ in one smooth jump without disappointing their fans or losing their personal style.
Purple Mafia. From left to right- Harry Yates, Josh Stockdale, Dan Reynard, Tom Stringer and Alex Boulton.
Having seen Purple Mafia in concert a few times I have seen how they play their instruments, sing and bring their fun energetic personalities onto the stage. However at the same time they also manage to captivate their audience and keep them in the palm of their hands; changing the audiences emotions as they change the song. Ask any well known musician and they will tell you this is something that is very difficult to achieve, ask any ex musician and they will tell you this is something they never quite mastered.
Purple Mafia have been lifelong friends and they have respect for each other both as friends and band mates but are also able to annoy each other without crossing the line and they have the ability to show this through their music videos and concerts which is one reason why I think people enjoy listening to them. They have a special bond together that cannot be faked.
Purple Mafia from left to right. Harry Yates, Josh Stockdale, Alex Boulton, Tom Stringer and Dan Reynard.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t think Purple Mafia will be covering teenage girls’ bedroom walls in a few years. Purple Mafia are not just another band. They play together because they have a love of music and not because they think it’s cool and will make them loads of money!
I think it is clear to see that these boys will go far; Mitch Goodman has already compared them to the young Beatles! But I just hope that when they do finally make it they do not forget their Yorkshire roots and the things that they stand for like so many others before them!
You can follow the boys on twitter: @AlexPurpleMafia, @DanPurpleMafia, @JoshPurpleMafia, @HarryPurpleMafia and @TomPurpleMafia
Make sure you check out my interview with Purple Mafia aswell!
Thank You for reading this if you like it please follow me on twitter @elliekay96
Ellie
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