With their new EP, ‘OXTR’, Scottish trio The Violet Kind display a dynamic and intricate set of harmonious indie rock. Nevertheless, it is the poignant lyrical context that is the focal point of the four songs on offer. Throughout the EP, frontwoman Katya Mansell leads the way as she sings about a range of thought-provoking topics based on sexual violence and rape culture.
Mansell, along with Liam Duffy (bass) and Kyle Hamilton (drums), sensitively highlight the reality and the effects these issues can have on the victims. Opener, ‘Speakeasy’ addresses issues of consent and the mental damage caused. ‘Good Behaviour’ sees Katya takes a stance against the treatment abusers receive while survivors struggle to cope with the aftermath. Whereas on ‘Science’ highlights those who are brave enough to speak out and standing with those who aren’t able to.
Admittedly, the subject matter of ‘OXTR’ is heavy but in the current cultural climate, it’s something that needs to be discussed.
In the lead up to the imminent release of ‘OXTR’, we reached out Katya Mansell to tell us ten empowering quotes for anyone affected by sexual violence.
“It wasn’t your fault.” – Beverly Engel
The abuse that you experienced was nothing to do with you. The responsibility lies with the abuser, and the abuser alone. You are not to blame for what happened to you.
“Freezing is a perfectly natural response to trauma.” – Rape Crisis Scotland
Often the way we respond to trauma is different from the way we would expect. It’s important to remember that our brain goes into survival mode and that looks different for everybody. Watch a really helpful video by Rape Crisis Scotland to find out more here.
“Healing is not linear.” – Anonymous
Healing takes time, but it is possible. You will go through many ups and downs but eventually, things start to settle and days feel a little easier. Reach out and get the support you deserve – it doesn’t matter if you think someone else’s experience may be worse than yours. That’s not true. You matter and you do deserve care.
“The rape will tear you in half but it will not end you.” – Rupi Kaur
An experience of sexual violence will shake you to your core, but you can survive. You are a survivor. With self-care and support, you can still live an amazing life.
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” – Brene Brown
Be Kind to yourself. Take time to work through the pain. Really look after yourself. You deserve the care you would give to someone else in the same situation.
“You’re brave because life gives you every reason to want to give up and still, you rise, you pick yourself up and carry on.” R. M. Drake.
Be proud of yourself for the way you rise. It takes a great deal of strength to carry on after experiencing this much pain, and you’re doing it.
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J. K. Rowling
When you reach rock bottom, it doesn’t mean your life is over. You can rebuild your life after pain.
“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, she became a butterfly.” – Barbara Haines Howett
When you experience dark times, it’s easy to forget that it won’t always be that way. You can rise from this pain.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Allow your experience to mould you into the person you want to be. No one would ever want the pain that it brings, but you can let it form you into someone beautiful; one who understands the struggles people go through and one who is able to empathise with others. You learn to really know and appreciate the care that is given to you, to love yourself and to love others better.
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo
Some days you think you won’t manage. The truth is, you can manage much more than you often give yourself credit for. Believe in yourself.
‘OXTR’ EP by The Violet Kind is released on 16th March on Kindness Records.
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