The Violet Hours are known in the blues-Americana scene for their soul-stirring sounds and evocative story-telling, crafting fresh takes on blues and country rock while carving out a signature style of their own.

Fronted by Preston-based singer-songwriter Helen May, alongside the accomplished guitarist Chris Preston, the band crafts fresh takes on blues and country rock while carving out a signature style of their own.

Formed in April 2023, Chris and Helen share a love of expressive melodies and lyric driven storytelling. Helen’s background in journalism shapes the vivid, emotionally resonant lyrics at the heart of their songs, while Chris brings a depth of experience and tone to the sound.

Their latest EP named ‘The 3 Colours of Heartbreak’, now streaming on all major platforms, features 3 intimate and powerful acoustic tracks - ‘Where were you’, ‘Let it burn’ and ‘Sorry’ - each offering a different take on heartbreak and resilience

.Helen and Chris perform as a duo and also recruit stand out musicians to deliver a full band show. The Violet Hours bring emotionally charged sets that are eclectic - taking the audience on a journey from sadness and remorse to joy and groove. They have already made an impression at venues and festivals across the country, including Colne Blues (Great British Rhythm &Blues Festival), and Diseworth Blues who describe them as being ‘one of the hottest acts on the circuit’.

"What an amazing gig from The Violet Hours at Diseworth Blues. A mixed set of blues and rock with some beautiful acoustic numbers thrown in.  The Diseworth Blues audience were treated to 2 hours of sheer bliss from one of the hottest acts on the circuit. Helen May’s vocals are to die for and there can be few better guitarists than Chris Preston, backed by a super tight band." - Diseworth Blues (July 2025)

"Chris’ smooth acoustic phrasings and Helen’s lovely voice, combine to evoke a sense of time and place and draw you into their stories of lost love. Their songs are wistful and contemplative but they can also up the tempo when they want to." - Screaming Riffs (July 2025)

---