Explore every episode of the podcast The Violet Vault
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince: Making Music History Part One | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:13:47 | |
In Part 1 of this two-part series, we explore one of the most pivotal chapters in Prince's career—the battle for artistic freedom that forever changed the music industry. After the massive success of Diamonds and Pearls, tensions between Prince and Warner Bros. reached a breaking point as his relentless creativity clashed with the label's traditional release strategy. We dive into the origins of the legendary Vault, the meaning behind the word "SLAVE" written across Prince's face, his shocking decision to abandon the name "Prince" in favor of the iconic Love Symbol, and the complex stories behind The Hits/The B-Sides and Come. This episode examines how Prince transformed a contract dispute into a powerful statement about artistic ownership, setting the stage for one of the most unforgettable acts of rebellion in music history. Join us next week as we continue the story and uncover what happened next in Prince's fight for creative independence. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: 3 Chains o' Gold | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:04:36 | |
In this week's episode, Violet Vault host Ava Cyr dives into one of Prince's last albums released under his given name in the 90s- Love Symbol. She explores the concepts for the album as well as what could have been. Ava also explains the narrative storyline Prince built into the album as well an encouraging listeners to give the album a listen in order to experience the storyline and his impeccable vocal range. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: If I Gave You Diamonds and Pearls | 18 Jul 2026 | 00:08:13 | |
In this episode of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr travels back to 1991 to explore the era surrounding Prince's landmark album Diamonds and Pearls. Discover how the formation of the New Power Generation ushered in a fresh creative chapter, why hits like "Cream," "Gett Off," and the title track helped reestablish Prince as a chart-topping force, and how songs such as "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" reflected the social and political climate of the time. Ava also looks at the personal and professional milestones that shaped Prince's life in 1991, including the arrival of Mayte Garcia, the early tensions with Warner Bros. Records, and the artistic reinvention that would define the next phase of his career. Join us as we revisit one of Prince's most influential albums and uncover why Diamonds and Pearls remains a timeless masterpiece more than three decades later. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: Entering a New Decade | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:08:13 | |
In Episode 14 of The Violet Vault, we begin exploring Prince's transformative 1990s with a look at Graffiti Bridge—the ambitious film and soundtrack that marked the end of one creative era and the beginning of another. Discover how Prince revisited familiar characters from Purple Rain, drew inspiration from a real Minnesota landmark, and exercised unprecedented creative control by filming primarily at Paisley Park. While the film struggled with critics and audiences, the soundtrack became a commercial success, featuring standout songs like "Thieves in the Temple" and "New Power Generation," which introduced the band that would help define Prince's next chapter. Join host Ava Cyr as we uncover how Graffiti Bridge became a pivotal bridge between the Prince of the 1980s and the fearless artist who would reshape his career throughout the 1990s. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince and the Bat | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:07:11 | |
In this episode of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr explores the fascinating story behind Prince's 1989 Batman soundtrack—an album that became far more than just a movie tie-in. Discover the surprising original plan to pair Prince with Michael Jackson, the mysterious "Gemini" character Prince created to embody both Batman and The Joker, and the hidden meanings behind the album's character-based songwriting. Ava also dives into Prince's relationship with actress Kim Basinger, the original inspiration for "Vicki Waiting," the unrealized collaboration with composer Danny Elfman, and how the chaotic brilliance of "Batdance" became an unlikely number-one hit. Join us as we uncover the creative vision, behind-the-scenes stories, and lasting legacy of one of the most unique and ambitious projects in Prince's legendary career. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: His Spiritual Rebirth | 20 Jun 2026 | 00:08:43 | |
In this episode of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr explores the remarkable story behind Prince’s 1988 album Lovesexy, a record born from one of the most dramatic artistic decisions in music history. After abruptly canceling the release of The Black Album—despite hundreds of thousands of copies already being pressed—Prince retreated to Paisley Park Studios and emerged just seven weeks later with a completely different vision. Ava examines how Lovesexy transformed themes of darkness and negativity into a celebration of faith, redemption, love, and personal growth, while highlighting standout tracks like “Anna Stesia,” “Alphabet St.,” and “Positivity.” The episode also covers the album’s controversial artwork, its innovative continuous-listening format, the ambitious Lovesexy Tour, and the lasting legacy of a project that showcased Prince’s willingness to reinvent himself and follow inspiration wherever it led. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: The Album Too Dangerous To Release | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:10:01 | |
After a brief hiatus, Ava Cyr returns to The Violet Vault with the first of two special back-to-back episodes exploring one of the most fascinating chapters in Prince’s career. This week, we unravel the mystery of The Black Album—the infamous 1987 release Prince ordered destroyed just days before it was scheduled to hit stores. From its dark, aggressive funk sound and controversial themes to the spiritual awakening that reportedly led Prince to cancel the project, this episode examines the album’s creation, its legendary bootleg status, and the enduring myths that surround it. Ava also explores how The Black Album served as the stark opposite of the uplifting Lovesexy, revealing a pivotal moment in Prince’s artistic and personal evolution. Join us as we dive into one of music history’s greatest unsolved mysteries and discover why The Black Album remains one of the most debated records in Prince’s catalog. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: His Next Major Musical Shift | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:09:08 | |
In Episode 10 of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr explores the groundbreaking era of Prince's 1987 masterpiece Sign O' The Times. From the dissolution of The Revolution and the abandoned Dream Factory, Camille, and Crystal Ball projects to the creation of one of the most acclaimed albums of his career, this episode examines a pivotal moment of artistic reinvention. Discover how Prince embraced new sounds, experimented with altered vocals, tackled social issues through music, and transformed a recording studio mishap into the iconic sound of "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker." Ava also takes a look at the legendary Sign O' The Times Tour, the acclaimed concert film, and the opening of Paisley Park, the creative complex that would become Prince's artistic home for decades to come. Join us as we uncover the stories behind an album that proved Prince's limitless creativity and cemented his legacy as one of music's most innovative artists. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: Life's a Parade! | 29 May 2026 | 00:09:52 | |
In episode 9 of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr travels back to 1986 to explore one of the most pivotal eras in the career of Prince. The episode dives into Prince’s eighth studio album, Parade, and his directorial debut film, Under the Cherry Moon. Ava discusses the album’s unique blend of jazz, funk, soul, orchestral pop, and European influences, along with the story behind the chart-topping hit “Kiss,” which was originally given to Mazarati before Prince reclaimed it for himself. The episode also explores the end of Prince’s legendary collaboration with The Revolution, examining the creative tensions and artistic evolution that led to the group’s split after the Parade era. In addition, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Under the Cherry Moon, including Prince stepping in as director after Mary Lambert left the project, the film’s original ending, its transformation from color to black and white, and the unforgettable MTV contest premiere held in Sheridan, Wyoming. Featuring stories about Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Jerome Benton, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Susannah Melvoin, this episode captures Prince at a moment of reinvention as he closed one chapter of his career and prepared to enter another. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: After the Rain | 22 May 2026 | 00:08:17 | |
In episode 8 of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr explores Prince’s bold artistic transformation following the massive success of Purple Rain. This episode dives into the creation and impact of Around the World in a Day, Prince’s psychedelic and experimental 1985 release that intentionally moved away from the commercial sound of his earlier work. Ava discusses the album’s Beatles-inspired influences, dreamlike storytelling, hidden symbolism, and standout tracks including Raspberry Beret, Pop Life, and Temptation. The episode also explores Prince’s evolving image during the “cloud suit” era, his intense recording sessions in Minnesota, his expanding creative work with artists connected to Paisley Park Records, and his first major televised MTV interview in 1985. Ava examines how Prince resisted repeating himself creatively, even at the height of fame, and how this transitional era paved the way for Parade, Under the Cherry Moon, and future classics like Kiss. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince's Silver Screen Debut | 15 May 2026 | 00:13:48 | |
Episode 7 of The Violet Vault follows host Ava Cyr as she explores the creation and legacy of Purple Rain, Prince’s groundbreaking silver screen debut. Ava dives into how Prince envisioned a Hollywood breakthrough following the success of 1999 and pushed for a studio film despite repeated rejection from major studios. The episode covers the evolution of the project from its original concept, Dreams, into the iconic film audiences know today, highlighting the work of Robert Cavallo, William Blinn, and Albert Magnoli. Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories about the casting of Apollonia Kotero after Vanity departed the project, the real-life Minneapolis music scene that inspired the film, and the rivalry between The Revolution and The Time featured throughout the story. Ava also discusses how Prince wrote and produced music not only for himself but for Apollonia 6 and The Time while filming, including the overnight creation of When Doves Cry. The episode also touches on the film’s massive commercial success, Academy Award win, and lasting cultural impact, while featuring a special story from longtime Prince fan and Purple Rain extra Erin Anderson. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Purple Memories: A Conversation with Damian Anderson | 08 May 2026 | 00:13:07 | |
In this episode of The Violet Vault, Ava Cyr chats with a musician and long-time Prince follower, Damian Anderson about his experience with the purple one. As a Minnesota native, Anderson has been fond of Prince since the early 80s and lead a career in music hoping someday, he'll find the opportunity to play for the purple Yoda. After partying multiple times out at Paisley Park, he finally gained the opportunity to perform for Prince, however, he landed a dance audition instead. Anderson fondly looks back at his time at Paisley and the small moments he shared with Prince. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Ladies and Gentlemen, The Revolution! | 01 May 2026 | 00:14:25 | |
In this episode of The Violet Vault, Ava Cyr explores Prince’s Purple Rain era, tracing how his success with 1999 became the launchpad for a groundbreaking, genre-blending masterpiece. Released in 1984, Purple Rain marked a shift toward a fuller, more collaborative sound with The Revolution, even incorporating live recordings from Minneapolis’s First Avenue. Ava unpacks the mythology behind the title track—from its spiritual, apocalyptic meaning to its surprising origins as a country-inspired piece—and highlights defining moments like the bass-less innovation of “When Doves Cry” and the sermon-like energy of “Let’s Go Crazy.” The episode also dives into controversy surrounding “Darling Nikki,” including its hidden backmasked message (“Hello, how are you? I’m fine ‘cause I know that the Lord is coming soon”) and its role in inspiring the Parental Advisory label. With staggering commercial success, major awards, and a massive tour, Purple Rain cemented Prince’s legacy as a visionary who fused rock, R&B, pop, and orchestral elements into a deeply emotional and cultural phenomenon—before quickly moving on to his next creative chapter. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Let's Party Like It's 1999! | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:10:25 | |
In this episode of The Violet Vault, Ava Cyr explores Prince’s groundbreaking 1999 era, highlighting it as a major turning point in both his career and pop music in 1982. Following Controversy, Prince intensifies his creative process, working obsessively in the studio and expanding his sound into a bold fusion of funk, rock, pop, and new wave—solidifying the “Minneapolis sound.” The episode also touches on his personal and professional relationship with Vanity, the rise of his protégé acts like The Time and Vanity 6, and the dynamic, tension-filled 1999 Tour. Ava breaks down the album’s themes of celebration and Cold War anxiety, while spotlighting key tracks before diving into a special analysis of “Little Red Corvette,” examining its metaphor, lyrical depth, and clever navigation of censorship. The episode concludes by emphasizing how this era propelled Prince toward superstardom and set the stage for Purple Rain. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| The Rise Before the Storm | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:08:01 | |
In this episode of The Violet Vault, Ava Cyr guides listeners into the transformative early 1980s—a pivotal era in both music history and Prince’s career. As disco fades and synth-driven pop, funk, and electronic sounds rise, artists like Michael Jackson begin reshaping the industry, opening doors for Black musicians to reach global superstardom. Against this backdrop, Prince returns to Minneapolis, determined to carve out his own creative path. Despite delays in building his home studio, he adapts quickly, recording Dirty Mind in a makeshift setup—a raw, provocative project that marks a bold departure from his earlier work and signals a full artistic and visual reinvention. The episode explores Prince’s growing pains and breakthroughs, from controversial performances and being booed offstage while opening for The Rolling Stones, to forming key collaborations and relationships, including with future protégé Vanity. With the completion of his home studio, Prince gains greater creative control and pushes further with his next album, Controversy, tackling themes of identity, politics, and sexuality. Though still chasing mainstream success, Prince’s relentless evolution, refusal to compromise, and willingness to take risks hint that something much bigger is just around the corner. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince: The Beginning of His Musical Career | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:08:31 | |
In episode two of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr continues Prince’s story at a pivotal moment—his transition from rising talent to recording artist. At just 19 years old, Prince signs with Warner Bros., securing a groundbreaking deal that gives him rare creative control as the youngest producer in the industry. This episode explores the making of his debut album, For You (1978), highlighting his perfectionism, refusal to collaborate with established acts like Earth, Wind & Fire, and his decision to play 27 instruments on the record himself. Ava also traces Prince’s early momentum, from the modest success of “Soft and Wet” to building his first band—laying the foundation for The Revolution. As his career begins to take shape, the episode dives into the release of his self-titled album Prince (1979), featuring his first major hit, “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” Listeners will also hear about his electrifying performances opening for Rick James, his awkward first television appearance on American Bandstand, and the early development of his guarded public persona. This episode captures the moment Prince evolves from a determined young artist into a rising force—setting the stage for the bold creative shifts that define his next era. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| Prince's Formative Years: The Making of a Legend | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:10:29 | |
In the debut episode of The Violet Vault, host Ava Cyr introduces listeners to the early life of Prince Rodgers Nelson, exploring the formative years that shaped one of music’s most iconic and enigmatic artists. From his birth in Minneapolis in 1958 to his upbringing in a musically inclined household, this episode traces the influences that defined Prince’s identity and artistry. Ava dives into his childhood struggles, including living with epilepsy, navigating family changes after his father left, and enduring teasing in school—experiences that would later influence both his persona and music. The episode also highlights Prince’s early immersion in music, his determination to master multiple instruments, and the beginnings of his career through his first band, Grand Central. Listeners will gain insight into how Prince’s environment, personal challenges, and relentless drive culminated in his groundbreaking record deal at just 18 years old. This episode sets the stage for understanding the genius of Prince by examining the roots of his creativity, resilience, and genre-defying ambition.
Prince Rodgers Nelson was born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, into a musically rich household. Named after his father’s jazz trio, Prince’s identity was tied to music from the very beginning. Raised by his mother, Mattie Shaw, a social worker, and his father, John L. Nelson, a jazz pianist, Prince was exposed to creativity early on. However, his childhood was fraught with challenges. Diagnosed with epilepsy, Prince faced both health struggles and social teasing, which shaped his inner world and later artistic expression. His story of telling his mother he would no longer be sick after a supposed angelic encounter reflects the mystique that would follow him throughout his life.
After his father left when Prince was eight, a noticeable shift occurred in his personality. Moving between homes and couch surfing during his teenage years, Prince turned inward—and toward music. Growing up in Minneapolis, where radio options were limited, he developed a diverse musical palette by absorbing whatever genres were available. This variety would later define his genre-blending style. Prince’s experiences with isolation, instability, and self-expression fueled his desire to stand out, often reflected in his bold fashion and performance style. His early interviews reveal a clear goal: to master multiple genres and earn respect for his versatility.
By age 15, Prince had already mastered the piano and began expanding his instrumental abilities. He formed his first band, Grand Central, alongside friends including Andre Anderson and Morris Day. The group found local success, catching the attention of producer Pepe Willy, who introduced Prince to the recording studio. There, Prince’s talent for playing multiple instruments became undeniable. With guidance from producer Chris Moon and eventual backing from Owen Husney, Prince secured a three-record deal with Warner Records at just 18 years old. His audition proved his genius—he recorded every track himself flawlessly, solidifying the beginning of an extraordinary career. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||
| The Violet Vault Trailer | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:01:13 | |
The first time I ever heard Prince was the day he passed. I was twelve years old, sitting alone in my bedroom, when Purple Rain came through the speakers for the first time. I didn’t know who he was or his story, but when the iconic guitar chords began to play, something broke in me and I started to cry. That moment changed me. Even though I discovered him too late in life to see him live, I’ve spent every year since trying to understand the world he created- his music, his genius, his mystery, and the way he taught generations to be unapologetically themselves. Welcome to the Violet Vault, a podcast dedicated to exploring Prince’s legacy through deep dives, rare stories, and conversations with the fans and artists he continues to inspire. Each episode, we’ll unlock a different side of the vault-from his early Minneapolis years to his spiritual journey, from the music that shook the world to the quiet moments that defined the man behind the purple. This podcast is my love letter to an artist who changed how I see music, creativity, and freedom. Because for me, Purple Rain wasn’t just a song. It was the beginning. This is the Violet Vault, and I hope you’ll step inside. If you enjoyed this episode of The Violet Vault, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the life and legacy of Prince. If you are interested in supporting our podcast, check out our support page here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support Instagram: Instagram | |||