Prince's Silver Screen Debut

Prince: Life's a Parade!

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.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] Instagram: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thevioletvaultpodcast/]Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584974489953]Shareable episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757]

Prince: After the Rain

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.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] Instagram: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thevioletvaultpodcast/]Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584974489953]Shareable episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757]

Prince's Silver Screen Debut

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.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] Instagram: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thevioletvaultpodcast/]Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584974489953]Shareable episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757]

Purple Memories: A Conversation with Damian Anderson

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.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] Instagram: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thevioletvaultpodcast/]Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584974489953]Shareable episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757]

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Revolution!

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.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/support] Instagram: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thevioletvaultpodcast/]Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584974489953]Shareable episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597625/episodes/18912757]