Embalmer by day, rock star by night: How Carla Harvey bridges death and music in L.A.

"If Harvey's departure from Butcher Babies marked the death of a dream, Violent Hour has triggered a resurrection that resounds with symbolism from her chosen careers. Having worked with the dead and dying almost as long as she has been in bands, the singer has discovered a strong connection between death and music. "For me, the two inspire one another," she says. "Knowing death is on the horizon makes me want to create art and music.""

"Clad in a sleeveless leather top that clings like Saran Wrap, a black belt with silver metal eyelets, and shorts that look two sizes too small, veteran rocker Carla Harvey wriggles, shimmies, headbangs, and bounces around the tiny stage of the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood. It's her second-ever gig with her new group Violent Hour, and backing her are four young, similarly dressed musicians."

Carla Harvey performs energetically with Violent Hour at the Whisky A Go Go, backed by four young musicians and wearing provocative stage attire. Violent Hour's self-titled EP blends '80s metal, hard rock, and alternative influences, featuring the fast, heavy track "Sick Ones." The project represents a personal resurrection after an acrimonious split from Butcher Babies, which she co-founded and left after 14 years. Harvey has spent a decade working in death care as an embalmer, funeral director, hospice worker, and end-of-life therapist. She recently earned a master's of science degree in thanatology and believes awareness of death fuels creation and legacy.

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