Violet Bennington, the daughter of the late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, is ready to embark on a new chapter as she prepares to release her debut album under the name Dead Name Draven. The singer-songwriter, who publicly came out as transgender in 2025, aims to share her journey of personal and artistic transformation through her music, with her new album set for launch next year.
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In a recent interview, Violet reflected on the often-inevitable comparisons to her father’s iconic voice, expressing her doubts about sounding much like him. “I definitely don’t think that I hear it as much,” she stated, acknowledging that while there may be similarities, her voice is higher in pitch. Raised in an environment immersed in music, Violet revealed that she truly began exploring her own musical identity only after her father’s passing in 2017.
Violet fondly recalls the moments spent in the studio with her father. “I got lucky,” she remarked, noting how observing him and the band during recording sessions had a lasting impact on her approach to music creation. “They would lock themselves in the studio all day, and that’s how I do it, too,” she explained. However, this blessing came intertwined with tragedy; Chester Bennington’s untimely death by suicide left an indelible mark on Violet, who was merely 15 at the time.
Struggling with her own mental health challenges, Violet faced her dark moments in late 2022, which culminated in two suicide attempts. She candidly shared her experiences in a heartfelt social media post earlier this year, revealing that she underwent 90 days of treatment across facilities in Nashville and California. Through therapy, she discovered she is bipolar, a condition that has influenced her emotional landscape. Reflecting on her progress, Violet shared, “I feel a lot healthier, a lot clearer, a lot more mentally happy,” and described her recent experiences as a profound new chapter in her life.
With her debut album as Dead Name Draven, Violet aims to convey the transformative power of embracing one’s authentic self. The album includes songs crafted both before and after her decision to come out, showcasing her evolving identity. “I was playing this version of myself that I didn’t want to be, and it was coming off in my music,” she admitted. Following her transition, Violet’s songwriting flourished, culminating in her first single, “Follow Your Heart,” which epitomises her journey of self-discovery and pride.
“‘Follow Your Heart’ was very much me during my very prideful era – like, this is me, this is who I want to be,” she described. Collaborating with songwriter Cass Dillon, she created an anthem not just for herself but potentially for others as well. “I wanted it to be something that, even if you weren’t inside the queer community, you can also chant,” she stated, highlighting the universal nature of her message.
Violet’s enthusiasm extends to the album’s themes, as she aspires to balance delicacy with assertiveness in her music. “Coming out is such a huge process and it has to be taken so delicately,” she noted, while also wanting to encourage others to assert their identities confidently. The songwriting process has proven cathartic for Violet, as she found her creativity flowing freely once she began to express herself authentically.
Looking back, she imagines her father’s reaction to her pursuing a music career would have been mixed, filled with both concern and support. “At first he’d be like, ‘Why are you in the music industry?!’” Violet laughed, recalling his protective nature and joking aspirations for her to take up golf instead. However, she firmly believes that he would ultimately support her artistic journey. “He would be very supportive in the fact of, like, ‘You’re creating art. Let’s do this,’” she said, envisioning Chester’s encouragement alongside his cautious advice.
As Violet prepares for the release of her debut album, she feels firmly aligned with her path. “I definitely think that it is where I’m supposed to be right now,” she concluded, filled with optimism for the future. In embracing her identity and her musical calling, Violet Bennington is not just carving her own way in the music industry but also paying homage to her father’s legacy while forging one of her own. The album promises to be a significant milestone in her healing and artistic expression, capturing the essence of her journey and the spirit of resilience.