Purity Ring (band)

Purity Ring is a Canadian electronic music duo formed in 2010 and originally from Edmonton, Alberta. The band consists of Megan James (vocals) and Corin Roddick (instrumentals).

Background and history

Both grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. James played piano and Roddick played drums prior to the band's inception, however neither currently play them as their primary instrument for Purity Ring. During live shows, Roddick uses a custom-built, tree-shaped instrument to drive both live sound and lighting. Additionally, during live appearances both wear clothes custom designed and sewn by James. James uses written work which she originally did not intend to release to the public for many of the band's lyrics.

2010–13: Formation and Shrines

The duo were originally two of several members of the band Born Gold (previously called Gobble Gobble). While on tour with Gobble Gobble, Roddick began experimenting with electronic production and beat-making. James was asked to sing on a track called "Ungirthed", thus forming Purity Ring. The song was released in January 2011.

Purity ring

Purity rings (also known as promise rings, abstinence rings, or chastity rings) are worn as a sign of chastity. The practice originated in the United States in the 1990s among Christian-affiliated sexual abstinence groups. Wearing a purity ring is typically accompanied by a religious vow to practice abstinence until marriage. Chastity rings are part of the abstinence-only sex education movement. Those who wear or promote these rings argue that the only method for safe sex is abstinence.

Even though research suggests that purity rings are most effective when a child asks to take a purity pledge and wear the ring, it is often parents who initiate purity pledges. Parents list many reasons for believing that purity pledges and rings are necessary: sex is dangerous and leads to sexually transmitted diseases; purity rings can help to prevent pregnancy; boys will often be assertive or aggressive when seeking sex from girls; young girls who have sex are often shamed, yet they are also pressured to have sex by many of their peers; and popular media often encourages children to have sex. Despite these fears, scientific research suggests purity rings have little to no effect.