Velvet Rouge – A wonderful conversation with GINA ZO
Ralph Beauchamp
(Photo credit: Hunter Carrico | Media Properties)
Gina Zo (Castanzo) is the lead singer of Philadelphia’s own band velvet rouge. The three piece suit is on fire. They’ve just released a self-titled EP and are playing an impressive string of live shows. The band, composed of Zo (vocals), Buddy Mazzenga (drums) and Joe McEnany (guitar), has gathered a considerable following for its high-energy attack.
velvet rouge Recorded with Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey (War on Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, Kurt Vile, Dr. Dog), velvet rougeThis raw and unbridled EP is a throwback to early 2000s pop and 90s rock, with each song taking on a fundamental element of life: “Lonely Being The Day We Met” (Earth); “Judgment” (Space); “I don’t know why” (Air/Wind); “Broken” (Fire); and “When did I become” (Water). Finally, Zuo said, “My mission with this album is to get listeners to the core of my songwriting, which is every 20-something’s struggle: figuring out who you really are.”
also, velvet rouge Addressing important social issues such as the self-consciousness and hypersexualization of women in the music industry. Their songs are touching and to the point. Zo’s story became a beacon of hope for aspiring musicians around the world. Her journey to stardom is a reminder that no matter how many times the world tries to knock you down, you have the power to create and shatter other people’s expectations. “It’s a reminder that true power comes from being true to yourself.” she concluded.
Gina Zo was kind enough to take the time to have this cool conversation with AMP.
AMP: What made you fall in love with music?
Like this: So, growing up, I was a dancer and I did theater. My grandfather bought me my first guitar when I was 14 years old. I was totally obsessed with Norah Jones and Fleetwood Mac at the time. What I love most about music is that I get to write about the dramatic experiences in my life. You can blame my obsession on Grandpa.
AMP: How did Velvet Rouge come to be?
Like this: When I was 17 I was on The Voice and after the show I wanted to be in a band. Basically, I found my drummer (Buddy) through my cousin’s friends. My guitar player, Joe, came through Craigslist. We went through a few bass players, but they ended up going their own way. We definitely went on a lot of journeys together, including me taking a break from music. According to plan, this version velvet rouge It’s only been about 2 years.
AMP: Can you walk us through your songwriting process?Brandi C
Like this: It’s always different. Now, I start with poetry. Mainly just writing about how I feel. Then I turn to the piano or guitar and start immersing myself in the song. Also, Joe would bring in a jam session and we all started jamming. Additionally, my mood also determines the temperature. When I’m sad, it flies away easily, but when I’m happy, I’m a little more nuanced in my songwriting.
AMP: How would you describe your music?
Like this: It’s almost a ’90s female singer/songwriter. The songs in this version are closely related to the musical styles of Alanis Morissette and Norah Jones. Just the songwriting style. I try to focus more on the meaning of the lyrics. I believe that’s what gets people involved.
AMP: Were you a member of Team Black on The Voice Season 10? What was that experience like?
Like this: marvelous. I never thought I would be on this show when I was 17 years old. There are so many steps involved. It took 5 auditions to finally succeed. As I passed each level I was more shocked. It instilled so much confidence in me at such a young age. Blake Shelton is incredible. I also work with Gwen Stefani. She completely influenced my singing style. She taught me how to be a real person. This is the only way people can connect with you.
AMP: Your new EP, velvet rougejust dropped. How excited are you?
Like this: So fucking exciting. I wrote some songs for this version a few years ago. I’ve been through a lot in the past few years. So, these songs are less about relationships with men and more about finding yourself. This excites me even more because listeners can really relate to tunes that inspire self-awareness. This is the greatest conflict in people’s lives. It’s all about figuring out who you are. My tracks expose my deepest secrets to the world. A topic I had never touched upon before.
AMP: We had a perfect segue. What themes are embedded in your songs?
Like this: So be it. I’ve written a lot about killing my ex-boyfriend. There’s a lot of revenge in my music. I have a song called “Fire In The Building,” which is literally about burning down his house. Now, like I said, it’s more about me and my internal conflicts. I’m trying to figure it out myself and hope I can encourage others to do the same.
AMP: Another perfect segue. What do you hope your fans take away from your music?
Like this: I want them to feel and learn new things. Be willing to try different paths and make the journey of life. I want them to push their limits to the maximum.
AMP: If you could organize an exhibition for any artist (past or present), who would it be and why?
Like this: For me, the easy answer is Stevie Nicks because I love her. Just browsing her closet and hearing her stories is amazing. However, my latest crush is Brandi Carlile. I’ve been to the Grammys a few times, and the last time, I sat three rows behind her and I didn’t dare say hi. Now, she is one of my biggest inspirations.
AMP: What’s next for Velvet Rouge?
Like this: We’ve been back in the studio working with a new producer named Justin Miller. He just won a Grammy. Since we’ve just started demoing, there’s a lot of writing to do. In addition, we have many live shows including the Xponential Music Festival in Camden, New Jersey. More music and more shows are coming soon. It’s going to be a blast.
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