VELVET ROUGE – A COOL CONVERSATION WITH GINA ZO
By Ralph Beauchamp
(Photo Credit: Hunter Carrico | Press Assets)
Gina Zo (Castanzo) is the propulsive frontwoman of Philadelphia’s own Velvet Rouge. The three piece is on fire. They just dropped their self titled EP and are playing a series of impressive live dates. Comprised of Zo (Vocals), Buddy Mazzenga (Drums) and Joe McEnany (Guitar), the band has amassed a considerable following with their hi-energy attack.
Velvet Rouge was recorded with Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey (War On Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, Kurt Vile, Dr. Dog), Velvet Rouge’s raw and unrestrained EP is a throwback to early 2000s pop and ‘90s rock music with each track taking on one of the essential life elements: “Lonely Since The Day We Met” (Earth); “Trial” (Space); “I Don’t Know Why” (Air/Wind); “Shattered” (Fire); and “When Did I Become” (Water). In the end, says Zo, “My mission of this album is to take listeners into the core of my songwriting, which is the struggle of every single 20-something person: figuring out who the fuck you are.”
In addition, Velvet Rouge tackles important social issues such as self awareness and the over-sexualization of women in the music industry. Their songs are poignant and to the point. Zo’s story became a beacon of hope for aspiring musicians everywhere. Her rise to stardom is a reminder that no matter how many times the world tries to bring you down, you have the power, to create, and to shatter the expectations of others. “It’s a reminder that true strength comes from staying true to yourself,” she concludes.
Gina Zo was kind enough to spend time with AMP for this cool conversation.
AMP: What got you into music?
ZO: So, growing up I was a dancer and I did theater. My grandfather brought me my first guitar when is was 14. I was really passionate about songwriting. At the time I was totally into Norah Jones and Fleetwood Mac. What I liked the most about music was the fact that I could write about the dramatic experiences in my life. You could blame grandpa for my obsession.
AMP: How did Velvet Rouge form?
ZO: When I was 17, I was on The Voice and when it was over I wanted to play in a band. Basically, I found my drummer (Buddy) through a friend of a cousin. Joe, my guitarist, came via Craigslist. We’ve gone through a couple of bassists but they eventually went their way. We have really gone through a bunch of journeys together including me leaving music for a while. In the scheme of things, this version of Velvet Rouge has only been around 2 years.
AMP: Can you give us a peek into your songwriting process?Brandi C
ZO: It’s always different. Right now, I start with poetry. Basically, writing down my feelings. Then I go over to either the piano or guitar and start to dive into a song. Also, Joe will bring in a riff and we all start jamming. In addition, my moods kind of dictates the temperature. When I’m sad, it flies out easily but when I’m happy, I get a little more meticulous in my songwriting.
AMP: How would you describe your music?
ZO: It’s pretty much 90s girl singer/songwriter. The songs on this release are so tied to the Alanis Morissette and Norah Jones approaches to music. Just in songwriting style. I try to focus more on the meaning of the lyrics. I believe that’s what pulls people in. So, a quick response is 70s-90s rock band.
AMP: You were on Team Blake on season 10 of The Voice? What was that experience like?
ZO: It was amazing. I wasn’t expecting that at age 17, I would make the show. There are so many steps involved. It took 5 auditions to finally make it. As I got through each level, I was more shocked. It instilled so much confidence in me at such a young age. Blake Shelton was incredible. I also got to work with Gwen Stefani. She totally impacted my style of singing. She taught me how to become a real person. That’s the only way people will connect with you.
AMP: Your new EP, Velvet Rouge, just dropped. How stoked are you?
ZO: Really fucking thrilled. I wrote some of the songs for this release a couple of years ago. I’ve gone through a lot these past few years. So, these songs aren’t so much about relationships with men but about a search for myself. Which makes me even more excited because listeners truly connect with tunes that sponsor a sense of self awareness. It’s the biggest conflict in people’s lives. It’s all about trying to figure out who you are. My tracks are exposing my deepest secrets to the world. Topics I’ve never approached before.
AMP: We have a perfect segue. What kind of themes do you embed in your songs?
ZO: There you go. I used to write a lot about killing my ex-boyfriend. There was a ton 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 me out and hopefully I am encouraging others to do the same.
AMP: Another perfect segue. What do you want your fans to take away from your music?
ZO: I want them to feel and learn something new. An openness to try different paths and take life journeys. I want them to push their limits to the max.
AMP: If you could open a show for any artist (past or present) who would it be and why?
ZO: The easy answer for me would be Stevie Nicks because I just love her. Just going through her wardrobe and hearing her stories would be amazing. However, my recent obsession is Brandi Carlile. I got to go to the Grammys a couple of times and the last time, I was sitting three rows behind her but was too afraid to say hi. Right now, she is one of my biggest inspirations.
AMP: What’s next for Velvet Rouge?
ZO: We are already back in the studio working with a new producer named Justin Miller. He just won a Grammy. Since we just started demoing, there is a lot of writing happening. Plus, we have quite a few live dates including the Xponential Music Festival in Camden, NJ. What’s coming up is more music and more shows. It’s going to be a blast.
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