Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/15/2024

Photo by Hunter Carrico
(LOS ANGELES, CA) -- Finding beauty beneath the pain and harmony hiding in heartbreak is an art form that Gina Zo has mastered as frontwoman of the Philly-bred, L.A.-based indie pop act Velvet Rouge. On May 15th, the trio released the first single, "Lonely Since The Day We Met" alongside the music video and also announced the self-titled EP due July 26.
The song is available at your favorite music service here and the EP is available for pre-save.
In discussing the single Zo said, “This song reaches into the undeniable feeling of dread when you realize you never loved someone you are with. They never gave you what you needed - and in reality you’ve been with them because it was the easy way out - instead of coming to terms with the fact you’ve been lonely since the day you met them.”
The self-titled EP 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.”
The material on Velvet Rouge’s upcoming self-titled debut EP has steady beats from drummer Buddy Mazzenga, guitar-driven rhythm from Joe McEnany and guest pianist Zo's younger brother Tyler DeTulleo which comes off like the soundtrack to an all-nighter at the heartbreak hotel.
The upcoming EP follow's Velvet Rouge's debut EP, Dark Hallways which came out October 2021 (under their previous alias, Zo) with "All The Things I Could Do" amassing 27,000 Spotify streams in 48 hours. In 2022, Gina Zo was inducted into the Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter and set out on a journey to put her mark on rock n roll. Later that year, the trio was voted Best Rock Band in Philly and was featured in Philly Style Magazine’s where they were crowned, "Philly's Hottest Rock Band."
Velvet Rouge will hit the road starting May 31 with a stop in Montreal on June 6 and summer festivals including Ladybug Music Festival, Beardfest and Musikfest plus shows in Los Angeles, Philly and New York. For tickets, visit, www.velvetrougeband.com/tour.
Tour Dates:
05/31 – Wilmington, Delaware @ Ladybug Music Festival
06/02 – Portland, ME @ Portland Lobster Company
06/04 – Montreal, CAN @ Barfly
06/13 – Hammonton, NJ @ Beardfest
06/29 – Bethlehem, PA @ Live at the V
07/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room
07/27 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas
08/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ Victory
08/07 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest
08/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Mint
08/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Rex at the Royal
08/31 – Philadelphia, PA @ Victory
09/14 – New York, NY @ The Delancey
09/20 – Camden, NJ @ Xponential Music Festival
10/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Evil Genius Beer Co.
EVENT PREVIEWS

Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
Tropicana Showroom presents Gov't Mule on Friday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City presents Gov't Mule on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00pm. For three decades, Gov't Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.
bergenPAC presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday
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Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th
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State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a Tribute to the Elton John, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson Trio Tours of 1970 – 1972 featuring Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes), Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux) and John Conte (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes).

Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.

The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
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