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
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jason Ricci on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Multiple award winning jazz, funk and blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter Jason Ricci comes to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, June 12, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The outlaw spirit of classic Country music will ride into Albert Music Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the historic Waretown venue presents a special evening dedicated to the songs, stories, and the independent spirit of Outlaw Country.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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