Gina Zo: Unveiling Authenticity and New Beginnings with Velvet Rouge.
Amid the electric currents of rock music and the pulsating beat of liberation, Gina Zo stands as a beacon of authenticity and empowerment. Since her remarkable journey on NBC’s “The Voice,” where she honed her skills under the tutelage of Blake Shelton, Gina has not only evolved as an artist but also as a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. Now, with her band, Velvet Rouge, she is set to captivate the music world once again. In our exclusive interview, we dive into Gina’s thrilling new chapter, exploring her upcoming debut EP, her profound personal and musical growth, and the vibrant future that lies ahead for this dynamic ensemble. Join us as Gina Zo shares her story of resilience, artistry, and the pursuit of true self-expression in the face of the music industry’s dazzling spotlight.
Follow Gina @velvetrougeband
Hi Gina, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! I am the lead singer of the Philly rock band Velvet Rouge. But I just moved to LA and I am so excited to be living out here to continue to pursue my music career with my band. Since I was little, I have been dancing and singing – so to see the hard work coming to fruition is so special.
Describe your sound in three words.
Dynamic, Raw, Rebellious
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
My earliest influences were Stevie Nicks and Norah Jones – my cousins and I would dance around in my grandparent’s basement while those artists played on the record player. I was so inspired by their ability to make music that sounded real – saying things that I would say. I started making music like this – songs that were stories of my life. I had no choice but to do it because I was so dramatic and needed an outlet to get my feelings out.
Do you play any instruments?
I play piano and guitar! Piano, I have been playing since I was a child, but guitar is a bit newer for me. Oh, and I just picked up the drums… something I am REALLY excited about.
Do you ever get nervous before performing?
I am never nervous to actually do the performing – but I do get nervous about what the audience will think or feel. I always want my audience to be excited about what they are seeing and have a good time, so I feel the pressure more so.
What’s the story behind your songs?
It is all very different, but in my upcoming EP it is really about my need and want to figure out who I am, and how to tell the world and the people around me who I am. It has to do with the day-to-day troubles that we all face in that – if we like who we are, do others like who we are, and do we know what we even want to be?
Can you walk us through your creative process for writing songs? How do the ideas come to life?
It is all very, very different. Generally, my best music is either written as an improv – essentially me just picking some chords and starting to get out how I am feeling. This will generally start off when I am feeling down. The second way is as a poem – I write a lot of poems because I really focus on the rhythm and rhyming of the poems. I love to then turn them into songs by figuring out melodies. I guess I am essentially writing a song and then figuring out the actual notes later. Lastly, I might be up late at night and get a song idea right before I fall asleep. I have committed to myself that I need to take out my phone and do a voice note no matter what.
Are there any specific experiences or emotions that fuel the writing and composition of your songs?
Getting told no. That is always when I get the most emotional, eager, frustrated, excited – all at once. That is generally when I feel the most. I would say that that can be in any form of that though – so sometimes that is a breakup, a job opportunity in the music industry, or a fight with a friend.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
Like I said before, it really all depends. There have been times when I do start with a concept. For example, I went through a time when I was ONLY writing love songs and my guitarist encouraged me to stop talking about my romantic relationships and write about something different. This ended up being so impactful to me, as now I focus on more than just what is happening in my romantic life, and now am considering more what life crisis really looks like.
Now tell us about playing with your band Velvet Rouge?
I love my band so much. I started this band with Buddy, our drummer, and Joe, our guitarist, a couple of years ago. But really – I was working with them right after my time on The Voice, when I was just releasing music under my name Gina Zo. It has been such an incredible experience because they really have become my best friends and my family. That can be hard, but it proven to be such a blessing.
Tell us about your experience on NBC’s “The Voice,” and how was working with Blake Shelton?
My music career really got started for me when I went on The Voice – I was just graduating high school and while yes, I had been in all the theaters and choirs, I wasn’t doing too much with music outside of that. I didn’t even think having a band was possible. When I auditioned for The Voice and got on the show, I realized that all of this was possible. On my season, I was one of the only people who didn’t already have some type of established or slightly established music career – this was SO intimidating because I really wasn’t even sure what I wanted, meanwhile it seemed like everyone else did.
Blake Shelton was such a great person – for him to give me the chance of coming onto his team was so cool. I got to work with Gwen Stefani as she was our team’s mentor and wow… that was an experience. First off, her skin is amazing, but she also gave great advice about being my realest self, not trying to push myself into who I am not.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. It is one of my favorite books because of its encouragement for YOURSELF. It is not really about building a business so much as it is about building yourself, which is the most important thing.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Stop worrying about if he likes you or not. He probably doesn’t or you are trying too hard. I wish that I focused more on my passion and my drive. I definitely was driven and dedicated, just like I am now, but I would get so bent out of shape when a guy didn’t like me. Instead of looking at what really matters which is if I liked myself.
How would your best friend describe you?
A ball of energy that’s always looking to be on the go. They never fail to tell me how much I do and how I need to slow down. I appreciate that a lot.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
The Real Life Hannah Montana – because I like to live my music life and personal life a little separately.
What’s next for Gina Zo in 2024?
My EP release!!! This is big for Velvet Rouge because it is actually our debut EP under this name – I cannot wait to show you it. It’s been a long time coming and it is easily the best music I have ever written.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Hm…. I would say my favorite healthy meal is whole grain toast, over easy eggs, goat cheese and avocado!
And your favorite cheat food?
Either French toast or tater tots… or both together.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion is always evolving, but I am definitely a free spirit with my style. You could find me in almost anything, but lately super baggy jeans and a semi-sheer white tee with weird earrings is really my staple look.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To love yourself to the fullest extent: where you don’t let others determine what you think is right and wrong about you.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Stevie Nicks – I think I would pass out if I met her. I would want to ask her about her life, just have her tell me any stories she wants to share.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday would be to Morocco – I would go with myself, I love to travel alone.
Best advice ever given?
When do you don’t know where to start, just start.
Do you support any charities?
I came out as bisexual last year, and it is my mission to make others comfortable with their sexuality. Women are constantly put down for being attractive in the business world – people don’t believe that you can be taken seriously and still love how you look. Because of that, as a band we have donated to William Way during pride month last year when we released our pride song, Faking It.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
I hope to be selling out stadiums and be as happy as I am today.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Anything song that Taylor Swift has put out—I know every word to pretty much every single song.
What do you think of social media?
I love social media, but I think growing up, it really helped that I didn’t have a lot of access to it. I had a bit, but overall it was just putting pictures up on Facebook and silly Facebook statuses. There wasn’t a scrolling and comparing culture like there is today. I hope that I can encourage my children to find value outside of what you see online.
Where can we follow you?
On all my social media platforms, we are @velvetrougeband
Favorites:
Book: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Quote: “Mom, I am a rich man.” – Cher
Movie: The Zone of Interest
TV Series: Game Of Thrones
Food: Any Indian food
Travel Destination: Arizona
Sports Team: Flyers – Always a Philly sports fan. Forever.