Reporting by Georgette Pierre
Already becoming an Internet sensation, Velous has built an undeniable buzz with his producing and singing skills. Before we sat down to chat on my radio show, I was able to catch up with him off air about his plans to take over the world and what fans can expect on his upcoming project Velocity.
Check out our off-air interview below. If you missed him on Georgette Pierre Radio, listen to it here.
You go by the name ‘Velous and your newest project is called Velocity. How does that name coincide with your music artistically?
That name actually came about when I was 15 years old after someone told me how marvelous my production skills were. The name Velous is ‘Marvelous’ minus the MAR. The first four letters of Velous and Velocity are V-E-L-O. It’s actually a double meaning. Velocity is defined as the speed of an object in any given direction. I feel like artistically, I’m just going ‘my own way’ and I wish the best of luck to anyone trying to keep up. I also look at Velocity as Vel’s City kind of saying, “welcome to my territory”. That’s Velocity to me.
You were signed at the age of 16. Was that your first stint with music?
Yeah it definitely was as a young artist and producer but sometimes, that’s part of learning the music business. Things happen for a reason. I learned and grew past that situation. I’m in a great place now!
Now that you’re working with indie label Swanky Music Group, what projects are you currently working on with them?
Well, I’ve been working on an LP titled Velocity named after a mixtape I dropped in my hometown Kingston, NY. The mix tape gained the attention of Cus Maven and ultimately signing to his indie label, Swanky Music Group. Only 4 out of the 16 original tracks from the mix tape will be on the Velocity album. All of the other tracks are brand new. I think it’s dope because it kind of starts from the perspective of this regular kid who’s just trying to make good music that everyone can feel. But as I’ve become more involved in this “good vs. evil” industry, I’ve witnessed certain things that I wasn’t used to seeing as a small-town kid. I embraced this new lifestyle all while dealing with my own personal life issues & this project progressively showed that. With this project, I’m not just giving the fans good music. I’m giving them an honest piece of me.
Do you have plans of signing to a major label?
I do have some things in the works but it’s all subject to the terms of the agreement. It’s an indie artist market and we’re building our own machine that’s constantly improving. I enjoy having creative control, which is something I definitely have right now. I’m interested in distribution from a major label. We’ve got some amazing things in the works!
You’re currently working two singles, ‘Girls Gone Wild’ and ‘Pretty Girls’ featuring Torch from Maybach Music Group. How did you connect with Torch?
I connected with Torch through Cus Maven and he knew Torch through a mutual friend of his. It was just one of those things where they told me to make a track for Torch to be featured on and I had two days to create it. I studied some of his records like I often do if I’m getting ready to feature someone on my record or do production for them. I came to the conclusion what we give to the people has to be something with meaning and relevancy. Something trill that people would relate to. I thought ‘let’s expose the broads that these n***as be running around on Instagram thirsty over’. Two days later, I composed, wrote, and produced “Pretty Girls”. Torch loved the record and sent back his verse ASAP. It was perfect in its authenticity. Later that week we even performed the record together. Finally, we shot a visual with Glass Eye Media and it swept the blogs.
Have the two singles been received well?
Amongst the industry, they’ve been received very well. The records have yet to reach their peak though. Due to these singles, people in the industry that weren’t believers before are beginning to recognize that I take my craft very seriously. Each record that I release creates a new situation seriously. I got offered a single deal for GGW [Girls Gone Wild]. “Pretty Girls” has a lot of the major blogs requesting exclusives and reinforced that I’m a serious artist to my peers. My team and I are working very hard to put out quality work and we’re beginning to reap the fruits of our labor. There are still a lot of obstacles to overcome but I’m just thankful that my peers and acquaintances in the industry are beginning to watch and take me seriously. Big ups to my team!
Regarding the visuals for ‘Pretty Girls’, you’re basically set up by your girlfriend, eventually lying in pile of your own blood. The lyrics convey that pretty girls can sometimes be trouble. Do you really believe that to be true? Was the storyline based on a personal experience?
It’s very true but not all pretty girls are trouble just the ones I’ve dealt with. Maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic. Maybe I just haven’t found Ms. Right yet. For girls, there are guys that are nothing but trouble too. It goes both ways but there’s a special power beautiful women possess and if abused, it can be very sinister. If you ever heard of Adam & Eve, Jezebel and Ahab, or read Macbeth in school, then you know what I’m talking about.
What can fans expect on Velocity?
The unexpected, even when you think you know what to expect you don’t. Also drugs, lots of drugs.
Who else did you work with?
I’m not gonna spill it all before it drops but I will say I’ve been a huge fan of Los (King Los) since before he was with Bad Boy. I’ve been supporting his grind since I was 16 and now at age 21, I have a dope record with him. Two years ago, I was sweeping the floor at the YMCA while listening to his “The Crown Ain’t Safe” mix tape. So I’m stoked for that. The song is phenomenal, I talked my sh*t on the track & Los’s verse was amazing. I made some ‘crinack’ with one of my favorite rappers. I can now scratch that off of my bucket list. [He revealed more collaborations during our on-air interview. Listen to it here.]
When will it be released?
April we’re going in for the kill.
What’s next for you?
I’m just getting started on my plot to take over the world. I’m just doing what I love to do and trying to make my mama proud in the process. Looking forward to inking these new deals, touring and just growing with my fans.
Ways to find you online?
Check me out on YouTube: www.youtube.com/VelousTV
Twitter & Instagram: @VelousMusic #DeyKnow
For all business Inquiries, email Info@VieBranding.CO (Vie Branding Co)
Thanks for the interview!