The Velvet Hands, Party's Just Beginning!
The Velvet Hands. Review by Monefa Walker and interview with Katie O from This Feeling tour finale. New shows UK (with John Kennedy of Radio X, The Bluetones/ Lucie Barat) and Paris. Debut album 'Party's Over' released on Record Store Day.
The Velvet Hands have just completed This Feeling's annual (buzzier than corporate awards) "Big In" convention, (headlining one of the five nationwide sold out shows) followed by a star trek around the UK (including during Independent Venue Week - as per Brian Robinson's pic below) with fellow up and coming guitar-slingers, Himalayas.
Interviews
Before their This Feeling tour finale show with Calva Louise, Nadia Sheikh and The Lodgers (who played TheZineUK music social last Star Wars Day), multi talent music passion, Katie O, caught up with Dan Able and Toby Mitchell of The Velvet Hands for her first filmed (by David Gomes) interview.
Full conversation and banter coming coming soon, here is a quick #ZineAndHeard teaser (with an idea of how much impact This Feeling and Mikey Jonns have on new music's expanding community - which really is the best of friends). We get the feeling that Katie (who was a superstar of a DJ at The Music People Party) is going to be a natural at this. Stay tuned. After that, another of our rising stars of the music world, Monefa, caught the band live in action;
"Saturday 3rd March 2018 - a day where a lot of people – including myself - were venue hopping for several gigs. I got to the Water Rats as Calva Louise were doing a stellar set. They raised the bar. The Velvet Hands followed suit, and made sure the night ended on an absolute high. It was absolutely packed and and there were real festival vibes (without the sunny weather or the surrounding tents!).
The Velvet Hands are truly coming into their own. They work incredibly hard and will blow your hats and socks off as it's fair to say they are one of those bands that you'd never tire of going to see live. Every performance they bring a slightly different magic, with a powerful dynamism which draws the crowds in like a magnet and has everyone moving.
'Only Blame Myself' definitely showcases their unique signature sound. The song is a like a diary journal in real time, making observations about life, but being held back a bit by self-doubt. However, this tune is definitely not doom and gloom, it's about being frank, accepting that things are what they are, and moving forward with that acknowledgment.
When the intro for 'Games' begins, the whole room is a-buzz for a definite favourite. We are fortunate in this song, to hear how well duo front men, Toby and and Dan's voices harmonise. 'Games' is beautifully raw, honest and one of those feel good songs to remind you: Chin up, life is too short to be messing people about. The crowd agreed, going along with the lines in the chorus; "I don't want to play your games..."
Monefa Walker
Since forming at the end of 2015, The Cornwall/London quartet have become firm radio favourites with these instant hooky anthems, seriously, 'Party's Over' will sound like a greatest hits!
The Velvet Hands on Facebook | Twitter. (another band in our tale who are making waves. Read Rozzie Manic's ace interview with them) and/or experience a live show:
March
16 Tooting Tram and Social for John Kennedy (Radio X) supporting LIINES and Indian Queens - Free
31 Radio St Austen Bay, Cornwall - benefit gig
April
07 Supporting Lucie Barat at Nambucca, London
21 Record Store Day limited edition vinyl album; 'Party's Over' (Easy Action Records)
21 Jimmy's Manchester (headline) for This Feeling
27 Truskell Micro Club, Paris 'Parisian High'
May
02 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms supporting The Bluetones
04 'Party's Over' (Easy Action Records)
05 Bristol SWX supporting The Bluetones
07 Oxford 02 Academy supporting The Bluetones
With more confirmed festival slots and live shows to be announced for this Summer/Autumn. Look out for the full interview with Katie O! Party's Just Begun...
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