Aqua Velvas have had a music career that spans from 1982 to the present day. However, during that time the band have gone through a number of trials such as disbanding, quitting on music, a changing line-up and the sad passing away of band members.
These experiences could have stopped them but they are still going strong doing what they love.
Speaking to frontman Russ he said: “We are not a lucky band” but they have managed to continue with making a new album which is an example to others of dedication and working through the trials of being a musician.
Based in Marske-by-the-Sea, their influences are gathered from the local area and beyond and reflect their perspectives on life.
Some influences for the new album come from artists such as Gang of Four, David Bowie, Van Morrison and Elvis Costello, an artist who Russ is a huge fan of, emphasising that: “I’m a massive Elvis Costello fan, in fact, I’m an anorak”.
Speaking about their new album, Russ noted that: “We enjoy doing it and have actually visited a lot of our old material. I’ve started to write a lot with our producer Paul Worthington”.
Speaking about the lyrics in their songs, Russ stated: “I like to use a lot of tongue-in-cheek in our songs. I read a lot more now [Laughs] so I try to be clever and witty [Laughs].”
He added: “Our music is diverse but I suppose it’s because we are punks at heart. We are much better musicians these days [Laughs] and the studio we use is better – it’s 100% better than the ones we used in the old days”.
Aqua Velvas are a band that shares all their music online. All members have busy schedules so releasing music and accompanying videos are a priority over live shows.
This method works for the band as they are able to do what they love in a way that works around them.
Russ added: “We have ten people in the band and it’s bad enough to get them in a room together for a photoshoot so what we have decided to do is be a video band and we try to release two videos a year”.
Aqua Velvas are an outfit that are putting their passion into this new album because it is what they love to do: not for fame, influence or acclaim but because they love it.
It is refreshing to meet a band that are punks at heart doing what they want and how they want regardless of what people think.
To find out more about Aqua Velvas, head to aquavelvas.co.uk.
