SINGLE ‘SATURDAY NIGHT IN VEGAS’ OUT TODAY
Winegum Records is thrilled to welcome Ōtautahi rock outfit Velveteen to the roster, and announces their debut album ‘Heavy Machinery’ alongside their latest single.
"Saturday Night in Vegas” is a ferocious track fueled by drop-tuned guitars and frantic drums, giving way to an explosive chorus reminiscent of 90s emo rock and shoegaze. Written by Velveteen's frontman and songwriter Jai Tudor-Oakley, the song serves as a cathartic outlet, detailing his experiences with outlandish individuals and unwarranted criticism of his music.
“A guy started talking to me at a bar in Auckland. He asked if I played music and if he could hear it. I played him my first single ever ‘Streamline’ and told me it sounded like shit. But I mean…fuck that guy. I wrote that song when I was like 15 or 16. I love it. It was like the first actually good song that I wrote that I was proud of. I was so pissed off and had to vent in some way and it definitely worked. I'm over it, but it's such a crazy thing to look back on.”
Saturday Night in Vegas is the latest single from Velveteen’s debut album Heavy Machinery, due out on March 28th via Winegum Records, jam packed with fuzzy Corgan-esque guitars, heavy drums and emotional vocal melodies and lyrics. Showcasing a unique sonic identity with influences from 80s post-punk, goth to 90s alternative rock, the album is raw and emotional - full of heartfelt and at times aggressive songs spanning an 18-month period of Jai’s life:
“I really love this album and it means so much to me. It's got some really angry moments and some very heartfelt ones. It's very emo and angsty, a bit gothic at times. It’s pretty loud and fuzzy and I love all of it.”
Velveteen is the solo project of Jai Oakley. A musician and artist living in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, New Zealand. Jai has emerged as a captivating solo artist, blending shoegaze, 90s alternative rock with elements of punk and electronica. Velveteen's music carries an infectious raw energy, emotional depth and authenticity. Velveteen delves into themes of introspection, self- discovery, love, and the human experience.