Upclose with Velvette Vendetta
Despite an unfortunate stage-diving incident and an obsession with Microsoft Excel, Velvette Vendetta have managed to release their debut EP, ”Beautiful Vision Distorted.”Lead singer Jacky Ho waxes lyrical about their rock and roll philosophy with Tim Pritchard.
HK Magazine: How does performing live compare to being in the studio?
Jacky Ho: A live gig is like a drama and we enjoy planning every detail to make it a unique performance. Recording feels more like a job but there are always surprises and working with our engineer to achieve what we want is fun. We see ourselves as a “performance band” and each gig is about connecting with the audience and feeding off the other’s energy.
HK: How have your experiences affected the music?
JH: I studied in Canada where I saw loads of top bands play live and I was totally blown away with the energy. That period of my life really shaped today’s Velvette Vendetta because it was at that point I realized I wanted to form a band that delivers mesmerizing stage performances.
HK: How do you cope with band dynamics?
JH: The connection between the members really counts. If one of us is not in the mood, we know our live performance wouldn’t be perfect. But if someone is on a high, the others will try to catch up.
HK: What music do you listen to for inspiration?
JH: I listen to quite a lot of industrial, Norwegian metal and grunge.
HK: What’s the strangest thing the band have done on stage?
JH: One member dived from the stage into the crowd, only to have everyone give him a wide berth.
HK: What’s the most important thing your parents taught you?
JH: Mama always told me, “Be careful what you do. Don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts.”