All Access Exclusive interview with Jupiter in Velvet

Interview with Reverbnation featured artist Jupiter in Velvet.

Very few artists are able to span decades and genres, but Jupiter in Velvet manages to do both. Learn more about this band on the rise.

All Access Music: “Describe your sound to new listeners.”

Jupiter in Velvet: “Generally speaking, my music is high energy, danceable guitar music with somewhat unusual lyrics, chord progressions and arrangements. I use a smattering of keyboards and feedback for added color. Some people say it sounds 60’s, some say 70’s, some say 80’s, some compare me to current bands. It all depends on which song of mine someone is gravitating to. I have a wide spectrum of musical influences and tastes that kind of gets all mixed together, to create something that sounds both new and old at the same time.”

AAM: “What one song best represents your sound? Why?”

JIV: “Because my music stretches into so many styles – it is really hard to pick one song as representative of my sound. There are three songs from my first album (Screaming the Love Behind the Scars), called “Jupiter In Velvet” – a kind of alt-punk rock; “Love Is On My Side” – what I call ‘Electro Dance Rock’ and “Rock & Roll Girl” – a kind of Pop-Rock, which represent the three main musical tangents I express myself through.”

AAM: “Who or what influences your song writing?”

JIV: “I am inspired by life as I experience it, the people around me, and the world that affects me every day. While my life, if seen on paper in its totality, is quite unique compared to most; I have the same joys and sorrows, ups and downs, highs and lows, the same triumphs and struggles that everyone else has. I should also add that I am spiritually very driven and God is an underlying source of inspiration to many of my songs.”

AAM: “Describe the song writing process for you—take specific time, write while tour, write when inspired, etc?”

JIV: “The first thing I do each morning after I get up is sit down with my guitar and a big cup of coffee at my writing table, where I work on songs each day. I have about an hour max window here where I am able to really concentrate and hear the music going on inside me the clearest. I do a lot of spontaneous playing here as well and if I hit a riff, melody or chord progression that stands out to me I will stop and explore where it leads. This is my favorite time of the day. I am in a bit of a dream world I think during this period. I will work on songs again later in the day when I rehearse the ones that are completed or near completion. Those are the two main writing moments of my day, but I because hear music in my head going on almost all the time, I’ll record bits of melodies or riffs on my phone , then come back to them later to see if any of it still interests me.”

AAM: “How do you leave your mark with new fans?”

JIV: “I am a personal person, if that makes sense. I make time for people and have always had the knack for getting along with anyone.   I enjoy conversing and interacting with people and personally respond to people’s questions and comments on all my social media. My goal is to pierce their hearts, make them smile and hopefully help them help themselves.”

AAM: “How does your style add to your overall image?”

JIV: “It is funny, I am just me and everything I do and think seems so very normal, yet I am told that that is definitely not the case! (I this take as a complement). I have no use for trends or fads, I don’t care at all what people think is good or bad, in or out. I know what I like; I know what makes me feel, catches my eye, or sparks my imagination and I react to that. Thus, my style is really no style – it is just who I am at the time. It may fit in with the trends and it may not, I really don’t care. I believe in being as honest in every way as possible, or at least trying – which ultimately ends up in my music. Otherwise there really is no point to it all.”

AAM: “How do you utilize social media to help your career?”

JIV: “I am generally a big user of social media to get the word out to my fans and potential fans about my music and what is happening in my career. I am not sure I would be doing as well as I am without it.”

AAM: “Describe the very first show you ever played. (Where was it and how did it go?)”

JIV: “I was ten years old playing drums in a rock band with twelve year olds, opening up a show for a high school dance. Couldn’t believe my parents let me stay out till 12:30am!”

AAM: “Where do you see your band in five years?”

JIV: “Playing huge shows to dedicated fans.”

AAM: “Where can fans see you live soon?”

JIV: “We are working on an east coast tour for the fall which will then jump over to the UK & Europe. We hope to be announcing it by June.”

For more information on Jupiter in Velvet; go to their website.

Reverbnation artist, Jupiter in Velvet