“Modulated bedroom frequencies that describe feelings of nostalgia, heartbreak, adventure and mystery”, is how Michigan based musician Zach Smith breaks down what you’ll hear on the “2008” E.P. (demo) from his latest project Velvet Stripe.
I caught up with Zack to talk about his early musical experiences, how he started writing songs and the making of the new E.P.
CMM-What was the first music that really made an impact on you all as kids and what artist or band did the two of you enjoy the most?
Zack-When I was super young, around like 5 years old, my mom had a burnt CD that was gifted to her by my uncle. It featured tracks like “Kokomo” by Beach Boys, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, etc… I didn’t realize it until fairly recently, but I think a lot of the newer velvet stripe songs I’ve been writing have taken some serious inspiration from those poppy, lofi songs. My dad would also play the stereotypical “dad rock” on the radio when I was a kid, so bands such as Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Metallica and Stone Temple Pilots. But yeah, I’d say that was my first introduction into music that I truly found myself enamored with.
CMM-When did you first start playing instruments and start writing songs and developing your own sound?
Zack-Back in 2014, when I first began to show a true interest in learning music and instruments, I was gifted a cheap, off-brand Stratocaster by my late grandmother. I then went onto learn drums, bass and keys. I started writing songs almost immediately after making the basics of guitar and learning to play/sing simultaneously (though it wasn’t too impressive). I wouldn’t say I developed “my own sound” until fairly recently- at least not a sound that I was satisfied with, if that makes sense.
CMM-You recently released a batch of demos on bandcamp. What was the writing and recording process like for the songs and were there any particular pieces of gear you used to get the sound you were looking for? Did you play all of the instruments yourself?
Zack-I wrote these 3 songs after I’d fell very depressed back in December of last year (2024). It was a perplexing time where I did a lot of reflecting on my life, but I’d say some decent songs came out of it (more to come). As for a recording process/my gear, I already have my dream pair which is a Roland JC-40 and Fender Jazzmaster- Those two really help me shape tones into quite literally whatever I want. I did also play all instruments myself. I actually don’t own a bass guitar at the moment, so the “bass” you hear in the demo is actually my Jazzmaster playing something I thought sounded convincing enough. As for drums- I have a cheap 5-pc Ludwig kit with somewhat okay cymbals. It works for now!
CMM-If you could do a score for any film director, who would it be and what would the film be about?
Zack-That’s a great question. I’ve always been a big fan of Martin Scorsese, so I think I’d choose him. Oddly enough, my favorite movie of all time has got to be “Superbad” with Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. I really love the movie’s depiction of youth, freedom and the inevitability of making poor decisions- It’s a classic. So, maybe a comedy movie about 3 Bronx teens who go on to solve some stupid mafia mystery? Directed by Scorsese, of course.
CMM-Anything coming up?
Zack-Velvet stripe is actually in dire need of a drummer for live performances! When one is found, I plan on playing shows almost immediately after some rehearsing. I am currently in the process of recording a full, proper EP- maybe even an LP if I end up feeling up to it, time will tell! I’m beyond excited for the future of velvet stripe, and I hope others are as well.
