Velvet Code (Marlon Wurmitzer) is a Canadian electro pop artist, DJ and producer based in Toronto. As a songwriter and music producer, Velvet Code’s influences include Madonna, Freddie Mercury, Robyn and Muse. His music can be described as a modern take on 1980’s pop with heavy influences of electropop and EDM — most notably the sub-genres of EDM known as trance and house music.
Recently, the young artist put forth his second full-length studio album, ‘Dreamer’. It was recorded in Toronto, Canada with additional production in New York and Los Angeles. On ‘Dreamer’, Velvet Code collaborated with songwriter Wendy Starland (Lady Gaga), with production contributions from Gavin Bradley, Joe LaPorta (Sterling Sound NYC), Rob Bryton, Robi Banerji and Scott Kelly (Westlake Studios).
We had the distinct pleasure of having a few words with Velvet Code about his recent releases and future plans. Here’s what he had to say!
FMF: The album you released last year (‘Dreamer’) has some extremely powerful lyrics and a great musical production to back those vocals. It’s no wonder the album is nominated for a JUNO Award. Where did you gather the inspiration to produce such a heartfelt compilation of records?
Velvet Code: Thank you! The album is a collection of experiences I’ve either gone through or witnessed over the last four years and I wanted to be very careful with the lyrical content before putting music behind it. It was a struggle that I’m not sure I can go through too many times without it causing me harm, but I tried to catch the essence of my life in there, too. From an abusive relationship, to addiction and anxiety issues, the album covers broad strokes of my life that I hope to get more focused on in future productions.
This is always a tough question to answer for many artists, but I always like to hear their opinion. What is/are your favorite track/tracks off your sophomore album, ‘Dreamer’?
My favorite track off the album is ‘Break The Silence’ because I had inspiration from Wendy Starland and Lady Gaga in creating an atmosphere of loneliness while trying to express the difficulty in clawing back from the dark place I was in before I wrote it. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to create another track like that again. I hope so.
That’s amazing, because my personal favorite is ‘Break The Silence’! That song speaks to the importance of mental health awareness. Being a voice for this global issue, what do you have to say to the readers regarding this topic?
Mental health awareness is the topic of our generation. We need to care for those who are mentally ill like we care for the stars who are struggling. If we did, compassion and understanding would prevail and more people wouldn’t feel ashamed of what they are going through. I continue to struggle through my issues, == and I’m lucky to have friends and family to support me, but I can’t say I’m ok all the time. Many others must feel the same way and I hope they have the support they need.
You’re also a strong advocate of the LBGTQ community and recently launched your own gender-neutral clothing line, ‘You Do You’. Tell us a little more about this and where can we get some of these rockin’ outfits?
One way I cope with my issues is through fashion. I like to dress based on how I feel. Some days, I feel like wearing a ton of glam rock makeup, hair extensions or wigs, or even a crop top at times. I created a fashion line that is just at the starting point of eliminating gender in choosing clothing that has messages of freedom and independence. I have a few new pieces coming out that will be somewhat controversial, but for the meantime, you can go to www.youdoyoubyvelvetcode.com to check out some of the classic Velvet Code tees and hoodies, and my “You Do You” branded items as well.
2019 was a huge year for you and 2020 is leading up to be just as big, if not bigger. You’ll soon be releasing a new track on the new QUEENPIN Recordings imprint, ‘Teenage Dreamer’. What can you tell us about this track?
I’m hopeful. It’s been tough getting myself going in 2020, but I’m almost there. My new track, ‘Teenage Dreamer’ is a simple track about remembering what it was like when you were young and free, and I hope that it resonates with the fans and brings joy as we enter the spring and summer months.
What else do you have in store for us in 2020?
I’m expanding my radio presence with my weekly radio mixshow, ‘Rise To The Rhythm’ and more radio stations are picking it up all the time. I’m working on new material that is in the electro house/future house/bass house genres, and I’m excited to play out more often, with more emphasis on DJing with live vocals in 2020.
We’d love to hear your music live too, so where can we catch a performance from you in the coming months?
I have a few shows lined up in Toronto at the end of March and April, but I haven’t announced them yet. I’ll be announcing them on www.velvetcode.com as well as my Instagram page.
*Featured image via Velvet Code*
