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Velvet Code Talks Giving LGBTQIA+ Artists The Recognition They Deserve with Label “So Fierce Music” (Exclusive)

If you’re looking for a new music label and entrepreneur to support, then look no further! Meet Velvet Code, an electronic music producer and the founder of So Fierce Music label, whose end goal is to help struggling LGBTQIA+ artists meet their goals. 

[Music] is in my blood,” Velvet Code tells Celeb Secrets. “My dad, who was a gifted accordion player, recognized my interest in the piano at a very young age and immediately bought me my first keyboard. Within a few years I graduated to the piano and never stopped. Music has always been my dream job, and I have spent my whole life pursuing it.”

We sat down with Velvet Code (virtually) to learn more about their musical journey, the launch of So Fierce Music, and what’s to come from new music. Check out the full Q&A below and don’t forget to let us know what you think by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.

You can also connect with Velvet Code by giving them a follow on Instagram at @velvetcodeofficial.

Courtesy of Velvet Code

Celeb Secrets: Hi Velvet Code, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself for our readers who may just be discovering you?

Velvet Code: “Hi! I’m Velvet Code, an electronic music producer and founder of So Fierce Music, an LGBTQIA+ music label and entertainment company. I’m also the producer for Canada’s Drag Race Season 1 and 2 stars Icesis Couture, Adriana, Oceane Aqua-Black and Scarlett Bobo. I was also the remix producer for Lady Gaga in 2020.”

CS: What made you want to pursue music?

VC: “It’s in my blood. My dad, who was a gifted accordion player, recognized my interest in the piano at a very young age and immediately bought me my first keyboard. Within a few years I graduated to the piano and never stopped. Music has always been my dream job, and I have spent my whole life pursuing it.”

CS: Do you have a favorite musical memory?

VC: “I was waking up in New York City, in my little tiny studio apartment in the Lower East Side, when my radio alarm came on. I was still half asleep and I thought I was actually dreaming, when I heard my song “Never Wanna Feel” on Pulse 87, but when I realized I wasn’t dreaming, I jumped up out of bed and started dancing around the apartment. That was the first moment I thought “I’ve finally made it!”, and at that time, it was the biggest accomplishment I had. I’ll always cherish that memory.”

CS: Besides being an international DJ, you’re also the founder of SO FIERCE MUSIC. What made you want to create your own label?

VC: “During the pandemic, I realized there are so many people struggling, and all I wanted to do was find a way to help people. I started by giving away some grant money to drag artists in need. And then I thought, maybe I can help them through music as well. I signed a few artists starting with Sofonda, with the intention of giving them a chance to reach mainstream audiences, and I think we’ve been able to do that. But there is so much more work to do. I hope that we can grow our team so we can help more artists over the next year.”

Courtesy of Velvet Code

CS: What is your dream goal for your label?

VC: “The goal will always be to help artists reach the mainstream and have a better shot at success. However, we would love to grow in influence so we can attract other successful mainstream artists like Troye Sivan and Kim Petras who can also act as mentors on the label. Anything that will help our artists grow and succeed will make me happy!”

CS: You got the chance to collaborate with Canada’s Drag Race Season 2 winner Icesis Couture on her debut single “La Pusetta.” What was the creative process like for the track? How did this collaboration come about?

VC: “What an incredible experience it was to collaborate with a wonderful artist like Icesis Couture! The process began when Icesis approached me about doing a reggaeton song. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous because this would be my first shot at this genre, but I think I managed to pull it off 🙂 And you’ll be hearing more from us as a team, as I’m busy in the studio now working on her EP! Stay tuned for more info on that!”

CS: You’ve worked with amazing artists such as Wendy Starland, Mark Saunders and Taylor Swift and more. Can you share some of your favorite memories from working with any of these artists?

VC: “Mark Saunders is a legendary producer in New York who produced Shiny Toy Guns, The Sounds, and even A-Ha. He helped me shape my sound by co-producing my debut album, “Black.Blue.Blind.” Wendy Starland and I were like kindred spirits, and she helped shape my songwriting over the years. I’ll always be thankful for her. And Lady Gaga gave me my first big break in the production world by allowing me to be a Billboard remixer for her Stupid Love single. Who knows what would have happened if COVID hadn’t shut us all down. I think the house heads would have been thumping to the remix in the clubs!”

Courtesy of Velvet Code

CS: How do you choose who you want to collaborate with? Can you take us through that process?

VC: “It really comes down to attitude first. There has to be a vibe right off the bat. I think the key to a strong collaboration is making sure that we work well together and that we can help each other thrive. If that is the case, then I jump in with two feet and let things happen!”

CS: If there’s one artist you can create a track with, who would it be and why?

VC: “Hands down, it’s Madonna. I feel my connection to Madonna while I lived in New York was so strong, and I feel that it is meant to happen at some point. Only time will tell!”

CS: Can you tease any upcoming music for our readers? What are your plans for 2022?

VC: “Well, I spilled some beans earlier about the Icesis Couture EP. I’m currently working on an EP for Scarlett Bobo as well, and new singles for other So Fierce artists. Most importantly, we are going to announce the So Fierce event happening in June, very soon!”

CS: Lastly, since we are Celeb Secrets, what is a secret (fun fact) about you and your music that people might not know?

VC: “I’m a total geek for technology and synths, so you’ll find me playing with all sorts of vintage synths at all hours of the day. My neighbours may not love me, but at least they know me!”

Author

  • Gracie Lowes

    Gracie is a former intern at Celeb Secrets who attends St Clair College. When she’s not reporting on the latest news, she enjoys watching tv shows and movies, reading, going to concerts and traveling.

Gracie is a former intern at Celeb Secrets who attends St Clair College. When she’s not reporting on the latest news, she enjoys watching tv shows and movies, reading, going to concerts and traveling.

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