Hailing from Hollywood, Velour Academy is an alternative pop outfit that stitches elements of pop punk and dream pop, capped by two female singers. Originally formed as a duo by songwriter and bassist Jamil Kassimali and singer-songwriter Shannon Martinez, years of dedication were invested in perfecting their pop-focused punk sound through a series of demos.
Expanding to a quartet with the addition of drummer, vocalist and keyboard player Itzel Palacios and guitarist Justin Hall, in 2017, they made their entrance with their debut album, OOZE. Their return in 2021 was marked with the release of the single “Something About Your Eyes,” followed by their sophomore record, Chisme.
Now, with their latest single, “Pulsar,” Velour Academy delivers a buzzing synth pop outing, offering the perfect glimpse into their unique sonic universe. The band’s second full-length album, from which “Pulsar” is lifted, initially self-released in 2021, has found a new home with Denver-based label Snappy Little Numbers.
“Pulsar” is a shimmering two-minute sonic journey that captures the essence of the band’s distinctive style. The track kicks off with the buzzing fuzz of a synth, complemented by the striking rhythm of drums that sets the energetic tone.
Soft vocal leads enter, delivering delicate melodies, while gentle guitar tones and overlapping vocals contribute to the richness of the arrangement. One of the trademarks of Velour Academy is their split-lead vocal style, creating a varied and engaging listening experience. The vocals intertwine, showcasing the sonic chemistry between Shannon Martinez and Itzel Palacios.
The upbeat tempo and vibrant instrumentation evoke a sense of joy, making “Pulsar” a perfect addition to their repertoire. Velour Academy’s ability to craft memorable songwriting chines brightly in “Pulsar,” where every element serves a purpose in creating a well-rounded and charming sound.
We caught up with Velour Academy to find out more about their musical journey so far, their new single “Pulsar” and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Velour Academy below.
How did you get together as a band?
Jamil: Shannon and I met on the internet, on a green day message board when we were in high school. We started dating, and not too much later started writing music together. Shannon writes vocal parts with lots of layers and harmonies, so we brought Itzel on as a second singer, and sheâs been a really awesome addition the the band and our sound.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Jamil: For me itâs really random and almost every song had something different spark the idea for it. Like one song we did, I got the idea for the bass line from the battle theme in a final fantasy game, but youâd never know by listening to it.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Shannon: I always go back to our roots and try to find the essence of what makes me love a song or what feelings other songs give me to put into our own new songs.
What was your highlight of 2023?
Jamil: 2023 was very difficult for every member of the band for various personal reasons. It would have been easy for all of us to take an extended break from music entirely. So I was proud that we were able to shoot the Pulsar music video and have it come out in a way we were happy with.
Shannon: Healing. Both physically and mentally we had a lot going on this year but it has been a healing process for several people in our families and I am so grateful for that.
What do you love about the Los Angeles music scene?
Jamil: Weâre based in Hollywood, so I really love the history, and getting to play at venues knowing all the great bands that were on that stage before us.
Shannon: I love that almost every musician makes a stop in Los Angeles, so we never have to miss anything. We have been going to more shows and concerts than the average person since we were very young and live music is so important for our souls. So we really appreciate and take advantage of every opportunity to see our favourite musicians as much as possible.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Jamil: Driving in a car in 1998 with the windows down and drinking a Pepsi.
Shannon: At home getting ready to go have a really fun night out.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
Jamil: We initially wanted our sound to be like a punk rock version of an 80s girl pop group, so our earliest music kind of reflected that. But as time as gone on weâve drifted back to our pop punk origins more and more.
Shannon: The sound is fuller and the melodies are catchier.
How did you find making your new single âPulsarâ?
Jamil: Music-wise it was our toughest song to make since itâs straight electro pop and weâve always been basically a punk band. Took a lot of experimenting and trying things out in the studio, but in the end itâs one of my favourite songs weâve done.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
Shannon: A message of hope and positivity. I learned for the first time in my whole life to stop being negative about everything and i sprinkled that new outlook into my lyrics.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Jamil: Total opposite of our sound, but Iâve been listening to Gel a lot – their record âonly constantâ was my favourite album of the past year.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Shannon: Feelings. I say music runs through our veins. music can be so emotional and for me it is best when it gets my adrenaline going and makes me feel the most alive I have ever felt. So I hope our music does that for people, too.
Whatâs been your favourite live performance so far?
Jamil: We ended up doing a whole show without a guitarist once which was pretty crazy, donât know about favourite but it was definitely memorable.
Shannon: A performance on an outdoor stage in a brewery where it felt like the band was really in-sync and the attendees were into the music and everything flowed really well. Plus my sister was there, which was wonderful.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Jamil: The Replacements, Pinhead Gunpowder and Crimpshrine, because theyâre the three bands Iâve loved for a long time but never seen (and in the case of Crimpshrine, definitely never will). In St. Louis would be good just because itâs a wonderful city.
Shannon: Pinhead Gunpowder, Discount, and The Raincoats in the Bay Area because that is where it all started for us.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Jamil: Just make the music you want to make.. donât worry about streams or views or all that stuff they try to make you concerned about. If at the end of the day youâve made a record that you yourself love to listen to, then youâve succeeded as an artist.
Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?
Jamil: Weâre in the process of writing new music, so weâll be focused on that, but we plan on continuing to promote our last record in the meantime, release a couple music videos and things like that.
Listen to Pulsar below
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