The Velveteers Forge Their Sound: A Deep Dive into 'A Million Knives

The Velveteers, a Boulder, Colorado trio, has carved out a unique sound that fuses punk attitude, old-school metal thunder, and gutter-glam charisma. Their latest release, A Million Knives, marks their second studio album and explores the tumultuous journey of artistry within the music industry. It also harkens back to the unfiltered joy of their formative years spent mastering their instruments.

Frontwoman and guitarist Demi Demitro reflects on their artistry's evolution, noting, "As a kid, there's a natural curiosity that drives you. But as you grow older, the reality of the world can lead to jadedness." A Million Knives captures the stark truths of growing up and the inherent struggles of staying true to oneself. Demi elaborates on the album's deeper themes: "It's about the hard truth that no matter how much you try to guard your heart, it will inevitably suffer."

In a poignant revelation, she adds, "Sometimes you realize that you're the one stabbing yourself in the heart with a million knives." This album chronicles their artistic battles and serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities accompanying adulthood.

Creating and recording A Million Knives was an arduous journey for the band. Still, it was ultimately a necessary one—it became a process of musically and emotionally discovering themselves. By grappling with their challenges, they put together an album that ventures into exciting new territories, filled with fresh thrills and unexpected twists. The Velveteers have devised inventive ways to blend gritty guitars with powerful drums, ensuring each track surprises you with something fresh. Just look at the heavy disco vibes in "Bound In Leather," the vibrant elements in "Go Fly Away," and the raw, heartfelt honesty of "Up Here" and "Fix Me."

"Demi poured her heart into these songs about heartbreak," says drummer Baby Pottersmith. "She captured the essence of love slipping away or being ripped apart, longing for that magic we once felt. I couldn't help but relate it to our band. We were so focused on being flawless with every detail that we ended up overthinking everything, and that turned the process into something harrowing. Making this record felt like bringing a storm of knives into the world."

Demi and Baby have been on a quest for creative inspiration for over ten years now, having started their band as teenagers—long before they could even drive a touring van. From the very beginning, there was a deep connection between them. Baby remembers the first time they met: "Demi sat down and played a song on her acoustic guitar. Hearing her voice was magical; it made me think, 'I want to make music with this person for the long haul.'" They began jamming in Demi's parents' garage, writing songs, and playing a few all-ages shows, full of youthful confidence. "Honestly, when we started, we had no idea what we were doing," Demi admits. "We were just creating music and art without pressure because no audience was watching us."

There was a time when their friendship might not last through their teenage years. "I had my first taste of depression at 16," Baby recalls. "I didn't even recognize it for what it was, so I started acting strange and withdrawing from everyone. I blamed it on the band, and Demi kicked me out, which was fair. I had never felt such a deep connection with someone, so it was hard to be apart from her in the band." After some time and personal growth, they reconciled, and now their bond is stronger than ever. "Since then, we've spent every day creating art together," Demi shares. "I'd say we're creative soulmates. Baby is one of the very few people I trust with my songs. So maybe it was meant to be that we went through those challenges together."

In the world of music, destiny often plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of artists. During a hiatus from The Velveteers, Baby showcased his talents alongside various bands throughout Colorado, including a notable collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Jonny Figg. This partnership echoed memories of his time with Demi, as both musicians shared a captivating chemistry. As The Velveteers sought to expand their lineup with a third member, Figg quickly emerged as the top choice. His presence enhances the close-knit bond between the band members. It introduces a unique dynamic with a distinctive two-drumkit setup, solidifying The Velveteers' signature sound.

In the initial phases of their collaboration, Demi and Baby of The Velveteers developed a distinctive approach that has shaped the band's signature sound. Demi is the principal songwriter, while Baby excels at selecting and sequencing tracks, weaving a cohesive narrative throughout their music. A pivotal moment came when Baby decided to close their album "A Million Knives" with Demi's emotionally charged song "Fix Me." Reflecting on her creative process, Demi remarked, "A lot of my writing happens at the moment, and sometimes I don't even know what a song is about until many years later. I felt this enormous release of emotion when I wrote that tune, but I completely forgot about it." This collaborative spirit remains central to The Velveteers' evolving sound.

Before heading to Nashville for sessions with renowned producer Dan Auerbach, Baby sensed the need for something vital. The old "Fix Me" demo resurfaced in her mind, particularly its poignant lyrics: "The sparkle that once was in my eyes, it has slowly faded away. Does it surprise you, or did you see it from miles away?" The song encapsulates emotions that often elude expression. Demi delivers the lines as if reaching out to fans or her creative partner behind the drums.

During their time with Auerbach at Easy Eye Sound Studio—where they recorded "Nightmare Daydream" just three years and a lifetime ago—The Velveteers were committed to preserving their songs' raw, demo-like quality, characterized by spontaneity and honesty. "Some of these songs appear on the album almost exactly as Demi first demo'ed them," Baby noted. "We didn't want to overwork them or rehearse the spontaneity out of them; we recorded them just as we played them together for the first time."

The duo remained receptive to new ideas, including collaborating with members of The Black Keys. Auerbach was a constant presence in the studio. Demi recalls moments with drummer Patrick Carney: "He would show up and have lunch with us all... One morning, he showed up early with an idea for something he wanted to work on with us." This collaboration culminated in the album's lead single, "Go Fly Away," described by Demi as a departure from their typical sound. "It's a different-sounding tune for us. We don't usually write songs that sound especially happy, so it's good to have a song like that in our setlist."

While the track presents an upbeat melody, it carries an undercurrent of intense melancholy, embodying a longing for escape. "I want to fly away," Demi sings against vibrant synths and intricate drum beats. Despite the hardships encountered while creating "A Million Knives," the band persevered, using those challenges to carve out a creative sanctuary. "We have this incredible, beautiful thing together that I love so much," Demi shared. "Making this album was not easy, but our love for making music together was the one consistent thing. We've realized that's never going to go away. We must let the songs guide us and have faith in each other."

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