The Velvet Supernova is an alternative rock band from Riga, Latvia. Since its’ formation in 2011, the band has played more than 50 high energy live shows in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, warmed up for legendary guitarist Slash at Žalgiris Arena, Kaunas, released 5 radio singles and received notable recognition in the Baltics. The band’s unique brand of music has been described as a fine brand of alternative rock n'roll fueled by singing guitar leads & arena-ready choruses. Music critics have named The Velvet Supernova one of the most promising Baltic rock acts of the decade. The band is currently recording at Sound Division Studios for its’ debut album due out in the Spring of 2016.
Prior to forming The Velvet Supernova, its’ members have recorded multiple albums with previous projects, toured the Baltic States, Finland, Russia, Ukraine and even Afghanistan, and warmed up for such acts as Judas Priest, Slash feat. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Zakk Wylde & Black Label Society, Bloodhound Gang, both Whitesnake line-ups, Suzi Quatro, Mustasch and many others.
The Velvet Supernova released their first radio single "(Vive La) Resistance" on August 31, 2011. The song met music critics’ positive acclaim and interest in what the band would offer next. A month later, the band began crafting their live experience by performing regularly in clubs around Latvia. November 23, 2011 marks the release of the band's second single "The Distance", which, accompanied by a music video, got the attention of Latvian press outlets, radio stations and booking agents, allowing the band to play bigger venues and present their music to larger audiences.
In early 2012, The Velvet Supernova won an Alternative.lv award in the "Fastest growth" category, and was nominated for "Debut of the year" at the Latvian Music Awards. In summer 2012, after a third single "Sunshine" was released, the band went on a promotional five-show club tour of Latvia, played at “Piladzis” and “Summer Sound Liepaja” festivals in Latvia, and also performed their first festival shows in Vilnius, Rokiškis and Kaišiadorys.
On November 30, 2012, The Velvet Supernova released "Shelter", their most successful single so far, which granted the band a whole new level of exposure. Its' release campaign caused great hype among fans, critics and media, and the song was picked up almost instantly by every major radio station in Latvia and many radios in Lithuania, later to be played in main rotations all throughout the year 2013. "Shelter" was highly praised by The Killers' singer Brandon Flowers and his management upon the band's visit to Latvia the following year. On December 15, 2012, The Velvet Supernova played their first headlining show at Riga's prime rock club "Melna Piektdiena" with over 500 tickets sold.
On February 14, 2013, The Velvet Supernova opened for legendary Guns n' Roses guitarist Slash with singer Myles Kennedy and their band The Conspirators at Žalgiris Arena, Kaunas. The band was picked by Slash's management from a competition of 36 Latvian bands.
A month later, The Velvet Supernova was invited to open for Welsh hardcore pioneers Funeral For A Friend at Palladium Riga concert hall. The band played club shows extensively for the rest of 2013, visiting Vilnius, Klaipeda and Rokiškis, and festivals in Latvia, namely “Fontaine Festival” and “Cita Vide”, returning only to work intensely on the material for their debut album at Sound Division Studios, Riga.
In early 2014, The Velvet Supernova joined on a four show mini-tour with Lithuanian act Andrew Flame, playing the prestigious Tamsta Club in Vilnius for the first time and also their first solo show in Kaunas. In the summer of 2014, the band made its' debut at Positivus Festival and played Summer Sound Liepaja and Werro Rock (EST) festivals.
The band is currently recording at Sound Division Studios for their debut album due out in the Spring of 2016.
