National Velvet (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
National Velvet is a goth rock ensemble from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, primarily active during the period of 1985 to 1995, with occasional reunions starting in 2003. Initially signed to Capitol Records, the band later issued releases through independent labels such as Iron Music and Intrepid Records.
The lineup prominently featured vocalist Maria Del Mar, guitarists Mark Crossley and Tim Welch, bassist Mark Storm, and drummer Garry Flint. The band’s inception occurred after Del Mar and Storm connected in Toronto, merging influences spanning gothic rock and punk genres. Their early gigs within the Toronto club circuit financed an independently produced self-titled EP, which subsequently secured them a deal with Intrepid Records, an affiliate of Capitol, in 1987.
Their first full-length album, National Velvet (1988), included the track "Flesh Under Skin" and earned them a CASBY Award in 1989 for the single "68 Hours." The sophomore release, Courage (1990), recorded in England under producer Zeus B. Held, featured singles such as "Shine On" and "Sex Gorilla." This album achieved gold status and enjoyed significant rotation on Much Music and MTV. To promote Courage, the band embarked on a nationwide Canadian tour but encountered limited promotional backing for the third single from their label.
Following their separation from Capitol Records, National Velvet’s final studio album, Wildseed, was released in 1995 via Iron Music with production by Gary Flint. Despite changes in personnel and limited marketing efforts, the album did not attain notable commercial success.
Vocalist Maria Del Mar later became a member of the all-female group Hassenpfeffer and continued her involvement in Toronto’s music scene into the early 2000s, including participation with Classic Albums Live and various tribute performances. In 2002, bassist Mark Storm was reported missing; his remains were discovered in Lake Ontario the following year. In response, the band reunited briefly in 2003 to perform at a benefit concert supporting his family.
National Velvet still performs sporadically at select Toronto venues, sustaining their presence within the goth rock segment of the music market.
Discography
- National Velvet (EP, 1986)
- National Velvet (1988)
- Courage (1990)
- Wildseed (1995)