Velvet Empire
| Company type | Pop ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Number of employees | 5 (members) |
Velvet Empire emerged as a Canadian pop ensemble in the spring of 2002, created during the second installment of Global TV's Popstars: Boy Meets Girl. The lineup featured Alex Price, Justin Humes, Janelle Belgrave, Lacey Block, and Ryan Hamilton, who together recorded their only album at Metalworks Recording Studio in Toronto.
After triumphing in a 10-month contest designed to assemble a co-ed pop group, Velvet Empire launched their eponymous album along with the single "Frontin' On Me" in 2002. Although the band received notable airplay and video rotation, the album did not meet sales expectations, resulting in the group's dissolution by 2003.
Band members
- Alex Price (born February 14, 1980, Vancouver) possesses dual citizenship in Canada and Australia. She started vocal training at age 11 and has cultivated talents in dance and musical theater. Her artistic inspirations include Lauryn Hill, Sarah McLachlan, Jack Johnson, and John Mayer.
- Justin Humes (born December 23, 1979, Montreal) is fluent in both English and French. Prior to Velvet Empire, he performed with the Montreal-based band Ryde. Humes pursued environmental studies at McGill University and is skilled in playing drums and guitar.
- Janelle Belgrave (born May 20, 1983, Toronto) brings Filipino and Bajan roots. Trained in singing and dance from an early age, she attended Etobicoke School of the Arts with a concentration on musical theater. After Velvet Empire, she embarked on a solo music career.
- Lacey Block (born April 30, 1983, Lethbridge) has been engaged in music as a pianist and songwriter since she was seven years old. Before joining Velvet Empire, she studied jazz at Humber College.
- Ryan Hamilton (born October 3, 1982, Edmonton) was homeschooled during middle school years to dedicate time to music and travel. He graduated from Percy Page High School and moved to Calgary for further education following his family's relocations due to his father's profession.
Discography
- Velvet Empire (2002) stands as the group's only full-length album and includes the track "Frontin' on Me". Despite its release and promotion, the album did not achieve commercial success, which contributed to the band's breakup soon thereafter.
Track listing
- "Are You Ready?... Then Let's Begin" – 0:21
- "Frontin' on Me" – 3:32
- "I" – 3:40
- "Wha, Wha, What" – 3:02
- "Mad for You" – 3:34
- "Tell Me" – 4:19
- "Now You Don't" – 3:36
- "Ride" – 3:55
- "Good Girls" – 3:49
- "About Last Night" – 3:35
- "2 A.M." – 4:12
- "That's Right" – 3:55
- "Wild Horses" – 5:12