With a patchwork of influences (Siouxie and the Banshees, Echo & the Bunnyman, Sonic Youth, Led Zeppelin, New Order and My Bloody Valentine) and by fusing elements of post punk, shoe gaze and psych rock, Vela produces an ethereal and aggressive soundscape.
The band is lyrically inspired by fantasies of love, and the beauty of empowerment.
VELA is comprised of members of Delle Vellum, The Paradise Boys, The Snake the Cross and the Crown (Equal Vision), and New Diplomat (Dan the Automator).
The band started as a side project between guitarist Ian Zazueta and front woman Florie Maschmeyer. Bassist Nate Higley was quickly added to the fold, introducing Julia Johari as a second keyboard player, guitarist and background vocalist.
The four of them wrote a batch of songs and by September landed Jef Pauly as drummer.
They are currently recording their debut EP at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California.
Ian Zazueta - Guitar, programming
Florie Maschmeyer - Vocals, Synth
Nate Higley - Vocals, Bass
Julia Johari - Vocals, Guitar, Synth
Jef Pauly - Drums
Recording is a wrap! 3 days of frantic recording was great times and we are pretty excited to move on to the mixing phase. We think you'll like the result!