Roxx Revolt & The Velvets

Roxx Revolt & The Velvets bring the heat to South Street - Music Madness Magazine

Roxx Revolt didn’t meet The Velvets until 2018 when the two projects came together to unite in the underground music scene in Southwest Florida.

Roxette “Roxx” Barrios, vocals and rhythm guitar, scouted three other Fort Myers locals to form the only glam-punk band in the area.

Each member has an extensive musical background from playing in various projects.

“All of our past experiences have an influence on the ways we write and styles we have developed,” said Jake Shockley, lead guitar and backing vocals. “We are continuing to incorporate the sounds we have in our heads into our music.

Barrios met Shockley after watching him play a live show with another local band last year.

Barrios, a Venezuelan-born talent, believes her own culture inspires her to write and has an impact on the music she workshops with the band.

She said Venezuelan culture is very vibrant and warm, and she allows it to shape her musical style.

Bassist and backing vocalist Dan Heath came into the picture through a mutual friend. He has been jamming with Barrios since 2016 around the beginning of her solo project, Roxx Revolt.

“SWFL has such an amazingly talented scene for female-fronted groups,” Heath said. “Talent and the integrity of the music are what count, and everyone here delivers. There is only one Roxx, and it’s euphoric having her at the helm.”

M artists in the rock/metal scene are predominantly male. SWFL is no exception.

However, we have some shining female stars down here, with Barrios rightfully earning her place as one of them.

“I’m not one to be defined or feel limited because of my gender,” Barrios said. “There’s definitely an attitude when people, especially guys in the music scene, underestimate you at the beginning. It is always rewarding to watch stigmas [get] demolished, especially when you play a little part in it.”

Roxx Revolt and the Velvets (RRTV) recently debuted their new single titled, “King Revolt” on Sept. 17. Drums for the song were recorded by past RRTV member, Wes “James” Mitzelfeld. However, Jordan Favazza is the band’s current drummer.

“King Revolt” is a celebration of one’s spirit. The members described it to be about feeling like a black sheep but accepting it rather than being ashamed of the fact. The single is available on Spotify and YouTube.

Barrios and the others began RRTV with a clear vision in mind. They wanted to shape the current local scene into something energetic and positive.

“We were tired of seeing what I call ‘dead kids shows’ where nobody seemed to be enjoying it,” Barrios said. “Revolt is in our name because we are in a protest against these shows and want people to celebrate their humanity, happiness, and love.”

A full-length album has been confirmed and will be released sometime during the beginning of 2020.

RRTV’s next show is on October 12 at Rack’em Spirits & Times in Cape Coral. The band will play “King Revolt” live and possibly tease some of their newest tracks. - Eagle News, by Nina Mendes