The Velmas

"The Velmas are a band with balls. While most rock bands stand complacent and refuse to show any progress, the Velmas are already taking chances and mixing musical influences. There is a definite and easily found chemistry at work within the trio, allowing the musicians to try things that other bands shy away from... I am looking forward to hearing more!" - Genevieve Salerno

STATION finishes ahead of some great albums to take the #15 spot on the list of top albums of 2006 at Rkstar.com. - Rkstar.com

This is a modern rock record with a large slice of power pop. The Velmas possess both goofy nicknames (the three singer-songwriters are Todd "Figaro" Minnick, bass/vocals; Michael "Bruce" Bruce, drums/vocals; and Mike "Harvey" Grosshandler, guitars/keyboards/vocals) and hook-laden songs. Some songs sound as if they'd fit alt-rock play lists, with pummeling drums and white-hot guitars. The vocals are top-notch, and there's a playful, punky twist to some of the tunes, like "Midnight" and "Out There." There's also a speedy cover of Lionel Richie's "Hello" to close out the set. Check the Web site if local merchants don't have it! Ask locally, or shop online at www.citycanyons.com. - South Mississippi Sun Herald

Good news for regional rock...yet another band has been signed to an honest-to-goodness label. The Velmas, who hail from points just south of our coverage area but are certainly familiar to fans of local original rock, signed on the dotted line with indie label City Canyons Records and just finished the first album of the deal. Titled "Station," the record is full of why the "proof is in the pudding."

This rock trio writes great songs...in the vein of modern rock like Pearl Jam, The Shins, and the kinds of bands fitting the intellectually stimulating middle-of-the-road genre. I like it. You can see The Velmas at almost any regional club that hosts good live music...if they book rock, The Velmas have played there. For more info: www.TheVelmas.com. - SPICE (Saratoga Springs, NY Arts Paper)

November 2006 - "Station", The Velmas' first release on City Canyons Records debuts at #27 on the charts on KCWU 88.1 in Ellensburg, WA for the week of 9/26/06 - 10/03/06.

Station has received airplay on over 120 radio stations across the US and Canada, with more stations adding the album each week. - City Canyons Records

March 2006 - The Velmas were voted #1 Best Alternative Band by readers of Metroland (www.metroland.net).

"A Velmas show" was also given a nod as a "Best Time to be Had for Under $10".

In addition, Velmas guitarist/singer Mike "Harvey" Grosshandler and Velmas bassist "Figaro" were both voted "Best Local Celebrity With Whom You'd Like to Have a One-Night Stand" in the Metroland Readers' Picks 2006. - Metroland

January 2006 - Crumbs Radio (www.crumbs.net) selects the song "Silenced" from The Velmas as #2 in its Top 10 Tracks of 2005 list. - Crumbs Radio

May 2004 - The Velmas were selected by readers of Albany2Go.com in their Best of The Capital Region 2004 Poll as the #2 "Best Development on Local Arts Scene". - Albany2Go.com

Kicking it with The Velmas

Three-man band "The Velmas" have been big in the Albany scene for the last few years, even scoring an award for best alternative band of 2006 from Metroland. They've got a new CD out, "Station," with 13 great tracks, including a cover of Lionel Richie's "Hello."

Their music has a strong alternative vein, with a little bit of punk thrown in. Somehow they manage to have a genuine sound, despite being in such a packed genre. This is probably due to the fact they don't stick to a set vibe. Each song has a feel that distinctly matches its lyrics and sets a mood to the sound. They don't try and stretch their words to fit their band's "sound." They avoid the formulas and go for their own brand of originality.

The band's influences show up at unexpected times in their music. In "Past Tense," there is a decidedly anti-social twist and a dark, deliberate sound reminiscent of Nirvana. "Would It Matter" is more like a journey from The Red Hot Chili Peppers into the realm of Primus. In short, their music has an awesome and refreshing old-school essence that makes it almost familiar listening after the first time.

The Velmas now have three albums including "Station." They've been signed by City Canyons Records and their music is available on iTunes for the discerning iPod owners among us.

Overall, the band has a winning sound. They play to the crowds, they play for themselves, and they generally play around. - Lauren Levine - Albany Student Press

Readers of Metroland, in their 2007 Readers' Picks, select The Velmas as the #2 Best Local Alternative Band AND the #2 Best Local Rock Band.

Velmas guitarist/singer Mike "Harvey" Grosshandler, and Velmas bassist/singer Figaro are both voted "Best Local Celebrities With Whom You'd Like to Have a One-Night Stand".

Grosshandler was also selected "Best Local Producer" and "#2 Best Local Solo Musician". - www.Metroland.net