Velvet Sun Returns with Empire: A Sonic Voyage Through Psychedelia and Power

Scott Weinkle’s Velvet Sun is back with Empire, a four-track EP that dives deep into the cerebral waters of sonic experimentation while remaining tethered to pop sensibilities and vintage rock energy. With roots stretching back to the 2001 release Dreamhome, the Velvet Sun soundscape continues to evolve—never straying too far from its psychedelic and British invasion origins but bold enough to drift into new atmospheres of noise and nuance.

From Dream home to Empire: A Journey in Sound

Velvet Sun began as a solo project from multi-talented musician Scott Weinkle—singer, guitarist, and drummer. The debut album Dreamhome (2001) set the tone for a career defined by sonic exploration. Inspired by the Quiet Sun project from Brian Eno and Phil Manzanera, Weinkle created a musical palette that blends crunchy guitars, melodic hooks, otherworldly distortion, and ambient textures.

Now, Empire picks up the thread and pushes the narrative further. Unlike the full-throttle rock energy of earlier work, this EP pulls back just enough to create dynamic tension—offering moments of restrained intensity that explode into rich, textured power.

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The Musicians Behind the Magic

While Velvet Sun has always been grounded in Weinkle’s creative vision, collaboration has played a pivotal role. The original Dreamhome lineup featured drummer Tony Mann, bassist Dennis Ambrose, and guitarist Kelsey Warren. For Empire, Weinkle welcomes Eric Gould on keyboards and Marcel Salas on bass, adding layers of depth and atmosphere that elevate the project’s signature sound.

A Sonic Tapestry of Contrast and Catharsis

At its core, Empire is both a continuation and a transformation. The songs remain loyal to Velvet Sun’s roots—echoes of psychedelia and New York noise still ripple through every track—but there’s a refinement in the pacing, a maturity in the restraint. Weinkle holds back the power of rock, only to unleash it at just the right moment, shaking us from our slumber with bursts of controlled chaos.

Why Empire Deserves Your Listen

In an era where indie music can often feel overproduced or underwhelming, Empire stands out for its authenticity, its balance between complexity and clarity, and its bold refusal to follow trends. Whether you’re a longtime Velvet Sun follower or new to Weinkle’s work, Empire offers a mesmerizing journey worth taking.

Velvet Sun's Empire is now available on major platforms. Plug in, turn up the volume, and let the waves of distortion and melody carry you to another realm.