Velvet Goldmine

Our journey together began in early 2011 when bassist Fritz Moore and drummer CanaDave began jamming with a friend and former guitarist, and began looking for a top-notch vocalist to lead their project. The call was answered by Rhode Island native Preston Black, who had recently moved to the LA area to pursue a career in performance. Instant chemistry ensued between the three, as they shared similar interests, influences, and a unified vision for what the sound of the band should be. Shortly into the new project, the guitarist left and was quickly replaced by Fritz's long-time friend Phil Verduzco and Velvet Goldmine was born.

VOCALIST/CO-WRITER/FRONTMAN PRESTON BLACK
has a long and diverse background in performance. At 15 he joined the rock cover band 5th Element as a vocalist and percussionist. He attended the University of Rhode Island to study Theatre/Acting. In 2007 Preston helped form the rock band Decorus Mens, performing all around Rhode Island and Massachusetts, but ultimately went their separate ways. At that point Preston became a resident performer at the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston, RI. During his time at "the Courthouse" Preston also worked as a sound engineer for many touring bands, most notably Eilen Jewell.

DRUMMER/CO-WRITER CANADAVE
is originally from Ajax, Ontario, Canada and moved to California with his family at the age of 11, and began playing drums shortly thereafter. Having studied piano in Canada since the age of 6, he found a perfect transition from his formal background. Immediately identifying with the punk rock scene in the South Bay, he began practicing day and night in his parent's garage, much to their shagrin. Dave has been in and out of many local bands, most notably Identity's Erosion and Somehow Still Alive. He studied music and anthropology while attending El Camino College in Torrance, CA, as well as competing on the school's debate team and still resides in the area.

BASSIST/BACK-UP VOCALIST FRITZ MOORE
was born and raised in the LA area and has been making locals smile since day one. He attended private school at Berkshire for his high school years and is currently studying at El Camino College in Torrance, CA. With music as his primary area of study, Fritz brings a very diverse roster of influence to the table. A lover of all things anime and video-game related, he draws inspiration from everything from 16 bit game music to obscure Japanese rock groups. Rarely seen without a smile on his face, Fritz brings a funk to Velvet Goldmine's sound that cannot be rivaled.

GUITARIST PHIL VERDUZCO
is, like Fritz, also an LA native. Shredding on his guitar for the last 8 years, Phil's background is on the heavier side of the rock spectrum. Listing to Metallica and Iron Maiden as two of his earliest influences, he later became enthralled with metal artists such as Black Dahlia Murder and Between the Buried and Me. Currently studying jazz guitar under the tutelage of several area instructors, Phil also shares a love of punk rock with the rest of the guys.

With well-thought out lyrics, driving rhythms, and a great live show, Velvet Goldmine is poised and ready to break out and take the rock scene by storm.