The Velvet Chameleon

The Velvet Chameleon was named, like many bands, after a late night rehearsal a couple of days before their first show. The band had its roots, however, years before that. Wesley Krauss (keyboards/guitar) began his musical life on drums and showed Marcus Luk (drums) the ropes in jazz band class at Port Moody Secondary. In time, Marcus began to play in rock bands of several incarnations with Adarsh Fernando (vocals/guitar) and Wesley, now a songwriter, but never both at the same time. Many years, many songs and many travels across our country later, Adarsh and Wesley came together at the suggestion of Marcus. Now a more seasoned drummer, he joined the two prolific songwriters in the summer of 2009 to form a new, potent and creative sound. A lucky Craigslist ad connected the trio to Justin Seidl (bass), and his array of bass effects pedals, newly arrived from Prince George. The Velvet Chameleon’s music is as rich as their history is long, and as diverse as their travels are wide. Drawing influence from bands as varied as Pink Floyd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and Led Zeppelin, the quartet weave intricate instrumental textures together into alternating layers of mystery and catharsis. One reviewer praised the band’s “smooth transitions” between riffs that got “the whole crowd hand-clapping away” and barrages of intense guitar/bass soundscapes. Always pushing the limits of their musicianship, The Velvet Chameleon aims to make music with personal depth and cultural timelessness. After playing their first show with Canadian west coast veterans Lillix, The Velvet Chameleon have gone on to win crowds throughout Vancouver. They are currently working on their first self-produced studio recordings, with Wesley, a Langara music production graduate, at the helm.