Luxembourg-based rock band The Velvet have just released their brand-new EP Electric Wizard, a high-voltage collection of songs that channel the raw spirit of 70s rock with a bold, contemporary twist. Known for their electrifying live shows and their signature blend of powerful guitar riffs and gritty organ melodies, the band continues to carve out a sound that’s entirely their own.
Fronted by blind singer and keyboardist Mario Percinic, often described as the “Ray Charles of Rock ’n’ Roll,” The Velvet bring a unique perspective and intensity to their music. Following the release of the lead single When the Smoke Clears, the band sat down to talk about the themes behind Electric Wizard, the power of playing both club shows and festivals, and how being from a small country like Luxembourg has shaped their fearless musical journey.
The EP is called Electric Wizard – an intriguing title. What drew you to that name, and does it represent a character, a mood, or something else entirely?
Yes, it really is. The name represents both a mood and a powerful anthropomorphic figure – a kind of rock god hurling lightning bolts in the form of riffs and high-pitched screams towards the audience. Furthermore, the title track is also a homage to the great Nikola Tesla.
You’ve often played both small club shows and big festival stages. Do you approach these performances differently — and which setting brings out the best in The Velvet?
Every setting has its own energy. Club shows are intimate, you’re face to face with the crowd, you feel every reaction, every shout. It’s raw and personal, and we love that. Festivals, on the other hand, are massive and electrifying .You’re feeding off the energy of bigger crowds, and that pushes us to go even bigger too.
We don’t change who we are, but we do adjust the dynamics. In smaller venues, we might lean into more improvisation and interaction. On big stages, it’s all about impact and presence. Both bring out different sides of The Velvet and we love doing both.
Your sound includes electrifying organ parts, which isn’t all that common in today’s rock scene. What made you lean into that instrument as a core part of your identity?
The organ has a rawness that we love so much in the rock bands we listen to. It’s gritty and unpredictable. It adds this vintage power that instantly sets a mood.We didn’t include it just for nostalgia. It’s about creating tension, drama, and depth. The way it growls under a riff or soars in a solo adds another layer to our sound as a band and definitely is a part of our identity. On top of that, our singer Mario doesn’t just play the organ, he also plays a Keytar on some songs, which brings a whole lot of variety to our live sound.
Coming from Luxembourg, a country not typically known for its rock exports, do you feel like outsiders — or has that made your journey more fearless and independent?
Coming from Luxembourg definitely puts us in a unique position. We’re aware it’s not the first place people think of when it comes to rock music and of course, it’s harder to make a name for yourself when you’re not part of a big-city scene with a built-in audience. But that outsider status pushes us to go even harder. You’ve got to get in the van, hit the road, and do the work if you want to be heard. There’s no shortcut and we’re fine with doing what it takes.
Beyond the music, how do you stay creatively inspired as a band? Are there books, films, places, or even routines that help fuel your songwriting and energy?
Inspiration can come from anywhere, books, films, conversations, or even just daily life. We’re all quite different as individuals, so each of us brings our own influences to the table. Some of us are into sci-fi and surrealist films, others draw ideas from history, philosophy, poetry and of course, from listening to other artists
Being on the road also plays a big role. Seeing new places, meeting people, it keeps the energy fresh and sparks new ideas and perspectives. And honestly, some of the best ideas come when you’re not trying too hard. Just being present, jamming without pressure, and letting things happen that’s when the real magic shows up.
Photo credit: The Velvet
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