In 2016, Gina Castanzo (AKA Gina Zo) was featured on NBC’s The Voice, Team Blake for the show’s tenth season.

Then, in 2022, Gina Zo was inducted into the Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter and has set out on a journey to put her mark on rock n roll. In late 2022, Velvet Rouge was voted Best Rock Band in Philadelphia by PHL Live & was featured in the March issue of Philly Style Magazine as the music to listen to in the Now section - where they were titled “Philly’s Hottest Rock Band.”

In March of 2023, the band was Philly Rock Station WMMR’s Local Shots Artist of the Month. They have performed at an eclectic mix of Philadelphia’s music venues, including sold-out shows at Johnny Brenda’s, Brooklyn Bowl, and World Cafe Live. Velvet Rouge has also had the opportunity to perform on WXPN for National Public Radio Day 2022, as seen on NPR Music. The band began their international debut in Toronto last June, performing for NXNE. VR has officially jumped on premiere festivals such as their festival debut at XPoNential Fest and Bearfest in 2024.

Velvet Rouge became bi-coastal ahead of their 2024 debut EP release, “Velvet Rouge”, when Zo moved out to Los Angeles to continue the rock reign on the West Coast. Her goal beyond music? To make a dedicated impact on meaningful music programs in public schools and rights for all LGBTQIA+ community members. 

Their Debut EP release on July 26th, has come with great triumphs including radio play around the country in Philadelphia, PA, Madison, WI, Laguna Beach, CA, Portland, OR, Austin, TX, and more. The rock band has only just begun their rock reign in Philadelphia and beyond. They have begun touring in New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, and everywhere in between.