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Cringe.com: Interview with Amy Alwood

Before the release of their debut album, Amy Alwood of The Velveteens chatted with Cringe.com in 1998 about the band, songwriting and much more. Here is some of that exchange:

Cringe: You play a variety of roles in the band. Which do you think is your strong point? 

Amy: I think that I can write songs, but I feel that my singing and guitar playing are mediocre at this point. 

Cringe: What are you basing that on? 

Amy: I don't have enough freedom to play the guitar. I can't just sit down and play the guitar for three hours like some people. 

Cringe: Why's that? 

Amy: I don't know. Every now and then I play the guitar for fun, but all of the other times, it's just like work. But I love it. I just don't have whatever it is that lets people sit down and play and have a good time- I just don't do that. And I don't try and force myself; I just have to wait until it comes out. 

Cringe: So what is it which allows you to feel comfortable in saying that you are a good songwriter? 

Amy: To me, the radio and MTV are pretty boring. [And by comparison,] I think that my music is original. I hope its original; [for] it 's definitely a goal of mine to make more original music without being full of self-pity and sensitive artist stuff.

New Additions: Marveline album by The Velveteens

Although I got to check them out a number of times in the 1999 to 2001 period, I never actually picked up a copy of The Velveteens '99 album Marveline released on Derailleur Records. That was recently rectified, and happily so, as the haunting vocals combo of Amy and Meagan Alwood was quick reminder how unique and special this band was for the time. Like so many CD-only releases at the turn of the century, this one is missing from streaming services, so you'll need to grab a physical copy to hear it.

Know Yer Band: The Velveteens

Band: The Velveteens

Members
Vocals - Meagan Alwood
Vocals/Guitar - Amy Alwood
Guitar - Josh Kayser
Bass - Joe Maple/Emily Ann Allen
Percussion - Pat Ratuscz/Annie Light-Brown

Releases
1999 - Marveline album (Derailleur Records)
1999 - Split w/Ice Cream Phoenix 7" single (Love Records)