Gina Zo, the electrifying rock-pop singer-songwriter from Philadelphia now lighting up Los Angeles, is hitting the road in 2025 with a series of performances that promise to be as raw and rebellious as her music. With tour dates announced for August 31 at Pasadena’s Wonder and Awe Showcase, September 10 at Hotel Ziggy in Los Angeles for a free show (RSVP required), September 26 at Molly Malone’s for her album release show, and an October 25 Halloween show with venue and ticket details forthcoming, Gina is ready to connect with fans in venues where they can dance, sing, and break free. Her performances, fueled by her journey of self-discovery and bold embrace of her bisexuality, as declared in her 2023 anthem “Faking It,” embody a powerful narrative for the LGBTQIA+ community, proving that authenticity is the ultimate rebellion against conformity.
Born in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Gina’s musical roots were shaped by soulful influences like Norah Jones and the ethereal grit of Stevie Nicks. Her childhood was filled with joyful moments dancing with flashlights as strobe lights and singing into makeshift microphones alongside her grandparents, igniting a passion that defined her path. At 18, she signed with an indie label in Philly, only to face the music industry’s harsh realities, prompting a temporary retreat. A personal breakup rekindled her fire, leading her to reclaim her identity and form Velvet Rouge, a rock band that channels defiance and artistic freedom. Her time on The Voice as part of Team Blake, mentored by Gwen Stefani, was transformative—Stefani’s challenge to embrace authenticity moved Gina to tears, shaping her fearless approach to artistry.
Velvet Rouge’s 2024 debut EP, produced by Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey (The War on Drugs, Dr. Dog), is a raw exploration of identity, with tracks like “Lonely Since The Day We Met” confronting unrequited love and “I Don’t Know Why” grappling with self-doubt. Celebrated as Philly’s Best Rock Band in 2022 and “Philly’s Hottest Rock Band” by Philly Style Magazine, the band has captivated audiences at festivals like XPoNential Fest, MusikFest, and Beardfest, with features on NPR’s National Public Radio Day and WXPN’s Free At Noon. Gina’s 2025 solo singles further cement her as a trailblazer. “Dirty Habits,” a rock-pop ballad produced by Grammy winners Justin Miller (Jazmine Sullivan) and Tim Sonnefeld (Usher), explores the allure of dreams over reality, amassing over 30,000 streams in its first week. LADYGUNN praised it: “With ‘Dirty Habits,’ Gina Zo lays the foundation for a career that doesn’t play by the rules. It’s bold, messy, deeply felt, and that’s the point.”
Her second single, “Only Bad Men Make Me Feel This Way,” is a reflective breakup anthem blending acoustic warmth with shimmering synths, showcasing Gina’s singer-songwriter roots and emotional clarity. It captures the bittersweet freedom of moving on while acknowledging lingering pain. “I Need to Cry,” co-written with Miller and Sonnefeld, is a synth-soaked Pride anthem celebrating self-acceptance and community, marking Gina’s second Pride release since coming out in 2023. “Fuck Me Then Leave Me” dives into the addictive pull of toxic relationships, its anthemic chorus destined to become a fan favorite. Each track reflects Gina’s ability to weave vulnerability with power, creating music that resonates deeply.
Living in LA, Gina finds balance in cooking from scratch, strolling around Silver Lake Reservoir, and diving into murder novels—jokingly insisting she’s not plotting against an ex. Her 2023 Grammy dress, designed by Lauren Schuler, embodied her blend of elegance and rebellion, a statement echoed in her advocacy for young artists, particularly women, to break free from industry constraints. Through Velvet Rouge and her solo work, Gina is leading a revolution, rejecting molds that limit identity, sexuality, or ambition. Her 2025 tour, detailed at https://www.ginazomusic.com/tour, is a chance to experience this fearless spirit live, where every show is an invitation to let go and embrace the moment. Gina Zo’s music and performances are a rallying cry for authenticity, promising a year of unforgettable connections with fans.
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