Julissa Veloz
Julissa Alexandria Veloz (born in Newark, New Jersey) is a Dominican-American recording artist and songwriter. She first achieved fame as "Tiara Girl" in Season 8 of American Idol.[1] After being eliminated in the group rounds, Veloz was signed to record label Carrillo Music owned by Rod Carrillo.
In 2010, Veloz released her debut single, "Take Control", which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart. That October, Veloz released her second single, "Predator", which entered the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart at #44 and climbed to #19. Her collaborations with Rod Carrillo have spawned her recent success with her singles "Mayhem," (US Dance #19) "It Would," and "Very Brady Day".
In 2015, her collaboration with Ralphi Rosario "La Jungla" gained a lot of attention and rose Billboard Dance Chart to #5.[2]
Veloz announced her Indie Rock band "Color The Lion" along with guitarist Jesse J Girardi and drummer Kevin Kerr under her label Leyline Records in 2015. Veloz handles all the lead vocals and is the creative lead of the project.
She will devote her time on both her solo dance/pop projects and band duties.
Biography
Veloz was born in Newark, New Jersey. By the age of 10, Veloz began taking lessons with opera singer Nadine Herman at the Newark School of the Arts. During her vocal training, Veloz performed at several affairs with CEOs and Presidents of corporations and was recommended to attend Juilliard by pianist Dalton Baldwin. She earned several music scholarships, many of which she was the first vocalist to receive. Veloz expanded her artistic reach by writing several monologues which she later performed with her cast in the Broadway of New Jersey, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Veloz left opera to pursue R&B and pop with music producer/teacher Gerry Williams, who worked with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion and Mandy Moore. During this time, Veloz co-wrote and recorded her first two demos, "Far from Me" and "Feel the Music" to release to the public. After disappointing results, Veloz decided to audition for American Idol and made it to the final rounds before being cut due to laryngitis.
One of her family members met label owner and DJ/producer, Rod Carrillo, in 2009, who signed her to his label, Carrillo Music, and her first single "Take Control" was recorded then released in February 2010.[3] The song rose up the Billboard Dance chart to #8.[4] She released her second single, “Predator”, in October 2010. In 2011, she released "Sweet Sugar Poison" and "Mayhem" singles. "Mayhem" reach #19 on the Billboard Dance Chart and got support from iheartradio on Club Phusion, Music Choice, Aol Radio as well as over radio support in 20 other markets. In 2012, she released "It Would" and "Very Brady Day."
In 2015, her collaboration with Ralphi Rosario "La Jungla" gained a lot of attention and rose Billboard Dance Chart to #5.[5] This was her second Top 10 record since 2010 with "Take Control".
She is currently working on her solo dance music album and with her band "Color The Lion."
Discography
- "La Jungla" with Ralphi Rosario (2015)
- "Tickle My" with Head Assembly (2015)
- "Light it Up" (2014)
- "Sunset to Sunrise" (2013)
- "What Cha Feelin'" with Liam Keegan & Kae Lou (2013)
- "Rock The Party" with Bouvier & Barona (2013)
- "Zimmee (Give It All)" (2012)
- "2 of Us" with Jesse McFaddin (2012)
- "Different" with Trevor Simpson (2012)
- "Overload" (2012)
- "Very Brady Day" (2012)
- "It Would" (2012)
- Mayhem (2011)
- Sweet Sugar Poison (2011)
- Me Against Me with Gabry Ponte (2011)
- Take Control (2010)
- Predator (2010)
Writing/Production
- "Lover and A Friend" - Color The Lion (2015)
- "Planet Earth" - Color The Lion (2015)
- "Wait For Me" - Color The Lion (2015)
- "French Toast" - Color The Lion (2015)
- "Karma" - Color The Lion (2015)
- "Tickle My.." - with Rod Carrillo and Peter Barona
- "Hurts" - Kelsey B. as Carvelo with Rod Carrillo (2013)
- "Rock The Party" with Bouvier & Barona (2013)
- "Get Away" Natalia Flores (2011)
References
- "Julissa Veloz - American Idol 8 - Julissa Veloz Pictures, Biography, News". Poptower.com. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
- "Billboard Dance chart". Billboard. 2015-11-28. Retrieved 2015-11-17.
- ""Tiara Girl" Julissa Veloz Releases "Takes Control" Produced by Rod Carrillo". Hip Hop Press. 2010-02-09. Archived from the original on 2012-04-06. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
- "Billboard Dance chart". Billboard. 2010-05-29. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
- "Billboard Dance chart". Billboard. 2015-11-28. Retrieved 2015-11-17.