April 9, 2025

Vika and The Velvets at Treefort Music Fest: One Year Later

By: Julianna Raho

After reviewing Vika and The Velvet’s debut set at Treefort Music Festival last year, I was over the moon to see their name on the lineup for this year’s fest. The band won me over by their live performance, and they blew me away again this year with new tracks, different renditions of older songs and a more refined on-stage presence.

The band consists of Rogan Tinsley (saxophone), AJ Ramirez (drums), Eric Kennedy (lead guitar), Andrew Atkison (bass), Chris Carthum (trumpet) and the leading lady Vika (guitar and vocals).

They opened the day at 1 p.m. on Saturday at a makeshift outdoor stage on a closed-off street downtown. It was the coldest day of the weekend, with some rain and bits of snow throughout their 45-minute set. Despite the weather, everyone was dancing, singing along, moving their bodies and having a great time. Their music, indie-rock infused with deep blues and psychedelic twists, has a powerful ability to manipulate anyone who’s walking by to stop in their tracks and dance to the music. Their unique horn section is something that sets their music apart, as well as the powerhouse, Amy Winehouse-esque tone of Vika’s vocals. They released a new song the day before titled “Carousel of Love,” so I was able to hear it performed live for the first time, as well as some other upcoming releases.

Before both of us ran over to the Main Stage to catch Krooked Kings’ set, I had a chance to speak with Vika about her Treefort experience so far and what to expect from their new album coming out this June.

Almost four years after their last record released in 2021, their next piece of work is coming out June 22 (or some date around then, Vika says). “It feels way more me. It’s something I’m actually proud of and excited to get out and share. I connect with these songs more than anything else I’ve put out.” Vika writes all the melodies and lyrics, except for three songs on the album where Eric helped write the melody.

The entire album was written over the course of a year, with the writing process starting after an experience Vika had right around this time last year in 2024. “This whole album came together in a year and we recorded it in seven days up in Bear Creek Studios in Seattle”. When asked what influenced this album, Vika had nothing else to say but a wide smile on her face and the word “Love”. Their newest single “Carousel of Love” sets the tone for what’s to come.

Her favorite song on the album is “La Pine” which they played during their Treefort set. “Dream Girl of the Century” is also one to look out for; she assured me I would love the studio recording.

Another song she gave a shout-out to during the set was titled “You Look Like a Spade,” and I couldn’t help but notice the use of spades from her merch, promo posters, and the three spades in her bio. She gave some insight into the song and what it means to her:

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always gravitated towards spades. My family is a big poker family, so I grew up playing a bunch of card games. I never really liked them until I was a bit older, but spades were always super lucky for me and I had written a poem with the words ‘You Look Like a Spade’ and never finished it. Two and half years later, I pulled it back out and a song just came together all about luck and love and how spades aren’t really lucky, but to me, they are. Luck is really just what you make it.”

She also tells us to expect a lot of different things on the album. “We got some country twang and some pedal steel, lots of new elements. It’s all over the place.” If she had to give her music a flavor, it would be a “lavender huckleberry lemonade.” Their booming and sensual melodies are the perfect summer soundtrack, radiating love and light and making everyone listening want to dance forever.

Vika’s overall thoughts of Treefort Fest this year were nothing but rave reviews. “I got to see Worn-Tin, the Velvet Daydream, Remi Wolf of course. Shakey Graves was awesome.” She also noted that the increase in the number of people she’s witnessed, from lines out of venues and packed crowds, is something she is incredibly grateful for.

Vika has already put out some incredible tracks, and it looks like it’s only the beginning for the Spokane band. “It will feel so nice to have eleven songs on there that showcase something more me. It’s exciting because this feels like a new era.”

You can follow Vika on Instagram @vikaandthevelvets to keep up with all the latest. Make sure to check out their newest single “Carousel of Love” and be on the lookout for their album release this summer.

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