The Velveteers - Live in Hamtramck
Monday, August 4th, 2025 was an average day for most in the Detroit area. Hot, busy, a little hazy. Most locals were focused on work or the upcoming season for the Lions. I, however, had only one thing on my mind: The Velveteers.
For those that aren’t in the know, The Velveteers are an up and coming rock trio from Boulder, Colorado, and I can shamelessly say that they’re one of my favorite bands to ever come out of the 21st century. Composed of vocalist and guitarist Demi Demitro, drummer Baby Pottersmith, and multiinstrumentalist (drums, backing vox, guitar, synths, etc.) Jonny Fig, the group packs a punch reminiscent of the 90s Riot Grrrl and grunge movements with their own futuristic spin. With them still being such a small artist in retrospect, I hadn’t been able to catch a show up until this last Monday despite the fact that I have reviewed and even interviewed them several times in the past. Their constant touring (even as a support act) hasn’t brought them to my neck of the woods much so I knew this headlining performance was one I had to attend despite the two hour drive. To say that it was worth it would be a grand understatement.
The Velveteers took the stage shortly after opening band SKORTS’ exit with both Pottersmith and Fig at the kit in the back and Demitro front and center with the mic and one of her signature guitars: a black Eastwood Sidejack Baritone DLX. Wordlessly, the band broke into their set and it was an uphill climb from there on out.
Out of all the high points, extended jams, mosh pits, and call and response instances of the show, I think the most important thing to highlight is the sheer force and energy that this band possesses. The entire night no matter what song, I never knew where to look. Demitro up front, shredding and egging on the crowd? Fig in the back, face fixed in a big smile while he laid down some synth? Pottersmith at his side, pushing the limits of drumming to extremes and outdoing themself time and time again? The beautiful stage decor made up of a flower-wrapped mic stand, a huge heart shaped sign with the band’s name, fluffy rugs, bedazzled amps, and custom painted drums? The Velveteers’ shows are comparable to a rock n roll-ified circus and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Apart from their energy and chemistry as a group, another thing I’d like to note is really just a glorified shoutout to Pottersmith. Leading up to this show, I was obviously aware of their approach to drums and the art of percussion but I really didn’t understand just how impressive their attitude and skill as a performer was. There wasn’t a single second that they didn’t give it their all as long as their feet were touching that stage. From dousing the crowd with water several times to having a lucky front row member hold up a drum while they actively beat it to climbing into the audience with a loud moon-shaped tambourine, they made sure there wasn’t a dull moment to be found. They also handed me a stick before the encore, which was and still is greatly appreciated (my first ever stick after 4 years of regular concert-going!).
With a setlist that explored songs from Nightmare Daydream, their debut album, and A Million Knives, their most recent album from this year (both of which you should stream if you know what’s good for you!), The Velveteers highlighted the beauty of live rock music: a little rowdiness, intensity, ethereality, and even some rebellion. Their entire being as a band screams DIY which was really just the cherry on top for me since we live in an era where such a thing isn’t as appreciated in comparison. DIY runs the world and it’s about damn time that came to light again.
Though The Velveteers have left the Detroit area for now, there are still a few shows that readers can catch at Evolution Festival in St. Louis and Freakout Festival in Seattle this fall. A Million Knives is available to stream now if you’re unfortunately unable to see a show for the time being but I encourage anyone and everyone to give their entire discography a listen. Maybe buy a tee shirt, too. Like I said: DIY runs the world and we as fans have an obligation to support that if we have any chance at spinning the industry on its head. The Velveteers and their merch rock (no pun intended) so it would be the furthest thing from a waste.