Interview: Velvet Chains Discuss Their Origins, Lineup Changes, and the Making of ‘How The Story Ends’

Velvet Chains

Las Vegas, Nevada-based hard rockers Velvet Chains have just dropped the new music video for their song “How The Story Ends.” With the new singer Chaz Terra and lead guitarist Philip Paulsen in the lineup, the band are moving ahead like a non-stop hurricane. Recently, we caught up with the band for a conversation about their beginnings, lineup shifts, their latest music video, and much more. Explore the interview below to learn more about Velvet Chains:

Can you please tell what the name Velvet Chains means? How did you come up with this name?

The name Velvet Chains came from a trip a couple of us took to Amsterdam a few years ago. We wandered into an underground fetish club called “Velvet Chains” without having any clue what we were walking into, and the whole atmosphere was surreal: dark, intense, bizarre, and strangely inviting. The experience was similar to the one seen in the movie Euro Trip, only that we were never told the safe word. The ordeal stuck with us, so we decided to honor that night by naming the band after the club. As a nod to it, we also refer to our fans as our “fetish club,” which you’ll see reflected in some of our merch.

What was the writing process of “How The Story Ends”? What is the theme of the song? How long did it take to complete it?

“How The Story Ends” is about searching for meaning in a world that feels uncertain and broken. It’s a reflection on loss, change, and the quiet yet brutal act of gathering what’s left of your life. It remains the most hauntingly raw and emotionally charged song we’ve ever written. The writing process was a fully collaborative effort with our producer, Mitch Marlow. He came up with a musical idea and from there we built the composition’s framework together by shaping it collectively. This involved refining the structure, layering textures, and carving out the emotional tone as a team. Even though the core ideas came together naturally, the song evolved over roughly eight months, with each phase adding more depth and intention. By the end, every detail felt aligned with the weight of the story we were telling.

Can you share your experience of making the music video of “How The Story Ends”? How was your experience working with Julian “Julo” Oyanedel?

Working with Julo is always effortless because he understands our aesthetic without needing a lot of explanation. For this video, he helped us create something that reflects the atmosphere of the song: dark, emotional, and cinematic, but still grounded in performance. The shoot was smooth; the vision was clear, and he pushed us to capture the energy and tension behind the track.

Watch the official video of “How The Story Ends” on YouTube:

With the new vocalist and guitarist, what are your plans for the future? How has your approach to music changed with the new lineup?

With the new lineup, the band feels more focused and creatively aligned than ever. The chemistry is stronger; the writing process is more collaborative, and everyone brings a different edge to the sound. We’ve naturally grown darker, heavier, and more intense, the kind of intensity that feels lived-in rather than forced. There’s a new sense of urgency in the way we write now, a sharper vision and a more fearless approach to exploring the moodier corners of our sound. Looking ahead, our plan is simple: keep releasing stronger songs, expand our touring footprint, and continue pushing the band into a more powerful, atmospheric direction. The new lineup didn’t just change our approach; it elevated the entire project.

Who are your musical influences? Who would you like to tour with in the future?

Our influences pull from both classic and modern corners of rock. Bands like Alice In Chains and Soundgarden helped shape our darker, atmospheric side, while Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and AC/DC inspired the energy and attitude behind what we do. We also connect with the raw, unpredictable spirit of bands like Highly Suspect and Loathe, who push boundaries in a way we really respect. As for touring, we’d love to hit the road with artists who share that balance of heaviness, melody, and intensity.

Velvet Chains

Lastly, what are your short-term and long-term plans? Any chance of hitting the studio soon? When can we expect to see a new record from you guys?

In the short term, we’re focused on rolling out new singles and supporting them with as many shows as possible. In fact, we just spent a week in Los Angeles at NRG Studio with songwriter Curtis Peoples doing a lot of writing, refining, and building the core of our next releases. The new material feels like the strongest work we’ve ever done. Long-term, we’re planning to expand our touring footprint and push deeper into both the U.S. and international markets. We actually have multiple tours confirmed for 2026, in the U.S. and abroad, but we can’t share details just yet. What we can say is that we’ll be on the road a lot more, and new music will be a big part of that momentum.

Follow Velvet Chains on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Velvet Chains

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

 Learn more