Gino Zo Releases “Only Bad Men Make Me Feel This Way”
Gino Zo Releases “Only Bad Men Make Me Feel This Way”
A Fearless Symphony of Identity, Rebellion, and Empowerment
Only Bad Men Make Me Feel This Way
Leaning fully into her singer-songwriter roots on this track, Gina showcases the lyrical depth and emotional clarity that have long set her apart. Blending warm acoustic guitar with shimmering synth textures, the song captures the rollercoaster of post-breakup freedom—those moments when you know you're better off, yet still feel the sting of what’s gone.
Gina Zo, a powerhouse vocalist hailing from the suburbs of Philadelphia and now making waves in LA, is not just a rock-pop singer-songwriter—she’s a beacon of authenticity and empowerment within every performance, song, and beat. With her bisexuality boldly declared in her 2023 anthem “Faking It,” Gina has transformed her personal journey into a powerful narrative for the LGBTQIA+ community, proving that true identity is a form of rebellion against conformity and that the tribe you ride with is where you truly belong. Her journey was further shaped by her time on The Voice as a member of Team Blake, where Gwen Stefani's mentorship led her to discover a unique authenticity within herself—so profound that it brought her to tears after their first meeting, as Stefani challenged her to be more genuine.
Her musical influences, from the soulful strains of Norah Jones to the mystical allure of Stevie Nicks, shaped her artistry from a young age. Family moments with her grandparents in her youth were spent dancing with flashlights as strobe lights and singing into makeshift microphones laid the foundation for a passion that would later ignite her career. Gina’s early days were a whirlwind of homemade videos and impromptu performances, a testament to her unyielding spirit.
At just 18, Gina signed with an indie label in Philadelphia, where she soon faced the harsh realities of the music industry. Disillusioned by its darker side, she stepped away, only to feel an undeniable pull back to her true calling after a breakup that left her reaching for her lost identity. Reuniting with her original band, she forged Velvet Rouge, a rock band that embodies defiance and the pursuit of artistic freedom.
Velvet Rouge’s debut EP, released in 2024, is a visceral journey through Gina’s soul. From the haunting truth of being with someone you never loved in “Lonely Since The Day We Met” to the deep conflict of not knowing who you are or what you should be in “I Don’t Know Why,” the EP resonates with raw, unapologetic emotion. Produced by the esteemed Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey (The War on Drugs, Dr. Dog, Sharon Van Etten), it channels the gritty essence of early 2000s rock and ‘90s grit, offering a soundtrack to the struggles and triumphs of self-discovery.
Gina's return to the industry was not just a comeback but a revolution. With Velvet Rouge, she’s leading a charge against the systemic barriers faced by women in music, advocating for change both on stage and behind the scenes. Gina’s focus is to champion young artists in all mediums: her 2023 Grammy dress, designed by Lauren Schuler, embodied her fusion of elegance and rebellious spirit, making a statement that transcends fashion.
Honored as Best Rock Band in Philly in late 2022 and celebrated in Philly Style Magazine as "Philly's Hottest Rock Band," Velvet Rouge’s impact is undeniable. Their powerful performances at festivals such as XPoNential Fest, MusikFest, and Beardfest; along with features on NPR’s National Public Radio Day and WXPN’s Free At Noon showcase their role as trailblazers in the rock genre.
Gina Zo's first single Dirty Habits, is a rock-pop ballad all about how our dreams are better than reality. The song received much critical acclaim with LADYGUNN proclaiming the track as "a bold debut" while Melodic Magazine called it "a wildly imaginative anthem".
Her second solo release of the year, “Only Bad Men Make Me Feel This Way" is a reflective breakup anthem that’s equal parts strength and vulnerability. Gina leans fully into her singer-songwriter roots on this track, showcasing the lyrical depth and emotional clarity that have long set her apart. Blending warm acoustic guitar with shimmering synth textures, the song captures the rollercoaster of post-breakup freedom, those moments when you know you're better off, yet still feel the sting of what’s gone. Produced by Justin Miller and Time Sonnefeld, the track is both intimate and expansive, allowing Gina’s vocals to cut through with raw honesty. It’s a summer breakup song built for late-night drives, tearful porch dances, and scream-singing with your best friends. This is the sound of a woman piecing herself back together, laughing louder, loving herself harder, and writing the kind of chorus that sticks with you long after the last note fades. With “Only Bad Men Make Me Feel This Way,” Gina Zo delivers her most personal work to date, reminding us all: healing isn’t linear, but it can be loud.
Living in LA, she finds solace in cooking from scratch, strolling around Silver Lake Reservoir, and immersing herself in murder novels (she promises she is not plotting to kill an ex). For Gina Zo, music is more than a career—it’s a platform to inspire young women to embrace their true selves and to reject any mold that seeks to confine them in their identity, sexuality, and career. Through her fearless artistry and unbreakable spirit, Gina Zo is rewriting the rules and leading a revolution in the world of pop-rock music.
https://www.ginazomusic.com/tour
