Rising Stars: Meet Verzell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Verzell.  

Hi Verzell, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Yes! Before I introduce myself, I’d like to highlight where I come from. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. I feel it’s important I make that known, because it’s almost as if everyone in the “D” has a creative voice. At the same time, every day you’re being humbled by the next person. Maybe I’m biased, but iron sharpens iron. I’m an Indie Rock artist. I was introduced to music through the church. My great-grandmother, Tarrie Lee Boykin, was a church pianist. When her health deteriorated due to cancer, I started playing piano professionally for the church around 12 years old. From there, I picked up the guitar and got into what the church folks call “secular music,” haha. I began to write and compose my own songs. Ever since, it’s been a whirlwind of creativity, life lessons, and Rock & Roll. I even spent a few years in Canada on the musical theater scene, including serving as assistant  music director to the play, “Footloose.” I was also slated to work in the Rock & Roll musical “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” in Oshawa, Ontario. The pandemic brought that to a halt before production began. All of these experiences contributed, & continue to my inspire my art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, let’s just say “easy” is an overstatement. The road is ever-changing. I’m a black man who plays Rock & Roll. You would think that’d be a common statement, considering some of the pioneers like Little Richard & Chuck Berry. When I first started out, I was very self-conscious about that. So, I tended to play what others thought I should play. I’d let a bit of my influences slip through the music, but only a glimpse at a time. On the other hand, I turned a subdued experience into a positive one because I learned to incorporate different elements into my sound. As time went on, my motto became “You must do you at all times.” No creator should compromise their artistic integrity to make others feel comfortable. I listen to and appreciate all music, but I’m a rocker, and that’s what it is. Hate it or love it. That said, the fans of the music and concertgoers make it all worth it. And for that, I’m grateful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Well, let’s see!

I’m a songwriter, singer, composer, & multi-instrumentalist. Those are the fancy titles, but honestly, at the end of the day, I’m an artist who lives to create.

I’m the leader of the band “Verzell & The Ego Trip.” It’s comprised of drummer and music director, At-Will, and also Ian Griffiths on bass. We’ve been rocking for a while, and the best show is always yet to come. Right now, we’re excited about our upcoming May residency at Detroit’s historic “Willis Show Bar.” Fans in the Detroit Metro Area will have a chance to see us live every Wednesday in May. An upcoming Fall tour is also in the works. We’re coming to you!

I take all facets of my artistic abilities very seriously. Every chord I play, every word I write is intentional. Even down to the distribution of my music. For example, my latest EP, “Indie Rock & Whisky,” was released on the Ides of March (March 15th), 2023. Most people remember their grade school teachers relegating the Ides of March to the death of Julius Caesar. I always looked at it as the dawn of a new era. I plan to bring Rock & Roll back to the forefront of the masses.

“Indie Rock & Whisky” has diverse subject matters.  I wasn’t thinking of the cliches of mainstream music when I wrote it. There’s a song I’m particularly proud of called “Homicide” that discusses political and religious oppression. “Sleeping with the Enemy” deals with a man who leaves his woman to get in bed with the music industry and all the evil that comes with it. I really wanted to give the listener a glimpse of life through my eyes. The EP was recorded at South Bridge Recording in Canada. Lyrically, I wrote all the songs. Both myself and Ontario native Derek Impens composed and produced the music. Guitarist Sean Shephard of Canadian rock band “The Brandy Alexanders,” lended his axe to a track, as well as trumpeter Austin Di Pietro. Musically, I was heavily influenced by the “Classic Rock” era. I mean I grew up listening to acts like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince among others. To get the feel, we mainly used vintage equipment to record the EP, right down to the guitar amps.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was an introvert. I’m still that way, at least off of the stage. Crazy right? My friends were outside, and I was either playing music or playing Sonic the Hedgehog. I was kind of a nerd. The quintessential “weird” kid, but that’s okay. I’ll own it. In high school, things changed for me when I joined the choir. It helped me to make friends, and I’m not going to lie and say it didn’t help with girls, haha. I went to two high schools. The first was Aaliyah’s alma mater, Detroit School of Arts. I graduated from Belleville High School. I’m thankful for both experiences. DSA humbled me because all the kids were talented in their fields. After experiencing a melting pot of prodigies at a performance arts school, Belleville High allowed me to hone my crafts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.verzell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verzell/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100062986642635/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tarrielee
• SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/verzell-lezon
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U4l15Ww9Y0ydLSIu5ORbv

Image Credits
Vontez Page