Rediscovering the Velocity Girl Phenomenon

A Blast from the Past

Spellman's journalistic career has taken him to various corners of the world, but his indie rock roots have a way of resurfacing in the most unexpected places. During a recent trip to New York to cover the United Nations General Assembly, Spellman found himself in an unlikely interaction with the press secretary of the Laotian foreign minister, who recognized him as the drummer from Velocity Girl. "It's completely bizarre when it does pop up," Spellman admits, highlighting the enduring impact of the band's music.

Reuniting for a Cause

The impetus for Velocity Girl's reunion came from a desire to revisit their debut album, "Copacetic," which the band had always felt could have been better executed. With the advancements in technology, the group decided to embark on a project to remix and remaster the album, resulting in the release of "UltraCopacetic." This, coupled with an invitation from the iconic D.C. club Black Cat to perform at their 30th anniversary celebration, provided the perfect opportunity for the band to reunite and reconnect with their loyal fanbase.

Recapturing the Magic

Velocity Girl's reunion shows have been a testament to the enduring appeal of their music. The band, comprising Archie Moore, Sarah Shannon, Brian Nelson, Kelly Young, and Spellman, have meticulously prepared for their performances, determined to recapture the magic that made them a college radio staple in the early 1990s. "We kind of really threw ourselves into it, like we practiced a ton, and we really worked to, you know, try to not suck," Spellman admits, acknowledging the challenges of reuniting after two decades.

Reconnecting with Fans

The response from Velocity Girl's fans has been overwhelming, with many sharing how the band's music has become intertwined with significant moments in their lives. "We've heard that over and over from people where some certain song they associate with some era of their life," Spellman says, humbled by the profound impact their music has had on their listeners.

Inspiring New Creations

The Velocity Girl reunion has not only rekindled the band's passion for performing but has also sparked a renewed creative spark. Spellman and lead singer Sarah Shannon have been collaborating on new music, exploring the possibility of future projects beyond the current reunion. "It's a little bit fits and starts, because of the logistics, but also, I think we have just have to get through these couple of shows," Spellman says, hinting at the potential for more Velocity Girl magic to come.

Balancing Careers and Creativity

As Spellman navigates his dual roles as a TV journalist and a reunited indie rock star, he acknowledges the challenges of juggling his professional and creative pursuits. "Jim has to get through the election first!" Shannon exclaims, underscoring the importance of Spellman's day job in the midst of the band's resurgence. Nevertheless, the Velocity Girl reunion has proven to be a rejuvenating experience, both personally and artistically, for the band members.