ABOUT SO FIERCE MUSIC
Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by International Award Winning Electronic Music Artist, Producer and Songwriter Velvet Code, SO FIERCE MUSIC is a new kind of Record Label and Entertainment Company for those marginalized and disadvantaged by the mainstream music industry because of their age, race, gender or sexual identity.
With over 20 years in the music industry, Velvet Code has experienced first hand how difficult it is for any 2SLGBTQIA+ artist to be seen and heard, not only in the music industry, but in the world.
SO FIERCE MUSIC gives Artists a voice and a proven path forward despite mainstream music industry discrimination. Although an artist’s ability to excel depends on work ethic and dedication to their craft, SO FIERCE MUSIC helps guide artists while providing a proven platform for success.
We are perfect as we are. In fact, WE ARE SO FIERCE.
Founder/CEO
Velvet Code
Velvet Code is an Electronic Music Producer, Artist and DJ from Toronto, Canada. His music can be described as ‘80s and ’90s- influenced electronic music, most notably the sub-genres of EDM known as electro house and progressive. Velvet Code’s sophomore album ‘Dreamer’, which accumulated over 2 million plays on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, was featured on major EDM publications such as EDM.com, EDM Tunes, DJ Times Magazine among others. The track ‘Mary Offered Ladybugs and Love Yous’ hit #27 on the Billboard Dance Charts in 2019.
In addition to producing new music, Velvet Code also hosts the weekly “Rise To The Rhythm” radio mixshow which is broadcast to over 130 digital, FM and satellite radio stations around the world. He also hosts a weekly one-hour “Solitary Confinement Saturdays” Livestream to an average of 5,000 – 10,000 viewers each week via Facebook Live and MixCloud Live.
Velvet founded SO FIERCE in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring together those marginalized and disadvantaged by the mainstream music industry because of their age, race, gender or sexual identity, and give them a platform for individuality without judgment.
Velvet Code
Velvet Code is an Electronic Music Producer, Artist and DJ from Toronto, Canada. His music can be described as ‘80s and ’90s- influenced electronic music, most notably the sub-genres of EDM known as electro house and progressive. Velvet Code’s sophomore album ‘Dreamer’, which accumulated over 2 million plays on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, was featured on major EDM publications such as EDM.com, EDM Tunes, DJ Times Magazine among others. The track ‘Mary Offered Ladybugs and Love Yous’ hit #27 on the Billboard Dance Charts in 2019.
In addition to producing new music, Velvet Code also hosts the weekly “Rise To The Rhythm” radio mixshow which is broadcast to over 130 digital, FM and satellite radio stations around the world. He also hosts a weekly one-hour “Solitary Confinement Saturdays” Livestream to an average of 5,000 – 10,000 viewers each week via Facebook Live and MixCloud Live.
Velvet founded SO FIERCE in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring together those marginalized and disadvantaged by the mainstream music industry because of their age, race, gender or sexual identity, and give them a platform for individuality without judgment.
Head of Technology
Sam Stratigeas
Sam Stratigeas is a University of Toronto graduate and has been working in the technology industry since 1986. He has worked as a product manager for a major software distribution company and used that to catapult himself into the world of web development. Sam has programmed simple websites as well as complex content management systems before that was a thing and was a pioneer in using the web as a marketing tool.
Sam is also a talented DJ and producer and has applied his knowledge of technology to music. He’s been at that since 2012.
Head of Sales
Bonte Minnema
Bonte Minnema has over 15 years of experience in advertising and community relations specializing in digital media, content creation, and legacy media. With artistic, corporate, academic, and charitable clients his diverse experience helps him deliver on each client’s unique goals.
Bonte joins the So Fierce Music team as Sales Director to help build the So Fierce Music brand, connecting drag and LGBTQ2+ artists with their die hard fans.
Choreographer
Joey Arrigo
Hailing from downtown Toronto, Joey is not just a dancer, acrobat, actor, teacher, and choreographer, but a true artist who has left his mark on stages around the globe.
With a career as diverse as it is impressive, Joey has graced the stage with iconic productions such as Cirque du Soleil’s “Volta” as the principal character “Waz” and Cirque du Soleil’s “Kooza” as “The Trickster.” His talents have also shone brightly with Shaping Sound Dance Company, Pro Arte Danza, Red Sky Performance, and Transcendance Project’s immersive theatre productions, where he embodied characters like the Evil Queen in “A Grimm Night” and Renfield in “Eve of St. George.”
Not limited to the stage, Joey’s presence has also been felt on screens big and small. From appearing in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” on Paramount Plus to Guillermo del Toro’s “Cabinet of Curiosities,” Joey’s versatility as a performer knows no bounds. He has showcased his skills as a stunt double, featured dancer, and even as “Jerry, the Aerobic Vampire” in the hit series “What We Do in the Shadows.”
Recognized as one of Canada’s top dancers on CTV’s “So You Think You Can Dance Canada,” Joey’s talent has taken him worldwide, including guest appearances on Ukraine’s “Everybody Dance” and Disney’s “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.” Not to mention his involvement in Russell Peter’s Christmas Special, where his charisma and skill lit up the screen.
In addition to his impressive performance resume, Joey is also making waves in the music industry. He released his debut song “Let It Crash” alongside Velvet Code in June 2023, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting musical journey. Fans can look forward to Joey’s upcoming new song, music video, and a series of remixes by DJs from across the globe in Spring 2024.
With a passion for creativity and a dedication to his craft, Joey Arrigo continues to captivate audiences with his boundless talent and infectious energy. Keep an eye out for this rising star as he continues to shine bright in the worlds of dance, music, and entertainment.
