Vegas Rayz was started in 2021 after radio station KIIS97.3fm put together a group of talented teenagers to form 'the band that Brisbane built'.
After an extended search that included both public and industry personalities, six teenagers were chosen, receiving mentoring and encouragement from some of the biggest names in Australian music such as Adam Thompson (Chocolate Starfish), Sheppard and Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi).The band have already played various festivals and venues around Brisbane, entertaining audiences with their fresh pop-rock sounds, the future is looking bright for this group of talented teenagers.
With some changes along the way Vegas Rayz introduced their new lead singer Jess Potts early this year. Jess has been a part of the music industry for the past six years performing with several different bands.
Vegas Rayz is now a five-piece band made up of Jess (lead vocals), Aria (keyboard, vocals), Mya (bass guitar), Ryan (lead guitar) and Marcus (drums).
Ahead of a trio of April shows supporting global beatbox champion Joel Turner, Jess sat down for a chat about the band as well as answering a few non-music questions.
We sound like... We have a rock, pop, funk style. Like a modern day Killing Heidi. We're working on some original songs that we'll recording soon.
Our first gig was... At Queen Street Mall last year. My first gig with the band as the new lead singer was late March this year. The Breakfast Creek Hotel put on a flood appeal event and we donated our time to perform and raise money for flood victims. It was a great day and we got to share the stage with some amazing artists like Adam Brand.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... KIIS 973 invited Ella Hooper from Killing Heidi to help us choose the band's name.
In the studio we usually... Always have snacks – we've celebrated a couple of birthdays (including mine) in the past month, so we've had a lot of cake.
If we could tour with anyone... It would be Lime Cordiale because their music inspires us. We actually covered their song 'Robbery' at our last gig.
My favourite app at the moment is... I would say Netflix would have the most screen time on my phone. Got to keep up with those 'Friends' episodes.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... That I headbutted my microphone on stage and cut my lip mid song.
Life on the road can be... So much fun. I would love to be able to travel more with my music. Nationally and internationally. It's a chance to meet new people and explore.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Only yellow Skittles. Though, seriously as long as they have juice.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Someone broke into my house and stole my housemate's car while we were asleep.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Terry from KIIS 973 has been a great support for the band and helped us get off the ground. There's probably no better person for the job.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? London, as England is my home and I think I'd really enjoy living there.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... It's a strange mix but boy it would be a fun night! Lee Evans, John Cleese, Dawn French. They're all hilarious comedians and I think we'd have a good laugh.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Definitely something with potatoes. Mashed, baked, fried, smashed, sliced – you name it!
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover! I'm a huge dog person. My camera roll is just full of photos of all the dogs I meet.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Hot chips.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... I can't remember. I like exercising outside and on the beach.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Drying dishes. I will always let them air dry on the drying rack.
Do you have any phobias... Getting lost at sea. I love the ocean, but not when you can't see land. I watched the movie 'Adrift' and that officially made be not want to sail.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I'd love to be on 'Is It Cake?'. I can't bake like they can but maybe I could be a judge. Looks like so much fun.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I've already done this one and it still is by far the best prank I've done. So my mum has about 50 fridge magnets that she's collected from her travels in different cities. One night. . . me and my brother covered her car with them.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Charlie's Raw Squeeze in Everton Park. After a party I would go there and get a smoothie bowl at like 1am.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? So many of my friends say I remind them of Rapunzel from Disney's 'Tangled'. I'm an actress as well as a singer and my dream role is to play Rapunzel if they do the live-action film of 'Tangled'.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Manifest' on Netflix. The story just hooks you in and you can't help but press 'next episode' every time to see what will happen.
Vegas Rayz 2022 Tour Dates
Thu 14 Apr - Brothers Leagues Club (Ipswich)Sun 17 Apr - Twin Towns (Gold Coast)
Sun 24 Apr - The Triffid (Brisbane)
