Washington, D.C.’s formidable darkwave collective VOSH emerges with a newfound ferocity, blending nerve and nuance in equal measure. Fronted by vocalist Josephine Olivia—her voice an evocative blend of gossamer and steel—the quartet orchestrates electric guitars, towering synths, and pummeling percussion to create a distinct tension between passion and menace. On their latest album, Vessel, VOSH harnesses that energy in songs that explore the delicate balance between the sensual and the sinister, while conjuring live performances charged with primal, almost spiritual force. The results are spellbinding and unapologetically bold, offering a glimpse into the depths of human desire and darkness.
In this interview, Josephine and company delve into the emotionally charged process of bringing Vessel to life, discussing how each performance transforms the music and the thin line between sexuality and our more shadowy impulses. They also share insight into their varied influences—ranging from the raw power of early Ministry and Killing Joke to the enthralling world of fashion and visual design—revealing how VOSH’s live shows become an immersive, all-encompassing experience. From the visceral rage that fuels their onstage presence to the camaraderie they foster on tour, the band embraces the freedom and unpredictability of live music, weaving a potent blend of connectivity, theatricality, and fervent emotion every time they take the stage.
‘Vessel was released to critical acclaim, and now you’re touring in support of it. Do the songs evolve when performed live compared to their recorded versions? Your performances as both sensual and sinister. How do you bring that energy to life on stage? Do you think there is a thin line between the darker aspects of human nature and sexuality?
Absolutely! The live sound is actually so different from the record- i think it emotes a lot more, and we all take creative liberties each night. There’s something that happens when you’re in a room full of other people, that energy is transmitted and the songs seem to take on another life.
I think there’s something really magical that happens in those rooms- there’s a connection, a communication beyond words. It’s primal, visceral- i think sexuality is a layer in the performance but hardly the word most people walk away from it with. Most things hold dual meaning, sexuality / the darker aspects of human nature of course exist together. The line can be blurred and often is. I suppose it depends mostly on what one defines as “darker aspects of human nature”. For me (Josephine) a VOSH performance transcends sexuality- it’s broader than that. I pull from a darker place, the energy it takes is sometimes from a place of rage.
It’s hard to pin down Vosh’s sound. At one moment, there are metal and 70s rock influences, industrial music, and undeniably gothic rock and darkwave. From what artists and bands do you draw inspiration?
We draw inspiration from so many different places. I think definitely early Ministry and Killing Joke, but those are really just scratching the surface. When you put people together that have come from different backgrounds/ scenes and then make music, you get a really unique and specific sound. What one person gets from hearing an album is completely different from another, so I think it’s about the combination of influences, person to person, and then putting it together to create something brand new.
Can you tell us about the creation of your music videos and what influences them? “Pray” has a crimson-hued, sexy, dark elegance. “Bleed As One” has an icy, Lynchian horror-like feel. “Superstition” seems to fully embrace sexuality, and “Perfection,” the most visually arresting of the four, has a crown of thorns in a swimming pool. Wow!Tell us about the visual elements in your live shows? How do you use visuals to enhance the dark, immersive vibe of your performances?
We have all played music separately for many years. I think coming together for VOSH, we really wanted to create a SHOW. Something all encompassing- no matter where you are. We bring a lot of gear, we have a light show as well. So whether you see us at a tiny dive bar or a bigger venue, we like to create our own atmosphere.
What inspires the band’s style besides musical influences? Film? Art? Fashion? Literature?
Everything is an inspiration! Fashion, especially- I love to use the elements around me and correspond my outfits to really set the mood. Clothes are usually what someone sees first, and I like to add drama to the performance by using my body and adorning it with designers that I love and respect.
Your music seems to have a dynamic range of themes, including darkness, desires, death drives, sensuality, and deadly sins. What is your songwriting process, and how do these themes or feelings evolve into the songs on Vessel?
The process really changes song to song. It can be as simple as Chris creating a drum skeleton, and we just sit down together for an afternoon, and a song comes out. For example, Superstition was a song i was really struggling with, trying to figure out lyrics and melody etc. This was when Carson Cox (merchandise) was in the band. I remember I was driving over to meet up with Chris and Carson and kept thinking FUCK, I still haven’t written lyrics and we are about to demo this thing and they are just waiting on me! As I’m driving over, I have the song playing in my car and literally the entire song- the lyrics and melody- just appeared. I had to pull over and write it down. I love when that happens- it’s the closest I feel to believing in something greater than us as humans- there’s something beyond us, an energy, and if we listen, there’s a lot we can learn. So I guess it’s really a crapshoot, sometimes the writing is super easy and lubricated and other times it’s like dragging something heavy through the mud. We need both, though.
Your fall tour is extensive, with dates across North America. What aspect of touring excites you the most, and how do you keep the energy high across so many shows? How do you prepare yourselves mentally and physically before hitting the stage?
This tour was amazing!! It was ambitious, but what an incredible experience. There are a lot of aspects of tour that we love- seeing friends, eating the best vegan food, new places, new faces. Also, being able to expel that kind of energy every night is really rewarding. We would stay on the road forever if we could!! I think there’s just a really specific place you can tap into before each show- it’s very present, very real. When you’re about to share a new experience with not only your band, but the people you’re performing for. It’s a very intimate place. I try to take a moment alone before we go on and just try to let go of everything else- be as present as possible.
How do you maintain creative synergy within the band while on the road? It seems that the band is a large part of the community of underground music artists nationwide. Are you able to connect with other creatives while on tour, and does this invigorate the band as a whole?
I think at the end of the day, you have to really love what you’re doing to commit to it. These are very dear friends and Chris and I are married, so we have a very close bond. I think we are lucky enough to share a very close creative bond as well. And yes, we love seeing our other friends in bands along the way and playing with them, too; it makes everything more enjoyable. You have to be a little off your nut to be in the music biz at all, especially these days, so as the years go on, the ones that are still in it, you know you’re gonna have some deeper connection that’s beyond face value and I really cherish that.
With such a varied setlist, do you find certain songs take on new meaning or power when performed in front of an audience? Will we be hearing more more new music from Vosh in the future?
Yes, every song actually feels incredibly different each time we play it. I think that’s why we really enjoy taking this show on the road, it gives us the ability to continually breathe new life into it. There’s some new stuff and reimagined songs from Vessel, recorded live to sort of encapsulate how we sound at a show. We also have Shot in the Dark up on all streaming platforms, so if you haven’t, go check it out!
Vosh recently released the live album VAULT VOLUME 1. Order the album here.
Throughout February, Vosh will be embarking on their first European tour. Dates below; tickets and more information will be available soon.
Feb 6 – Antwerp BE
Feb 7 – Den Haag NE
Feb 8 – Brussels BR
Feb 9 – Freiburg Im Breisgau DE
Feb 11 – Dresden DE
Feb 12 – Berlin DE
Feb 13 – Prague CZ
Feb 14 – Kosice SK
Feb 15 – Wien AT
Feb 16 – Budapest HU
Feb 18 – Zagreb HR
Feb 19 – Milano IT
Feb 20 – Bologna IT
Feb 21 – Barberaz FR
Feb 22 – Paris FR
Feb 23 – Nantes FR
Follow VOSH:
The post DC Gothic Rock Outfit Vosh Releases “Vault Volume 1” Ahead of European Tour — Plus Interview appeared first on Post-Punk.com.
