Interview: VoxMusic
New England based worship collective VoxMusic just released their new single 'Grateful'. Louder Than The Music caught up with the group to find out a little more about them, their music, and their plans for the future.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you got involved in making music?
We are a collective of musicians and songwriters that are committed to our local church, Vox Church in New England. We are experiencing a unique move of God in New England - a place that is known as the least spiritually vibrant place, yet God is beginning to restore and heal - and we’re so blessed we can play a role. Our community is made up of over 150 vocalists and musicians, with a smaller core team of writers shaping the original music coming out of our community.
Tell us about your new single 'Grateful' and what the inspiration behind it was?
We really wanted to write a song that was clearly focused on the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus. The beginning stages came right out of one of our writer’s daily journal who then brought it to some other team members. We also wanted to capture an authentic sound and heart of thankfulness - remembering the work of the cross should always result in gratitude. Fostering a grateful heart has been an essential part of our lives, especially in a year filled with lots of hard things.
Do you have any plans to release an album or EP in the near future?
We do! We’re making some plans around this summer and then also around the beginning months of 2022.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
We are a group of imperfect people and made complete through Christ. This isn’t just an idea, but a reality - that because of Jesus, we find that acceptance, identity, strength and joy. And life is far more full when the truth of the gospel finds a home that is deep within ourselves. It’s all about Jesus - that’s the message we want to ring louder than all else.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Personally, I grew up around classic rock - Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan’s music filled my home which I think led me to a place of really admiring complex and layered lyrics. I love so many different genres too and find myself bouncing from hip-hop to alt rock all the time. Something that I think is really unique to Voxmusic is that we are comprised by people who listen to a lot of different things - gospel, pop, rock, country - so our sound is ever evolving and broad.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
This is tough! 2020 was Taylor Swift’s year and, although I’m not a big fan, I’ve grown to seriously respect her gift of writing lyrics. Although the first person that came to mind is Benjamin William Hastings. Probably out of my current favorite 10 worship tracks, he’s penned at least half.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
My view, and I would say our view as a team would find success in having our music play a role in drawing a person closer to Jesus. That’s the greatest success and honestly our sole reason for creating music - with the prayer that our story would tell the greatest story.
What is your favorite album of all time?
This is unanswerable for me! It’s a mix tape with Tom Petty, United Pursuit, Maggie Rogers, Hillsong United, Childish Gambino, Kacey Musgraves and some Tasha Cobbs.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Island in the Sun by Weezer was the first thing that came to mind.
What does the next year hold for Voxmusic?
We’re sitting on a lot of formed and partially formed song ideas, so we want to continue to create music. I’d say my prayer is that our team is listening closely to the Holy Spirit, to know what songs and projects would make the greatest impact in our region and beyond for Christ.
