Welcome to Artist Spotlight our new series where we introduce you to fresh and exciting bands you need to hear now!
Our next pick for Artist Spotlight is none other than Washington, DC-based Goth and industrial trio VOSH. Fronted by charismatic and commanding vocalist Josephine Olivia alongside members Chris Moore (Drums) and Tim Bean (Guitar), VOSH are bringing the rock and full-band glory of eighties goth music back into the modern age. Following the release of their debut studio album Vessel in 2023, VOSH have steadily grown into a dominant force in the goth scene. Spreading their black-clad music across North America and captivating audiences alike through seductive and eerily dark compositions — coupled with ceremonial live performances, VOSH aims to make every show feel like a “stadium event” no matter what, even in small clubs or DIY spaces.
As 2024 winds down, VOSH are gearing up for the release of their new EP VOSH VAULT 1 in January 2025, which features new renditions of fan-favorite tracks from Vessel, unreleased tracks, and their inventive cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s 1986 cult-classic hit “Shot In The Dark” which dropped on Halloween this year. With a debut European tour set to kick off in February 2025 and plans to release their sophomore album later in the year, VOSH are primed and ready to usher in the resurgence of goth and industrial music with full force.
We caught up with Josephine Olivia, vocalist of the Washington, DC-based goth/industrial trio VOSH, to discuss the origins of the band, the resurgence of goth music in uncertain times, covering Ozzy Osbourne, the importance of shopping secondhand, plans for new music, and so much more.
Walk me through the Genesis of VOSH? I understand you were in a previous project called Blacksage, and surprisingly, your bandmate Chris [Moore] is also in the beloved grindcore band Repulsion — as well as the powerviolence outfit Coke Bust, which is undoubtedly a far cry from the goth and dark wave stylings of VOSH. How did you all join forces, and what was your initial vision for this project?
Josephine Olivia: It's funny how it all came together: I was playing in Blacksage, and Chris was playing in more of a grunge project at the time. We played a show together in Annapolis, Maryland. I just remember us hitting it off immediately, and we all became good friends and decided that we wanted to start a goth project. We demoed the first two songs in 2019 and played some improv shows, but after a while and a few members coming and going, it eventually took its own form over time. Now, this is not just a goth band; it's a mix of industrial and metal. With our live shows, it's even more intense and bigger than what our records sound like. Because we all came from different backgrounds, it turned into this weird magical meld of things.
Upon listening to VOSH's music, it is apparent that you are channeling the sounds of 80s industrial in the vein of something like The Sisters Of Mercy with an emphasis on the full-band/rock elements, which in many ways has been lacking in the modern scene. What are some of those pivotal influences that inform the music of VOSH?
Olivia: The Sisters Of Mercy were a massive influence for sure. We also love early Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, and it's funny because I didn't know much about this type of music as Chris did until we started this project and really sat down and realized this does something for me. These days, you are seeing more Dark wave duos with a laptop and bass guitar, which is cool, but for me personally, I want something that is high energy, has theatrics, and is this wall of sound to envelope people. Between Chris and I being moderately deranged and wanting to inflict a little pain on the listener, we want to make [our shows] feel like a stadium, even at a DIY spot. [Laughs.]
What was the industrial/darkwave scene like in Washington, DC when the band first formed and where does it stand today? I ask this because DC, as a whole, has been essentially synonymous with acts that are more in the punk, hardcore, and even hip-hop worlds, where it is not as common to hear of industrial projects coming from DC as opposed to cities such as Los Angeles, Brooklyn, or Chicago.
Olivia: I haven't lived in this city for very long; I was based in Baltimore for the longest time. However, I have found that in the last few years, there has been a big resurgence of the goth and dark wave movement, and there are some really great goth nights, such as Slings and Arrows, which are gaining traction. In general, I think there is a huge desire for this scene to come back even harder than before. We just did a six-week tour across America and Canada, and even in the smaller towns, people seem to need this. I think it's a reflection of the times we're in for sure. Everyone's kind of depressed; they want to dance and feel something that resonates inside, and I believe goth, dark wave, and industrial really strike a chord for a lot of people. No surprise, too, DC is the epicenter of the fuckery that is politics, so everyone needs to put their energy somewhere. [Laughs.]
Your music has a seductive tone through the melodies and vocal deliveries and through the lyrical subject matter, incorporating something dark, almost eerie, and unsettling. What are you channeling with your lyrics and delivery to create this juxtaposition?
Olivia: It's hard to pinpoint exactly. However, there is this current of energy that I tap into that is unexplained, and those themes are definitely what I enjoy writing about. This next album is going to be harder. If this last album, Vessel, was floral and a bit softer, then this new album is going to be more like stone or concrete.
What prompted you to cover Ozzy Osbourne's beloved hit "Shot In The Dark?" This is such a fresh and unique take on the track that it feels like its own beast.
Olivia: We all love Ozzy very much. Whether it's Black Sabbath or his solo music, it's been a massive influence on all of us. Looking at his entire career, you can't even count the amount of bangers he has put out; style-wise, he's just the entire package. Chris told us we should cover "Shot In The Dark," and we knew it would be sick. It took a little time, but from performing so much and going on so many tours, we knew we could make this our own and put a different spin on it. We played it a lot on this most recent tour, and everyone is just feeling the vibe. I also feel like covering this song was cool because many goth bands are covering other goth artists or songs, but this one represents the fringe that we're on where it's metal but also melodic and has those layers of our own tones that give it new life.
Your style on stage and off is very unique. Where do you pull influences from when it comes to your style, and are there any icons you look to for inspiration?
Olivia: Style is very important to me, and I've been obsessed with fashion since I was little. The band and the performance aspect are forms of expression, and I always want the outfits to tie into the whole thing. We have lights, fans, fog [machines], and texture as a whole, which is a huge part of it for me when I think about how the lights and wind will affect the fabrics in a certain way. [Style] is art; every day is a new way to express yourself before you even open your mouth. Style-wise, I don't have one particular icon; I'm more inspired by everything, whether music, movies, or everyday life. Obviously, I love certain designers, such as Vivienne Westwood and [Thierry] Mugler.
Thrifting has also been a huge part of my life; these days, buying secondhand is more important than ever. Everybody's buying cheap crap that costs nothing to make but takes a toll on a million people's lives and livelihoods and not to mention making the world more full of plastic. In general, I try to buy secondhand, and in that way, you might stumble upon a really epic '80s dress that you've never seen before or is just really special and unique. The stage coat I wear is from the '80s, and I got it at a thrift store for five bucks, and it's truly perfect. You don't have to spend a million dollars to look cool.
You recently wrapped up a six-week tour across the US and Canada and announced that you are touring Europe for the first time next year. What are you looking forward to the most about these shows?
Olivia: So, we've all done Europe tours separately with different bands, but I am glad I am going back there with the right people, on my own terms, and calling more of the shots. We've worked really hard to get here, and whether the shows are crazily attended or not, we're just excited that anybody wants us to come out there! I'm interested to see how the reaction is outside of the US. This most recent US tour we did was a lot better than the last, so it's been incredible to see the momentum build and the snowball effect of it all. Either way, I'm excited to get out of here! [Laughs.]
Is there anything else you want to share about what's next for VOSH as we approach 2025?
Olivia: We're working on the second LP, and currently, we have pre-sales going for our new EP Vosh Vault Volume 1, which contains "Shot In The Dark," a new track, and then some other songs that are new renditions of tracks that were on [our last album] Vessel that we felt were lacking in terms of how we play them live now. We wanted to give a live interpretation of those songs in the way they should feel. Vosh Vault Volume 1 will be available on the Europe tour as well! We are also about to announce a US tour for April 2025 and then just get this second LP all tied up and ready to go. Lots of new stuff is coming, and we've really come into our sound. I think this new record will come together more concisely and be even stronger than the last.
Watch the music video for “Bleed as One” by VOSH below.
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