Voxtrot Interview

One of the fastest-rising artists in the modern music scene is the Austin-based band Voxtrot. While the internet is full of flash-in-the-pan, two-week sensations, Voxtrot has built much of their following the old fashion way – by releasing music and touring. This is not to say that the band isn’t taking advantage of modern marketing, but to reinforce the notion that buzz alone can’t make the band – the band makes the band.

While Voxtrot sites the influence of ‘60’s bands like Love, their ability to fashion engaging lyrics with pop-friendly (and danceable) melodies draws comparison to artist like the Smiths, Ben Folds Five, Belle and Sebastian and the Arcade Fire. Those comparisons are lofty, but given the work the band has produced thus far, anything less than reaching the that high level of success would be disappointing.

The songwriting talent and vocal capability of Voxtrot’s front man Ramesh Srivastava can’t be overstated. With band members Jason Chronis, Mitch Calvert, Matt Simon and Jared Van Fleet, Voxtrot creates a sound full of underlying vigor and emotion. Throw in pianos and horns, and the previously stated musical comparisons are easily understood.

Pleasantly pleasing pop music – ah, the alliteration.

The band released their debut EP, Raised by Wolves (which recently can back into print) on their own Cult Hero Records in 2005. The success of the EP led to Beggars Group to release their 2006 EP, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives.

Voxtrot will be releasing Your Biggest Fan as an EP on November 7 in advance of their eagerly awaited debut full-length. The band has been in the studio putting the finishing touches on the LP. Although the exact release date has yet to be announced, indications are it will be an early-2007 release.

The band will play a mini-tour beginning in late-October and early-November beginning with an October 26 show in Houston. Shows of note include an October 28 show in Austin with Beirut, a November 1 show in Las Angeles and a November 4 show in San Francisco – both with Sound Team. The band is also playing back-to-back shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Novemeber 6 and 7.

For more information on Voxtrot, visit their Web site: www.voxtrot.net or their MySpace.com page: www.myspace.com/voxtrot. Also, Srivastava keeps a blog at: http://thevoxtrotkid.blogspot.com/

DeadJournalist.com recently caught-up with Ramesh Srivastava of Voxtrot for this exclusive interview.

How did Voxtrot form and how long have you been performing together?

RS: We formed as a demo project about four years ago.

How would you describe your sound?

RS: Melody and Rhythm, Past and Present.

The band has quite a grass-root following. Have these loyal fans influenced the band?

RS: In a way, I’m sure. I have always been a loyal fan to the music I love, so it’s nice to have the same thing in return, in whatever capacity.

How have blogs and podcasts been used to expand the Voxtrot fanbase?

RS: All of these things have been unbelievably helpful. The internet is often times the most subversive form of media.

The band’s pop sensibility and dance-friendly songs has drawn a great deal of critical acclaim. What artists influenced you as the band crafted its sound?

RS: All kinds of influences: Quite a lot from the sixties, the obvious later indie music, and then and again the odd techno record.

Are plans underway for a full-length album?

RS: Definitely. November, fingers crossed.

What is the most important part of your life performances?

RS: The relationship between performer and audience.

Is there an artist(s) with whom you most enjoyed performing while on tour?

RS: Personally, We Are Wolves were my favorite.