Vox Pop is bound by blood, love, and academia.
It's mission: to illuminate the East Coast Indie rock scene with the fading light of American roots music.
In the fall of 2007 principal songwriters Jess Because and Patrick Hawkins journeyed to the heart of Appalachia in search of the mythic origin of American music.
Amidst the soft blue mountains, the golden turning leaves and in the dimly lit general stores they found their prize. Fast they lit to the city bearing the keepsake. By the spring of 2009, with their brother Dan Hawkins and friends Jason Chmiola and Alex Vactor, the band was at last complete.
Vox Pop finds America hiding in every corner- an old country song where every road leads home.
Vox Pop songs swing and swagger with jagged, colorful melodies. They tell stories of nostalgia, sunlight, sin and redemption. The multi-faceted songwriting blends male and female voices twining in harmony.
Vox Pop continues to create with hopes that earnest songwriting and a love of life will inspire those who listen.
Things we have learned during our time together:
1.) Always pee before your set.
2.) It is better to make music with persons you enjoy than persons you do not.
3.) Do not attempt to play a show the same day you are moving into a new house.
4.) If you want music to move the people, it must move you first.
5.) Audiences always enjoy a good kazoo solo.
6.) Sometimes a song requires only that you shake a tambourine.
7.) If the sound guy cuts off your sound accidentally, keep playing. The crowd is too drunk to notice.
8.) Be willing to lend your van to another band for their 6 week tour.
9.) No club is too small, no crowd too few. Our best three fans were our first ones.
10.) Do not ever feel obligated to explain your band name.
Sounds good. Perhaps I can talk Allyson into coming down from NYC for a special show (which would also give me an excuse to finish the song I started write with her). -Lou
sorry i missed you guys at galaxy hut! i heard it was wonderful. i'll see at the next show with typefighter if not before. can't wait to here more recordings.
Hey Jess, just wanted to send some love to you guys. Unfortunately, I've been really sick, so I missed your rock n' roll hotel show and i'll probably have to stay home tonight when you play at Solly's. Nonetheless, i am really digging the tunes you have up here, Murder Ballad is particularly beautiful. The second you get another show, make sure you tell us asap! I'll definitely be there once my body stops giving me hell. It was great meeting you at the Red & the Black, so keep in touch! We still have much to discuss.
I assure you it was my pleasure! Your sound is like a breath of fresh air, the songs are great, and the fun you guys have on stage is contagious. Keep up the good work, I look forward to hearing more!
