Victoria Vox is a popular performer, best known for her Ukulele work, including last year’s 52 cover song project and this year’s 52 original song project, where she records a song a week for a year. She has taken some time out from her busy schedule to tell us about her work, badgers and her latest Uketronica album collaboration with Aaron English (10% of all money exceeding their target will go to Futures Without Violence).
- Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Victoria Vox and I’m a songwriter and ukulele player. I’ve been writing songs since I was 10 (I’m 34 now), and started playing the uke over 9 years ago. I’m originally from Wisconsin, but have been living in Baltimore, MD for the past 7 years.
- What is it about the Ukulele that appeals to you? (Handbag sized for convenience?)
I love the limitations that come with the ukulele’s simplicity. I feel that given these limitations, one can push it further and experiment to find some pretty cool rhythms, sounds and techniques. And yes, the fact that it can fit in my large handbag is a bonus 😉
- Where can we get us one of those amazing invisible trumpets you play?
Ah, you are talking about my Mouth Trumpet! I started doing that in 2005 and have worked really hard on perfecting it. It all began on a really long drive (I was by myself) and I was writing a song that needed a solo of some sort. I got lucky that the “trumpet” was the first sound out of my mouth. I love the sound and solos of Chet Baker. That’s who I strive to sound like. Lately I’ve been doing some events with beat boxers, and it’s been a TON of fun.
- How are you getting on with writing a song a week?
This year I have challenged myself to write one song a week, aka, the 52 Song Project. It’s been amazing… and so far, so good! It’s a subscriber-based project, and I just uploaded week 48 for them! I have absolutely LOVED doing this… I’m really going to miss it!
- What is Uketronica?
Uketronica is the sound of my new duo, Boombox Séance. I met my songwriting partner, Aaron English (Seattle, WA) in June, and we wrote a couple of tunes with our friend, Jim Troglen. We each brought our skill to the table. For me, that meant ukulele. I had been experimenting already (due to the project this year) with the ukulele and a pedal board (loops, echo, and beats) and thought it might be something cool to try. Thanks to our producer, Geoff Stanfield, I’m now even running my ukulele through a Droptune pedal, which makes it sound like a bass. I’ve also added some distortion to the mix. It’s pretty bad-ass… if I can say so myself! 😉 hahah!
- Why did you choose to support Futures Without Violence?
Aaron and I wrote the song “Piñata” this past July and it took on this anti-domestic violence theme. It’s a very empowering song… but FUN at the same time. When we teamed up with PledgeMusic to raise funds for our debut album, Futures Without Violence seemed to fit what we believed in.
- This new project is not only a collaboration between artists, but directly involves the fans – what made you decide to take this route?
Ultimately, Boombox Séance is a new (and unknown) band. Sure, Aaron and I have released albums and toured independently, but that doesn’t guarantee that our audiences will like this new project, which is much more dark and “dance-y”. We needed to get it out to the public to maximize our reach and gain interest from people who haven’t a clue who we are.
- How can people get involved and help with this new project?
We have a pledge page up at www.PledgeMusic.com/BoomboxSeance For as little as $12, one can get involved with our project, get updates, and receive a digital download of the completed album!
- If you had to choose a Newsnibbles story to sing about what would it be and why?
We’d love to perform one of the Musical Poo pieces actually 😉
- Do you like badgers?
Ummmm.. yes 😉
- Anything you’d like to add?
Thanks so much for getting in touch! The Newsnibbles site is FUN! xo victoria
If you have read all of this and still can’t get enough then check out VictoriaVox.com
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