Voice Of Addiction are politically charged and socially conscious Chicago based punk-rockers. V.o.A. has been around over a decade doing 1,200 shows across the U.S. & Canada, including 160 just in 2016. Having 5 official releases & independently selling 6,500 physical copies (as well as being involved in countless compilations) these boys have proven they are a force to be reckoned with. V.o.A. has been featured in the video games skateboard party 1, 2, & 3 as well as snowboard party 1 & 2. The new full-length album is out July 14th and a feature length documentary due to be released in 2018.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Voice of Addiction about influences, the newest project, challenges and much more.
Full Q&A along with links and a stream of the album below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, but have been in Chicago since 2002 and formed Voice Of Addiction when I moved to Chicago. I have always had an anchor in Punk Rock since a young age. And over the years have found myself going back to my roots
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I have been playing music as long as I can remember. I started on Piano and then Orchestra. I was about ten when I started playing Bass guitar, and that’s what I ended up getting my degree in. As much as I love recording new music, being on the road, and playing live shows is what keeps me doing it. It is easy to become jaded in today’s world. Touring humbles me and re-instills my faith in humanity.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
I have always been very topical on my subject matter. I feel that if people are going to listen to what I have to say I better have something better to talk about other than girls and cars. These songs are about what I have been influenced by over the last couple years. And I think “The Lost Art of Empathy” couldn’t describe the current political climate any better.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
I am pretty terrible with technology to be honest. But there is no getting around it so I have forced myself to use it. While it has made it much easier to find information and connect with people. There is an absolute saturation of the market place and it is harder then ever to stand out from the crowd. It has killed album sales, the only way any band can make a couple bucks is by touring and playing live shows
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
- http://VoiceOfAddiction.com
- www.facebook.com/VoArockers
- http://twitter.com/VoArockers
- http://voiceofaddiction.bandcamp.com/
Anything else before we sign off?
Voice Of Addiction are politically charged and socially conscious Chicago based punk-rockers. V.o.A. has been around over a decade doing 1,200 shows across the U.S. & Canada, including 160 just in 2016. Having 5 official releases & independently selling 6,500 physical copies (as well as being involved in countless compilations) these boys have proven they are a force to be reckoned with. V.o.A. has been featured in the video games skateboard party 1, 2, & 3 as well as snowboard party 1 & 2. The new full-length album is out July 14th and a feature length documentary due to be released in 2018.
