voco

Originating in different hemispheres but congregating in Berlin, Germany, American born musicians Mika Johnson (guitarist/vocalist) and Justin Evans (bassist), and German born Micha Fromme (drummer ) comprise the band VOCO.Voco began with Mika and Justin collaborating in impromptu practices, hashing out lengthy instrumental and feedback laden compositions. Later realizing the limitations of a duo, the band reconvened in Germany, where longtime drummer Micha and guest keyboardist Jan Burkhard joined the band, and rounded out Voco’s distinctively atmospheric aesthetic, reflecting the misty and melancholic ambience of Berlin. Eventually as the band rehearsed together, the goals of Voco became crystallized. Justin describes these collaborative efforts: “I play in a band for the dialogue that happens between musicians in an improvisational setting…for the feeling of the jam, when…noodlings transform into a groove that is impossible to imagine before that moment.”Inspired by musicians such as Brian Eno, Jaco Pastorius, Elliot Smith, and Nuno Canavarro, Voco aspire to create music that brings the unconscious to the surface. Through fluid, spare, and serene melodies, they poetically describe the mysterious environment of dreams. These efforts have resulted in Voco’s first album release, entitled “Daydreams.” The eleven tracks of the album provide lush imaginings, with sounds that are rain-soaked, whirling, and cyclical. Chiming keyboards and guitars, bass-laden waves, and subtle vocals illuminate the lyrics, which often disclose the bewilderment surrounding memories and desires. Voco’s confidence, according to Mika, rests upon “getting to that moment where everything falls into place and time just disappears. It could happen when we’re recording, jamming, or just playing one of our songs, but when I’m there it’s the most beautiful place I know.”Text by Honey Lapcharoen