Utrecht outfit Jo Marches return with their captivating new EP, Day In Day Out, out on October 26th (2018).
Filled with epic synth swells, soaring electronic soundscapes and front woman Johanneke Kranendonk’s soft, warm vocals, Day In Day Out is a truly impressive piece of work from the offset. Opening track Clearing feels instantly reminiscent of Tame Impala, oozing with wonky synths and Jo’s hazy vocals, giving it that familiar psychedelic edge. Upcoming single Monsters blends sophisticated pop sensibilities with infectious melodies to create a sound akin to the likes of Lykke Li or Bat For Lashes. Other tracks on the EP show Jo’s darker side, with Break My Heart and Day In Day Out combining dream-pop tones with gritty synths to create a sound that is eerie yet equally mesmerising. Throughout the EP, Jo Marches blend elements of alt-pop, psychedelia and electronica to blissful effect, creating a completely unpredictable sound. Themes on the album range from the political climate, to feminism, to loss and depression, proving Jo Marches isn’t afraid to delve deep and the results are fierce, emotive and atmospheric.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jo about her latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I’ve been playing in bands since I was fourteen and I was writing songs and lyrics before that even. I was playing with a more traditional singer songwriter setup where I was playing the piano and singing. I missed having a more heavy sound, but I didn’t want my music to be heavy in the ‘rock’ sense. I was listening to artists like The Dø, Beach House, Björk and Melody’s Echo Chamber when I met producer and synth lord David Hoogerheide. I found that synths can do what heavy guitars can do and that synths suit my music even better.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I’ve always been writing a lot: poems, lyrics, fiction. The first time I sang my own lyrics to music it really felt like magic to me. That’s how I started singing in a band.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
There’s too much to mention! Of course there’s a lot of inspiration coming from daily life and love, friends, family but I’m also a total book, art and movie nerd. I experience heavy insomnia from time to time and that leads to new songs as well. And lately I’ve been writing new songs about t he discussion I have about feminism with my male friends. It’s sometimes difficult to make them see what it means to be a woman and what hidden and visible patterns of inequality are part of daily life as a woman. The next single ‘Clearing’ is about that. My taste definitely changed over the years. I started off as being influenced by bands like Deftones, Tool and the Mars Volta. I still have a weak spot for these bands but I wouldn’t necessarily play their record as much as I did before.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Definitely. As Jo Marches I won’t compromise anymore, musically or otherwise.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’m listening to the latest record by Faces on TV, a really cool band from Begium, as we speak. Now playing is the song Terminal Case.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
That depends on the time and place really. I don’t listen to CDs anymore though. So it’s vinyl when I’m at home and MP3s or Spotify and iTunes when I’m on the road. I don’t prefer one or the other.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I generally use Spotify, iTunes and Bandcamp. I don’t really prefer one over the other. I like the idea that if you buy a song on Bandcamp that the band is being paid directly.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
It’s a lot of work! Releasing new music requires a lot hours spent emailing and posting on social media. And I wish I could be touring more often: I love doing shows and I think that’s the best way to meet new listeners. But social media really takes your music everywhere, which is great. It’s so cool to have people from Australia or Mexico reaching out to you to let you know they love your music!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
I like posting stories on Instagram (not all my stories are very serious I have to warn you) and I guess Instagram and Facebook are the first places to hear about new music or on Spotify of course.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
The next single ‘Clearing’ will be released end of September and the full EP will be available end of October. I worked with three amazing female video artists so you can expect some cool videos too. Really excited to share the new work!
