The experimental pop by L.A.-based singer vōx is a homage to freedom, self-expression and a way to deal with her past traumas and anxiety. On her new EP "This Body" vōx explores her own body and the importance of nudity as a form of freedom. In an exclusive interview with IRK Magazine, the singer explains the creative process behind creating her music, the influence of anxiety on her work and the healing power of being naked.
Exclusive photoshoot by Michael Tyrone Delaney//Creative Director, MUA, & Stylist: vōx
vōx is wearing Y/Project, Busted Latex, Rombaut, Area//Ritual Projects Los Angeles
In times of crisis and lockdowns, how difficult was it for you to create your new EP "This Body"? Did this difficult time maybe even help you in the creative process of creating the EP?
I was lucky enough to finish the EP in February, before lockdown. I recorded it last November in Toronto with producer Alexander Vincent. I actually wasn't able to make art for quite a few months this spring due to the crisis. I was deeply depressed and terrified. I think making art is so important, but it's not more important than caring for yourself. If you're able to express the difficult emotions this year is bringing up through creation, that's beautiful, but our hustle culture can be so disheartening if this doesn't happen. The pressure that the optics of social media can
put on creatives is tough. Sometimes it's best to just take a nap. When you're tender and patient with yourself, it can help uplift everything, as you're showing yourself the love you deserve.
Your new EP is partly about exploring your own body. Why do you think the naked body is still taboo for a lot of people?
I think it's a lot of things. It's societal. It's religion. It's big business. Especially as a woman, our bodies are so powerful. We create life! It's in the best interest of men in power to keep us small, to keep us disconnected from this magic. I've found the best way I can cope is to make art to help heal past traumas and shed light on new ways to move forward, to empower each other.
Growing up in a small community that didn’t know how to express love for themselves, do you feel like creating your music and especially your new EP helped you to overcome the idea of sexuality and nudity as something you should be ashamed of?
Definitely. I grew up religious, and the conflicting feelings of shame within my body and my sexuality have been a long journey to break free of. I'm not even done yet! The confidence I've gained from posing nude has been revolutionary. I'm only naked for myself, for my gaze. There's nothing more pure and godlike than that.
Your EP is about freedom and the many aspects of it. What does freedom mean to you and do you feel like you’re in a state of freedom right now?
I've spent my life struggling with anxiety, and through this lens, I've often viewed freedom as being safe and relaxed. Anxiety always feels a bit like I'm trapped in my own body. I feel paralyzed by my fear, every muscle is tense, I can't breathe. True freedom for me in this safe state is expression. I can't make art or show who I am unless I am free. I recently started an account on OnlyFans. It's a platform that started with sex workers, so inherently it's beautiful for creators who want to have more intimacy in their art. This feels like freedom. I'm not worried about my posts being deleted for having nudity. I can truly connect with my audience because I
feel like I can be vulnerable and completely myself.
