"It's a new day and a new chapter for this band," exclaims an obviously excited Rutz. "We have a new sound, a new direction, a new feel, a new member, a new label and new management, so it felt like our old skin didn't completely contain what we do now, nor did it do this band justice anymore."
Though the players brainstormed for months before making the moniker switchover, they wanted a title that wouldn't be tied to any preconceived notions or specific music industry connotations. Originally, VOTA didn't have a meaning, instead creating a blank canvas for the listener to interpret, though a longtime listener soon pointed out an alternative meaning anchored in faith.
"One of our fans did a Google search and found out it does have a spiritual meaning, which is an interesting nod to God's sovereignty," explains Maranville. "VOTA is a Latin root word that stands for a collection of vows before God, which echoes our goals of using this music to His glory."
Outside of ministry intentions, the group's self-titled debut is loaded with artistic innovation, taking cues from the players' previous alternative dichotomy, plus additional influences ranging from dance poppers Maroon 5 to ethereal rockers Augustana. Add in a return outing with famed producer Nathan Dantzler (Relient K, Audio Adrenaline, Tree63) and VOTA brilliantly straddles the line of current and timeless.
"We really tried to throw the rule book out the window with these sessions and we tried to look at each song specifically and give them what they needed," offers Olesen. "We stretched our limits in every sense even down to the way we recorded. A lot of times a band records the drum tracks, then bass, then guitar and then vocals, but we took it one song at a time, which made the process more expensive, but artistically it was great to freshly move to each element. In the end, all the tracks have a wonderful diversity, which allows you to listen all the way through and put on a nice iPod shuffle mix."
Adding Friesen not only added an extra layer of paint to the band's dynamic, but also a brand new instrument in the form of keyboards. Though those sounds appeared on older albums and in concert, they share double billing with the guitars on this endeavor, putting a bit more groove in the step of these Nebraska natives.
"We had honestly been looking for the past three or four years for somebody to fill this part and we knew Riley was a real answer to prayer," ruminates Rutz. "He fit the profile we were looking for perfectly, we get along so well and he lives in Lincoln, NE, which just reaffirmed it for us!"
Beyond the studio, that fleshed out sound has expanded on stage, leaving VOTA a force to be reckoned with either in headlining, festival or even outreach styled environments such as on its onoing 180 Tour a public high school assembly program designed to encourage students in their character and decision making. The foursome's veteran status certainly doesn't hurt, with Olesen serving as arguably the most explosive rock n' roll front man in recent memory.
"Part of what we're tying to do is take the live show to another level, and now with four members, we're giving the audience an even more engaging show," Olesen adds. "We bring all our own sound and lighting on the road and we take the show really seriously, plus its been really encouraging to have support from our fans right from the get go of performing the new songs."
There's no doubt anyone leaving a VOTA show will be thoroughly entertained, but outside of a mere performance spectacle, there's a much more introspective thread that runs through the guys' sets. Besides showcasing a relatable message that runs the gamut of personal and spiritual relationships, plus being lights in even the darkest corners of society, members' humanitarian interests are also major components.
"We're interested in moving beyond just the music, which you can see in something like our partnership with Food For the Hungry and everything that's continuously being out on the 180 Tour, our commitment to encourage students through the 180 Tour" muses Maranville of the endeavor they started in 2006. "We want to offer students and listeners of all ages to consider how they can make a positive change in this world, whether that be by lending a helping hand or just living a life of character and integrity on a daily basis."
Olesen echoes those sentiments, also adding the gang's earned additional wisdom through experience, along with ongoing faith refinement. "We're not looking to be defined by being musicians and rock n' roll and we hold on loosely in that sense," he sums up. "Now that we're not 16-year-olds wanting to be rock stars, we're sensitive to where God wants us and I think that's given us a mature focus to kind of break the mold of going through the motions- whether that be with the way me make music, the 180 Tour and how we interact with everyone we meet along the way."
www.votaband.com
Close Your Eyes
Vota Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to take you to a special place
Put a big smile on your face
All pain has been erased for good
You lie there helpless
You can't go on
I′ll get you through this
Your strength to carry on
'Cause yesterday is gone
Today you're free
Close your eyes, fall asleep
I am here with you and I′ll never leave
Close your eyes, fall asleep
And I′ll carry, carry, carry you
I won't let you go
So let′s move mountains of any size
Soar to the heavens and leave this world behind
For I have heard your cry
All I have now is yours
All you had is mine
I'll never let you go
Forever hold you close
There′s nowhere you can go to escape from me, my love
So fix your gaze above
You're in the shadow of my love
Close your eyes, fall asleep
I am here with you and I′ll never leave
Close your eyes, fall asleep
And I'll carry, carry, carry you
I won't let you go
Close your eyes, fall asleep
And I′ll carry, carry, carry you
Close your eyes, fall asleep
I am here with you and I′ll never leave
Close your eyes, fall asleep
And I'll carry, carry, carry you
I won′t let you go
Yeah
In Vota's song "Close Your Eyes," the lyrics express a message of companionship, support, and love in times of darkness or struggle. The singer is telling someone who is going through a difficult time that they are not alone and that they will guide them to a place where all the pain will be erased. The song communicates the beauty of being vulnerable and allowing someone to help you when you are in need. The lyrics remind us that we don't have to carry our burdens alone and that there is someone out there willing to hold our hand and provide comfort.
The words paint a picture of someone who is lying helpless, unable to continue on their own, and the singer is reassuring them that they will get them through it. The song contains lines such as "Let my words be your song, your strength to carry on," and "There's nowhere you can go to escape from me, my love," which showcase the unconditional love and support that the singer is offering. The chorus encourages the listener to fall asleep and allow the singer to carry them through their struggles, promising that they won't let them go.
In summary, "Close Your Eyes" is a beautifully written song that reassures listeners that they don't have to face their struggles alone. It's a reminder that there is someone out there willing to help and provide comfort during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold on to my hand, don′t be afraid
I'll keep you safe and guide you through your fear
I want to take you to a special place
I want to show you something beautiful and unique
Put a big smile on your face
Make happiness overcome any sadness you feel
All pain has been erased for good
All of your hardships are now in the past
You lie there helpless
You feel like you're unable to move forward
You can't go on
You don't think you are capable of continuing on your own
I′ll get you through this
I'll support you and help you overcome your struggles
Let my words be your song
Let my encouraging words be the motivation that you need
Your strength to carry on
You have the inner strength to keep going
'Cause yesterday is gone
The past is behind you, it's time to move on
Today you're free
You can let go of the weight on your shoulders and be free today
Close your eyes, fall asleep
Let go of everything and rest
I am here with you and I′ll never leave
I'll always be there for you, no matter what
And I′ll carry, carry, carry you
I'll bear the load so that you can rest
I won't let you go
I'll never abandon you
So let′s move mountains of any size
Let's tackle any obstacle together
Soar to the heavens and leave this world behind
Let's rise above our difficulties and leave them behind
For I have heard your cry
I know you're hurting and need support
All I have now is yours
I'll share everything I have with you
All you had is mine
You don't have to carry your burden alone, I'll help you
Forever hold you close
I'll cherish you and keep you near always
There′s nowhere you can go to escape from me, my love
I'll always be around, no matter where life may take us
So fix your gaze above
Look beyond your troubles and see the bigger picture
You're in the shadow of my love
My love will protect you
Writer(s): Heimermann Mark James, Maranville Case J, Olesen Bryan David, Rutz Scott Robinson
Contributed by Henry H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.