"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
Focus
Vota Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a moment move from full to nothing left
Unshakeable faith
How quickly turns to fear
Went from holding you close to wishing you were here
What I cannot do
Is give it all to you
Will this sorrow ever leave?
No one but you can understand what I'm feeling inside
Right now I can barely breathe
Let me know you're here tonight
Lately I've been letting go of hope
Caught between life and love
What I want
And what I know
Give this broken heart a reason why
(Say goodbye)
And fill it with the strength to say goodbye
'Cause it's so hard to do
To give this all to you
Pour down on me like rain
Fill this hollow heart again
No one but you can understand what I'm feeling tonight
Lord, right now I can barely see
Through the tears that fall from my eyes
It's so hard to see you
Please come into focus
I don't even know if I can find the strength
To make it one more day
So pour down on me like rain
Fill this hollow heart again
No one but you can understand what I'm feeling tonight
So here I come running back to the arms
You've left open wide
Just when I need you
You come into focus
You let me see your face
Know you're here in this place
And kiss these tears away
The lyrics to VOTA's song "Focus" explore the sudden and overwhelming emotions that come with the loss of a loved one. The opening lines talk about the abruptness of death and the feelings of shock and fear that come with it. The singer goes on to express their struggle with accepting what has happened and giving all their emotions to God. They feel like no one can understand what they are going through, but they long for God to make His presence known to them. The song ends on a message of hope, as the singer finds comfort and strength in turning to God and being enveloped in His love.
The theme of the song is universal and relatable, as nearly everyone has experienced some form of loss or grief in their lives. The lyrics capture the rawness of emotion and the struggle to find meaning in tragedy. The use of religious imagery and language speaks to the power of faith and the comfort that can be found in a deeper relationship with God. The song has a slow, melodic tempo that matches the introspective and somber tone of the lyrics. Overall, "Focus" is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking song that speaks to the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
How suddenly we move from life to death
Life can be fleeting and unpredictable, as death can come upon us quickly and unexpectedly.
In a moment move from full to nothing left
One's life can go from being full of joy and contentment to feeling empty and devoid of meaning.
Unshakeable faith
The unbreakable confidence and trust we once possessed can easily be replaced by fear and doubt.
How quickly turns to fear
Our faith in something can turn into fear in an instant, causing us to feel anxious and uncertain.
Went from holding you close to wishing you were here
The sudden loss of a loved one can make us wish they were still with us, even though we were holding them close not long ago.
What I cannot do
There are some things that are beyond our control and abilities.
Is give it all to you
I cannot offer you everything I have, no matter how much I want to.
It's taking over me
This inability to give you everything is consuming me.
Will this sorrow ever leave?
I wonder if this pain and heartache will ever dissipate.
No one but you can understand what I'm feeling inside
Only you have the ability to truly comprehend what I am experiencing.
Right now I can barely breathe
At this moment, I am struggling to even take in air.
Let me know you're here tonight
Please reassure me that you are present and with me in this moment.
Lately I've been letting go of hope
I have been losing my hold on hope and optimism.
Caught between life and love
I am torn between living my life and giving my heart to someone.
What I want
My desires and goals
And what I know
My knowledge and understanding
Give this broken heart a reason why
Provide my shattered heart with a rationale for my experiences.
(Say goodbye)
I need to end this, even though it is difficult.
And fill it with the strength to say goodbye
Give me the power and fortitude to finally say farewell.
'Cause it's so hard to do
This is an arduous task.
Pour down on me like rain
Send your love and compassion to me abundantly.
Fill this hollow heart again
Help me become whole and joyful once more.
No one but you can understand what I'm feeling tonight
Only you can grasp the emotions and thoughts that are overwhelming me.
Lord, right now I can barely see
At this moment, I am struggling to focus and see clearly.
Through the tears that fall from my eyes
Despite the tears that are flowing down my cheeks.
It's so hard to see you
It is difficult to perceive your presence.
Please come into focus
Help me see you more clearly.
I don't even know if I can find the strength
I am unsure if I possess the capability.
To make it one more day
To survive another day.
So pour down on me like rain
Send your love and grace to me in abundance.
No one but you can understand what I'm feeling tonight
Just as before, only you can truly comprehend what I am experiencing.
So here I come running back to the arms
I am returning to your embrace and comfort.
You've left open wide
You have welcomed me back with open arms.
Just when I need you
At the precise moment that I needed you.
You come into focus
You suddenly become clear and evident.
You let me see your face
You reveal yourself to me.
Know you're here in this place
I am aware of your presence in this location.
And kiss these tears away
You are wiping away my tears and calming my pain.
Contributed by Ava V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.