Josie Pace has recently released a record full of a dark-pop atmosphere put-forth in a spacious tone. We had the chance to talk to the artist about the record and more.
Your recently released record, IV0X10V5 showcases an array of dark-electronic pop properly crafted together. What inspires you to take the concept of pop music and give this stand-out edge?
I have always used music and writing songs as an escape and an expression of myself. When I wrote the IV0X10V5 album I wasn’t thinking about how I could take pop music and intertwine it with an edge. I was just thinking of creating songs that meant something to me. In a sense I think that is what makes my music stand out and what makes it relatable and memorable. I was raised on classic rock and I pull from that while writing the melodies and writing the structure of the lyrics. We create music with such an edge because of the rock aspects that are really engrained in us. The melody lines and hooks grab you straight out of the gate but the soundscapes and textures hit hard and heavy. I love creating songs that punch you in the gut and shake the place. I love the vulnerable lyric accompanied by the strong undertone of the music, giving a feel of both beauty and strength.
One of your featured “Storm and Stress” embraces those cool undertones that’s laced throughout the record. What elements of this track made you want to share it as a single?
After I had written “Storm and Stress” and we were working on putting it together electronically, it became a cool, tough song with a swagger that felt very fresh and different than what was being released. Even so, the hook of the chorus is in German, “Sturm und Drang” (storm and stress). I was very adamant on keeping the hook in German. It felt correct to sing it this way and it made the song even catchier than if I had sang it in English. The music video was inspired by David Bowie and Kabuki Theatre and the lyrics are about regret and losing someone very close to you. Almost everyone can relate to those emotions and it felt necessary to release it and bring people closer together. I also wanted to give people a taste of what was to come.
“Underestimated” delivers a notable spark of attitude. What was your creative process when composing significant dynamics, making tracks different from one another while still keeping a sense of cohesiveness within your songs?
“Underestimated” came about during a tough span of writers block. I was feeling defeated, and essentially, underestimated by everyone around me. I wanted the song to be a huge punch in the face to everyone who has ever doubted me or ever will doubt me. And so it became my anthem for showing the world what I am capable of achieving and creating. “Underestimated” definitely has a different sound and attitude to it, but it also has a lot of elements that relate well to the rest of the album. We wanted to keep the album “all bangers, no ballads” and “Underestimated” while keeping the cool attitude, was a heavy hitter with its grinding synths and fast pace chorus.
In your video for “Fire” flashes of cool images are chopped throughout as the song plays. What made you decide to take your video in the direction to promote this songs?
The music video for “Fire” takes on the embodiment of what the song is written about. Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, like everything is moving so quickly inside your mind. The music video mirrors that. The flashes and scenes get faster and faster as the song progresses, creating a sense of urgency and uneasiness while drawing you in. The fire cage shots, while not CGI, represented the blood boiling feeling of not being able to control your emotions. I definitely
felt the heat while shooting those! At the end of the video, I am “unmasked”. This really represents how no one else can change the way you feel. Only you are in control of your emotions and how you handle them, and only you can take off the mask and face the music.
When watching the visual for “Underestimated” trend shots are glossed across the duration of the song. What about this video concept properly represents the track?
The “Underestimated” music video has a rawness and a very Detroit punk, “I don’t care what you think of me” style that fits the message of the song. We based the style of the video off of the film, “Dogs in Space”. A 1986 movie staring Michael Hutchence from INXS which depicts the late 70’s punk scene in Australia. Creating a dirty punk rock practice space complete with empty liquor bottle, overflowing ash trays and posters of bands that have influenced our music and style. The Beatles, Depeche Mode, Genesis, Green Day, Nine Inch Nails, just to name a few. Every poster was chosen specifically by either myself or Ken Roberts. We wanted to showcase our influences and inspiration while twisting the style and fitting it to the track. Every one of the bands featured created an empire while they had haters clocking their every move. The attitude of the song is a a definite confidence booster and bargains with your self esteem, creating a strong sense of self awareness of what you can achieve even if the world seems to be against you.
Your overall style exudes confidence and a cool yet inviting demeanor, how does your aesthetic connect with your music?
Whether it be my style, songs, videos or demeanor, I am just going through life being as true to myself as I possibly can. Authenticity goes a long way and I feel like it brings my music to a new level. I often have to remind myself that not everyone is going to like me or what I do, or what I wear or what my hair looks like or how I live my life. It’s not for them to get, or understand. The people that get it, get it, the people that don’t, don’t. I’m just here living my life. I’m not creating music to “be famous”. I create to express myself, and if people relate to that and enjoy it? Just icing on the cake.
What can fans expect to see from you as we continue you our way through 2022?
I am working on my live performance while also writing and preparing myself to create another album. I am excited to take my live show to cities, states, and countries that haven’t yet had the chance to see me perform live before. Touring, performing and meeting people who support and enjoy what I create is another animal in itself and it is my favorite part of the creative process. To connect with people in the moment and share emotions and energy is the most intoxicating feeling. I honestly will never get enough.
