VOYA have swiftly become synonymous with pushing creative boundaries, earning their place as one of the most compelling new acts to watch. Blending the raw energy of post-punk with the lush textures of synth-pop, the duo is riding a wave of momentum that shows no signs of slowing. Their debut single, ‘2 Shy 4 Love,’ will premiere at a headline show at Venue MOT Unit 18 in London, a fitting stage for their bold and theatrical artistry. Partnering with UNCLE to amplify their impact, VOYA has already made waves, including winning the prestigious Triskel Award for Best Emerging Act. Whether you’re mesmerised by avant-garde performances or you’re looking to discover eclectic style, this debut is sure to captivate your curiosity.
The centerpiece of this campaign is their live show – curated entirely by VOYA, it promises to be more than a concert, the event is a multi-sensory experience, combining live music, DJ sets, and an enchanting vampire cabaret act. For those lucky enough to attend, it’s poised to be an unforgettable night of tasteless glamour and unapologetic spectacle. Anchoring the evening is their debut single, ‘2 Shy 4 Love,’ a hauntingly captivating track that combines emotional vulnerability with a shimmering nod to 80s new wave, all delivered with a hypnotic depth and cinematic flair.
In an exclusive interview, VOYA reveals the inspirations behind their music, their creative approach to live performance, and what it means to be recognised with accolades like the Triskel Award. They share insights into the making of ‘2 Shy 4 Love,’ the influences shaping their sound, and why London’s vibrant cultural scene is a perfect backdrop for their artistry. As they prepare to unveil their distinctive vision, VOYA is poised to redefine the synth-pop and post-punk landscape with daring ambition and unmistakable style.
HOW DID THE SONG TITLE ‘2 SHY 4 LOVE’ COME TO BE?
Oh, I don’t know. With this particular song, we didn’t feel we wrote it—it came from feeling what the music gave us. The lyrics seemed fitting at the moment. I mean, I don’t think it’s too relatable to me. I’m certainly not shy when it comes to romance. ‘Love,’ I relish and enjoy it. So perhaps it’s written from the perspective of someone else, another character—that old chestnut.
COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE SONG AND HOW IT EMBODIES THIS VULNERABILITY?
Again, I think we were pulling from initial feelings, without over ruminating. There are themes of isolation and feeling unseen things that tie into shyness. There’s an element of fear: the fear of not being noticed and attempting to be seen only to be rejected. But honestly, it’s not that deep. Just wiggle your ass and smile, please!
HOW HAVE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE?
As for musical influences, I’m not sure it’s so much about particular artists shaping us as it is our personalities naturally being drawn to similar genres. It’s cyclical—like we’re dung beetles, and we innately love dung. We have a penchant for theatrics and maximalism, which reflects the music we’re in awe of.
TELL US ABOUT THE ARTWORK DESIGN?
The promotional poster was born from Old Hollywood distaste, glamour and decay, from influences of Sunset Boulevard to Kenneth Angers’ ‘Hollywood Babylon’, which Josh Quinton magically invoked with his handmade collage style, which blew us all away – it’s a proper sexy poster.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE HEADLINING THIS SHOW?
I mean, we created this whole evening, so headlining obviously feels correct. But when you are curating an evening, there’s satisfaction in sharing your likes and interests with an audience. I think we’ve made a microcosm of something quite seedy and fabulous for the 28th of November.
THE TRISKEL AWARD AND RECOGNITION FROM THE WELSH MUSIC PRIZE ARE HUGE ACCOLADES. HOW HAS THAT RECOGNITION IMPACTED VOYA AS A BAND, AND WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT?
The Triskel Award, which was bestowed upon us by the Welsh Music Prize, was absolutely lush to receive. For a band who has yet to release any digital form of music and only two years of live gigs, being recognised by the “music industry” feels glorious and gratifying to the ego. However, we’re very cautious of award systems in general. The award night was incredible—though there were only heinous tropical beers. Not an ounce of white wine on the rider.
Music and most art seem to be about communication with an audience. You’re asking a question with your art and hoping for an answer in the form of some reaction. That’s our next step: sharing the music so as many people can connect with it. It’s the done thing, after all.
SYNTH-POP AND POST-PUNK ARE HAVING A MAJOR RESURGENCE. HOW DOES VOYA ADD SOMETHING NEW TO THESE CLASSIC SOUNDS, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PART OF THIS WAVE?
Oh my God, I think synth-pop and new wave—they’re always on the incline. It’s like one of those arduous hills that you have to climb at some family gathering in winter. Only a few family members persevere, and those which are left are able to enjoy it and reap some benefits at the top.
We didn’t go into this thinking about genres. Like most 21st-century listeners of music, we’re so whorish with our commitment to style.
HOW DID YOU ENVISION THIS EVENING’S VIBE?
Tasteless, loud, and fueled by white wine—which we have to provide as it’s our show.
WHAT MAKES VENUE MOT UNIT 18 THE IDEAL LOCATION FOR IT?
To be honest, it was the only place that would take us! Everywhere in London is booked up for five months in advance—supposedly talking about you, Royal George Tavern.
HOW DO YOU HOPE THE AUDIENCE WILL FEEL WHEN THEY LEAVE THIS EVENT?
We try not to hold too many expectations. It’s near impossible to inject any certain emotion into somebody. All you can do is fling the pieces which seem right at the venue’s walls and see what sticks. Perhaps the audience never leaves the venue. Perhaps we all start a South London cult in that room and live there harmoniously.
WITH THE MIX OF DJS, BANDS, AND EVEN A VAMPIRE CABARET ACT, THERE’S A THEATRICAL ELEMENT TO THIS EVENING. HOW IMPORTANT ARE VISUALS AND STORYTELLING TO THE EXPERIENCE YOU WANT TO CREATE?
Yes, the lineup is truly an extravagant one, spanning from the fresh newcomers on the post-punk scene, Nexus_0, to the most wild and visceral band I’ve seen recently, Jeanie and the White Boys. The live acts will conclude with us, VOYA, and the night will be perfectly rounded off by a trio of DJs and noted personalities in the London underground scene: Josh, Quinton, Jeannie Crystal, and Tiss Vampiric.
I discovered all these incredible acts through London’s seedy melting pot of creativity. It began when I started a dance exploration workshop with Martin Tomlinson, formerly of the music project Selfish Cunt. Martin brought Jeannie Crystal along to VOYA’s gig at the Bermondsey Social Club, where she seemed to hold a genuine respect and adoration for VOYA. From that moment, we knew we had to collaborate with her.
Later, Jeanie introduced me to Josh Quinton at her Jeanie and the White Boys show. Josh and I hit it off instantly, bonding over a shared love of Mr. Bean. Through Josh, I discovered their DJ night STUD, which Tiss from Tiss Vampiric co-created. Together, they are the guardians of this evening’s energy, while the rest of us are merely players in their world.
WHY IS LONDON AN IMPORTANT LOCATION FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE?
The importance of London is undeniable. For one, I live there, so it’s very convenient! But it’s also a mecca of multiculturalism and storytelling. The class divide is stark in such a condensed space, so naturally, you’re going to experience contrasts. Which is all great and enriching. It’s nice to be challenged. Dunno, you just want to play London, you know. “Give London a go,” you know?
HAS THE CITY IMPACTED YOUR MUSIC?
Right now, I’m coming up with these answers on an autumnal walk in the countryside of South Wales, and I can hear the screams of London’s chaos from here—it demands influence. I’m often sneakily recording snippets from places like Unfold and Club_Are for inspirational theft. As serious and oppressive as the city can be, it’s so fucking silly—like a playground full of frightened 30-year-olds.
So, come down and witness some solid fabulousness.
