In this micro-interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up & coming stars on the planet.

The mighty power of the web to reveal undiscovered talent is a beautiful thing. Thirteen months ago that’s exactly what kicked off when South London-based duo Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht aka Oh Wonder planted their debut track ‘Body Gold’ online and nearly broke the internet. Fast forward one year and 20 million Soundcloud plays later and these electro-pop soulmates are at the epicentre of a phenomenal outpouring of love for their honest, exquisitely melodic tunes. We asked them just what goes into the magical formula that makes total strangers fall so hard.

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TMR: You’ve been releasing a song every month this year, with the final in the series dropping last month. What prompted this singular approach?

We wanted to challenge ourselves as songwriters and instil deadlines and structure on our creativity for a year. It was predominantly a way for us to build a portfolio of songs we had written together - an album and a tour was never part of the plan.

TMR: How is the writing dynamic between the pair of you? How do you go about creating new material together?

It's wonderful! We have been writing together for four years now and really understand how to get the best out of each other. Typically we write all the songs at a piano - Josephine writes the chords, and we both conjure up the lyrics and melodies. Then once we have a fully formed song, we start producing it, layering up the instrumentation, beats and sounds and finally adding our vocals!

TMR: What is your favourite single (or song) from the album and why?

We are proud of all of the songs for different reasons, but 'Lose It' is one we are loving at the moment, especially in a live setting. We love the jazziness of the chords, the fact that Josephine's brother is playing saxophone on it, the haziness of the lyrics and the overall sentiment of letting go of yourself in a moment and being free and untethered. It's something we should all aspire to do occasionally.



TMR: You’re just about to embark on your very first tour, how are you feeling?

We are so excited! We feel hugely privileged to be performing our songs around the world, and we can't wait to curate an evening of magic alongside the people that have really connected with our music. There really is nothing better than live music - it's a two way conversation between the artist and the audience and every night is different.

TMR: How was your experience of your first ever show?

So beautiful. We'd been waiting a year to perform these songs, and it was so lovely to take them beyond the confines of our own recording experience and share them with a hot and sweaty room filled with people singing our songs back to us. Everyone knew the words to every song - for a first gig that's crazy!!

TMR: How important is the city of London to your music?

London was one of our biggest inspirations for this record. It's a city teeming with opportunities, rich people, poor people, sadness, joy, loneliness, ecstasy, high rise buildings and homeless people. It's a place of extremes, and one where you can feel very isolated even amongst the biggest crowd. This album really celebrates the importance of human relationships within the madness of life, and asserts the need for community, and being there for other people. That's more important than ever now, in an age where people are so focused on themselves and fulfilling their own ambitions that sometimes it's at the expense of others. Looking after each other and our planet is the most important thing, and our own interests should come after.

TMR: Who are your favourite new/up-and-coming producers/bands?

We are currently listening to and loving Ryn Weaver, Rukhsana Merrise, Raye and Billie Marten. Girls with beautiful voices and proper good songs.

TMR: What advice would you give to emerging artists who are keen to make a name for themselves?

Be yourself. Don't do things because everyone else does them - carve your own path. Write songs as often as you can. And never give up.

Oh Wonder's eponymous debut album is out now on Caroline International. Tickets for OW's November tour is sold out but you can catch their 17 March show at Shepherd's Bush Empire if you order your tickets sharpish.

Photography by Josh Shinner.

-Ayla Owen