We had a hectic race a few weeks back between some great bands in our poll, but in the end the mighty Univox prevailed. We enjoy preceding their name with “mighty” because they certainly like to go BIG in their live performances transporting you into their strange little world. And when they are rockin’ out and then kick into those multi-layered harmonies, there is no doubt that you are at a rock show. We had a chance to catch up with guitarist/lead vocalist Josh “the Mongolian” Jones.
The Deli: How did Univox start?
Josh Jones: Univox was the name of a tape of experimental recordings Joe and I made. After several years exploring different musical types Joe and I adopted the name for our new pop-group featuring Kent Boersma, Rob DeCarolis and Jim Tomlinson (RIP).
TD: Band names sometimes give insight into the members behind them or the type of music that we might expect to hear. How does the name Univox fit your members and/or your sound?
JJ: The name was originally chosen because all of the different instruments and sounds Joe and I were using for that initial recording were mixed and broadcast through a U-1061 Univox bass amplifier and then mic’d and recorded to our old TEAC 1/4" machine (RIP). One big pancake.
TD: What are your biggest musical influences?
JJ: Our biggest musical influences are Iggy Pop, David Bowie, the Who, Devo, 45’s from the 50’s through the 80’s, Sonic Youth, T Rex, Eddie Gale, Queen, Nina Simone, Clinic, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen, Jacques Brel, the Kinks, Simon and Garfunkel, Motown, the Police, Dave Smolen, the Zombies, Otis Redding, Ennio Morricone, Lou Reed, Nirvana and Sun Ra.
TD: What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently listening to?
JJ: Lately it’s been Wood-land, Beach House and Joe singing from the John.
TD: What’s the first concert that you ever attended and first album that you ever bought?
JJ: The first album I ever bought was Blood/Sugar/Sex/Magic by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The first concert I ever attended was Sleater Kinney with the Butchies and the Gossip with Kent and Joe during SK’s tour for Dig Me Out.
TD: What do you love about Philly?
JJ: I love the diversity and economy of culture in Philadelphia. From block to block you find new and exciting creeps that are ready to get in your business and unhinge your peace of mind. The people are guarded, brooding yet mouthy. We fit in pretty well.
TD: What do you hate about Philly?
JJ: The only problem with Philly is how easy it is for people to get into and flee from.
TD: What are your plans for 2010?
JJ: This year we’re going to try and get people to choke on our music. Our album is out this month. Choke on it.
TD: What was your most memorable live show?
JJ: It’s hard to say which show was most memorable. I remember them all. I guess the Lycoming College show where the whole crowd got up on the big gymnasium stage with us (about 50 people) for our last number. The song, “Evil Twin”, only has two chords so I gave my guitar to some dude and took my microphone down below.
What’s your favorite thing to get at the deli?
Chopped liver, tripe in dijon and vinegar-pickled cow tongue, whole. No bread, just stick it in my hand.
– The Deli Staff