VOTA Biography
VOTA, originally known as Casting Pearls, is a Christian rock band formed in 1997 featuring lead vocalist and guitarist Bryan Olesen of the band Newsboys. The band started in Lincoln, Nebraska, and gained initial attention through their live performances and lyrics. After releasing their debut album under the name Casting Pearls, they changed their name to VOTA in 2008.
In one regard, the members and music of VOTA are familiar to alternative rock fans, though this period also marks several groundbreaking firsts. The former trio of frontman/guitarist/songwriter Bryan Olesen, bassist Case Maranville, and drummer Scott Rutz expanded to a quartet (including guitarist/keyboardist Riley Friesen) and shifted their guitar-driven rock to incorporate dance elements while signing with INO Records.
"It's a new day and a new chapter for this band," said drummer Scott Rutz in 2008. "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 band brainstormed for months before changing their name, they sought a title that would not be tied to preconceived notions or specific music industry connotations. Originally, VOTA did not have a specific meaning, creating a blank canvas for listeners to interpret. However, a dedicated fan later discovered an alternative meaning rooted 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 goal of using this music to His glory."
Beyond their ministry focus, the group’s self-titled debut album showcases artistic innovation, drawing inspiration from their previous alternative sound and influences like dance-pop band Maroon 5 and ethereal rockers Augustana. Collaborating again with renowned producer Nathan Dantzler (Relient K, Audio Adrenaline, Tree63), VOTA brilliantly balances contemporary and timeless elements.
"We really tried to throw the rule book out the window with these sessions and look at each song specifically, giving 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 tackled each song as a whole, which made the process more expensive but artistically rewarding. In the end, all the tracks have wonderful diversity, allowing you to listen all the way through and create a great iPod shuffle mix."
Adding Friesen not only brought an extra layer to the band's dynamic but also introduced keyboards as a new instrument. Though these sounds appeared on previous albums and live performances, they now share equal prominence with the guitars, adding a groovier feel to the music of these Nebraska natives.
"We had honestly been looking for the past three or four years for somebody to fill this role, and we knew Riley was a real answer to prayer," reflects 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, this fuller sound has expanded the band's stage presence, making VOTA a formidable force in headlining, festival, and outreach settings, such as their ongoing 180 Tour—a public high school assembly program designed to encourage students in their character and decision-making. The band’s veteran status certainly doesn't hurt, with Olesen serving as arguably one of the most explosive rock 'n' roll frontmen in recent memory.
"Part of what we're trying 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 very seriously. Plus, it's been really encouraging to have support from our fans right from the beginning of performing the new songs."
There's no doubt that anyone leaving a VOTA show will be thoroughly entertained, but beyond the performance spectacle, there is a deeper, introspective thread running through the band’s sets. Besides sharing relatable messages about personal and spiritual connections and offering hope in challenging times, the members are passionate about humanitarian causes.
"We're interested in moving beyond just the music, which you can see in our partnership with Food For the Hungry and our 180 Tour," muses Maranville about the initiative they started in 2006. "We want to inspire students and listeners of all ages to consider how they can make a positive change in this world, whether that means lending a helping hand or simply living a life of character and integrity daily."
Olesen echoes these sentiments, also adding that the band has gained additional wisdom through experience and ongoing faith refinement. "We're not looking to be defined solely as musicians or rock stars," he summarizes. "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 break the mold of going through the motions—whether that’s in our music, the 180 Tour, or how we interact with everyone we meet along the way."
The early band members included Bryan Olesen on lead vocals and guitar, Case Maranville on bass and backing vocals, Jeff Goff on drums and percussion, and Michael Boggs on guitar and backing vocals. In 2010, Case Maranville and Jeff Goff left and were replaced by John Wooten and Justin Wantz.
VOTA's discography includes the following albums: "Casting Pearls" (2005), their debut album under their original name; "VOTA" (2008), a self-titled album marking their transition to the new name; "Love Found Me" (2013); and "Fearless" (2016), their latest release.
Notable singles from the band include "Hard to Believe," a track from their debut album; "Honestly," a single from the VOTA album; "God of the Universe," from the "Love Found Me" album; and the title track from the "Fearless" album. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.