Formed in 23 years ago in Austin, Voxtrot got off to fast start, employing the early-aughts blogosphere to garner global attention for a series of EPs on its own Cult Hero imprint. That momentum translated to some chart success for Voxtrot’s self-titled 2007 debut, a chiming, hook-laden affair that nonetheless failed to capture the lightning-in-bottle energy of its EPs. By then, the buzz surrounding the group had dissipated, sending Voxtrot into a tailspin that ultimately led to its breakup in 2010.
A dozen years later, a reenergized Voxtrot hit the road in 2022 to support the Early Music EP and Cut From The Stone rarities collection. But reunion tours and reissues are one thing. A full album of new music—the 11-track Dreamers In Exile—after almost 20 years of silence is quite another.
MAGNET’s Hobart Rowland sought clarity from singer/guitarist Ramesh Srivastava.
What were some of the ups and downs that ultimately led to Dreamers In Exile becoming a reality?
I was always of the opinion that if we were going to do a reunion tour, we should also make new music. I’d hoped that my bandmates would feel the same—and even though I didn’t get that certainty until the end of the tour, my gut was that things were heading in that direction. That said, after we’d committed to making the album, we faced many challenges—logistics of band members living out of state, financial limitations, shopping for a label to release it. Ultimately, I’m very happy with how everything turned out and that we’re releasing the album on our own label, Cult Hero. But the process getting to this point was very different from what I expected. I guess sometimes—most of the time—you just have to hang on and enjoy the ride.
Can you offer any juicy details on the Voxtrot’s 2010 breakup?
I think we were all disillusioned and exhausted after the cycle of blowing up, getting signed, releasing a debut album and all the pressures that come with it, then not getting the commercial or critical reception we’d hoped for. At that time, it felt—to me, at least—like there was nowhere to go, artistically, and that the right thing to do was to end it in style. By the time we got to 2022, I’d done enough soul-searching and maturing that I was able to see how valuable the sustained love for Voxtrot is. My personal story and fears suddenly felt less important. I can’t speak for the rest of the members, but that’s what did it for me.
Tell us about the recording process for the new album. It began in 2023, so it was obviously a process.
We convened in Lockhart, Texas, a few times in 2023 to work on demos that actually became the final recordings. Unbeknownst to the rest of us, our bassist, Jason (Chronis), had intentionally made the demos sound so good that we wouldn’t want to record them elsewhere. This process continued off and on until 2025, with the original five members playing on most of the record. The last couple songs we recorded feature just (drummer) Matt (Simon), Jason and me. Because Matt had already completed most of his drums and percussion early on, the final six months of the process were mostly Jason and I tinkering into oblivion. Being in that suspended creative zone was like heaven on earth. Jason truly did an incredible job on this record.
A feeling of optimism pervades Dreamers In Exile. Where’s that coming from?
I am an eternal optimist. Despite having had some psychological battles in the past, I ultimately have faith—in myself, in music, in life. I feel a responsibility to bring that energy to the world.
Voxtrot is the product of an Austin music scene that, much like the city itself, has changed quite a bit since you first came together in 2003. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed?
In a sense, it’s unrecognizable. But deep down, I still love it the way I love a family member. After all, I was born and raised there, so it’s forever a part of me. There are still aspects of it that I like; for example, I still love performing there. But as I’ve said in many interviews, I hope it can eventually regain its kind heart, which currently feels obscured by growth and ambition.
See Voxtrot live.
