What defines a band's identity in the ever-evolving landscape of music? The setlist, a meticulously crafted sequence of songs, is more than just a list; it's a narrative, a carefully orchestrated journey that shapes the live experience and becomes a defining characteristic of the band itself, and The Voidz are no exception. It's the roadmap of a performance, reflecting the artists' creative vision, their connection with the audience, and the very essence of their sound.
For any band, and certainly for a band as enigmatic as The Voidz, the setlist is a window into their soul. It's a delicate balancing act between crowd-pleasing anthems and deep-cut explorations, a reflection of their artistic evolution, and a calculated effort to maintain energy and engage the listener. A poorly curated setlist can deflate a performance, while a brilliantly constructed one can elevate the experience to something truly transcendent. The Voidz, known for their genre-bending experimentation and Julian Casablancas's distinctive vocals, understand this implicitly. Examining their setlists offers insights into their artistic development, their audience engagement strategies, and their unique approach to performance. Their choices, the order they place songs, the songs they choose to include or exclude all these contribute to a bigger picture, a story the band tells with every gig.
The Voidz, a band that transcends easy categorization, has cultivated a dedicated following. Much of this is attributable to their unique blend of art rock, post-punk revival, and electronic influences. The act of attending their shows transforms into a deep dive into an alternative musical universe. Their setlists reflect the band's evolving tastes, their exploration of new sounds, and their unwavering commitment to artistic experimentation.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Band Name | The Voidz (formerly Julian Casablancas + The Voidz) |
Genre(s) | Art Rock, Garage Rock, Post-Punk Revival, Electronic |
Years Active | 2013 Present |
Origin | New York City, New York, USA |
Current Members | Julian Casablancas (vocals), Jeramy Gritter (guitar), Amir Yaghmai (guitar), Jacob Jake Bercovici (bass), Alex Carapetis (drums, keyboard) |
Former Members | Jeff Kite (keyboard) |
Associated Acts | The Strokes (Julian Casablancas), Little Joy (Fabrizio Moretti) |
Albums | Tyranny (2014), Virtue (2018), (Future albums are expected) |
Notable Songs | "Where No Eagles Fly," "Human Sadness," "QYURRYUS," "Leave It In My Dreams" (performed live), "Aliennation" |
Influences | Punk rock, experimental rock, electronic music, 80s rock |
Label(s) | Cult Records, RCA Records |
Website (Reference) | The Voidz Official Website |
The composition of a Voidz setlist is a dynamic process, constantly adapting to various factors. These include the venue's atmosphere, the audience's demographics, the band's current creative trajectory, and the specific needs of the tour. For instance, a festival setlist will differ drastically from a headline show at a smaller venue. Festival sets are often shorter and packed with high-energy tracks designed to grab attention quickly. On the other hand, a club gig provides an opportunity for the band to delve into their deeper cuts and experiment with extended improvisations.
The early days of The Voidz were characterized by a raw, energetic sound that was reflected in their setlists. Songs from their debut album, Tyranny, such as "Where No Eagles Fly" and "Human Sadness," took center stage. These tracks, with their complex arrangements, layered instrumentation, and Casablancas's idiosyncratic vocals, were instant crowd-pleasers. The band frequently played extended versions of these songs live, adding a improvisational element that showcased their instrumental prowess. These early sets were more direct and punchy, aiming to establish their unique presence in the music world.
With the release of Virtue in 2018, The Voidz's sound evolved. This album saw the band lean into more electronic and synth-based textures, which were subsequently incorporated into their live performances. Songs like "QYURRYUS" and "Leave It In My Dreams" became staples, seamlessly blending the band's signature rock sensibilities with futuristic soundscapes. The Virtue era setlists reflected this shift, carefully balancing the older, more aggressive tracks with the newer, more experimental material. These sets showed a band growing in confidence and willing to take bigger artistic risks.
A typical Voidz setlist is not a rigid framework, but a fluid entity. The band is known to change songs between shows, to include unexpected covers, or to extend certain sections of their songs in response to the energy of the crowd or their own creative impulses. Such an approach ensures that no two Voidz shows are identical, which keeps their performances fresh and exciting. The element of surprise is very important to their stage presence, an element that has helped them cultivate an intensely devoted fanbase.
Furthermore, the order of songs within a Voidz setlist is carefully considered. The opening track is often a high-energy anthem designed to grab the audience's attention immediately. This is followed by a mix of mid-tempo tracks that create a sense of anticipation and suspense. The middle section might include a deeper cut or an experimental song, offering a moment of reflection or sonic exploration. The climax of the show usually involves a string of the band's most popular songs, guaranteeing a euphoric experience for the audience. Finally, the encore, which can be one or several songs, can be used to end the show with a bang, or to offer a more contemplative and emotional conclusion.
Looking at specific examples of Voidz setlists helps illustrate their approach. For example, a setlist from their 2018 tour in support of Virtue at a small club in Brooklyn, New York, might have opened with a driving rendition of Pointlessness and followed by Where No Eagles Fly to showcase the band's raw energy. The middle portion could have included more experimental tracks from Tyranny, giving it a contrast with the more familiar hits. The show might conclude with a powerful rendition of Human Sadness followed by Pyramid of Bones and possibly an encore. The entire performance demonstrated the versatility of the band and their ability to play a set that caters to the devoted fans and casual listeners.
On the other hand, a festival setlist would have a more condensed format. The band could open with the aggressive Leave It In My Dreams and then follow with tracks from both albums to provide a quick dose of energy. They might cut their deep cuts in favor of the crowd-pleasing songs such as QYURRYUS to keep the audience engaged and pumped up. The goal is to present the biggest possible impact in the shorter time given, showcasing the band's diversity and energy. Setlists like these have become hallmarks of their performances.
The Voidzs setlists have changed over time, often reflective of their musical growth. The sets they performed during the Tyranny era favored the more progressive material from that album. With the release of Virtue, their performances became more sophisticated, including a larger number of songs from the second record as well as more sophisticated instrumental arrangements. The band has evolved into a strong unit, and their sets have also mirrored this growth, offering a richer and more multi-faceted performance. The incorporation of newer songs does not mean that earlier works are forgotten; quite the contrary, they remain present in their setlist, though less frequent than before.
The bands stage presence is another key element in shaping their setlists. Julian Casablancas's charisma and enigmatic stage personality are one of the defining factors of their performances. His vocal abilities, his ability to engage the audience and create an environment where the audience becomes fully immersed in the music is unmatched. The other members, including Jeramy Gritter (guitar), Amir Yaghmai (guitar), Jacob Bercovici (bass), and Alex Carapetis (drums), contribute to a very powerful and engaging energy in the songs, creating an atmosphere that adds an extra layer to the experience. These interactions are just as significant as the music itself in shaping the shows impact.
There are also factors that are often behind the scenes but which have a profound impact on the content of the setlist. The venue, and its physical characteristics can play a role in this. The size of the venue, the location of the stage, and the availability of lighting and sound equipment all play a role in the setlist. The band adapts its set to match the ambiance of the room and optimizes the experience for the attendees. For example, a larger arena gig requires the band to include more recognizable anthems, while an intimate club show allows for experimentation with more complex arrangements.
The Voidz's setlist often also reflects their willingness to embrace the unexpected. Covers and improvisations, whether it's a surprise rendition of a favorite song or a new instrumental intro, are not uncommon. These surprises keep the show fresh and highlight the band's musicianship and their willingness to think outside of the box. For instance, the band might interweave a sample from an unexpected artist or use an impromptu jam to bridge the gap between songs, creating moments of real spontaneity that make each show unique.
The interaction with their fanbase also plays an indirect role in shaping their setlists. The fans are very active on social media platforms, discussing their favorite songs and posting requests for songs. While the band may not always directly react to such requests, the constant interaction with the fandom gives the group a deep understanding of what the audience hopes to see at a show. The fan reaction to certain songs, as well as the online enthusiasm they show, helps influence their preferences when they assemble their setlists. It's a reciprocal relationship, as the band acknowledges the fanbase in its actions.
The legacy of The Voidz and their setlists is built upon their devotion to experimentation, their willingness to take risks, and their respect for the art of performance. Their setlists evolve, reflecting their ever-changing musical tastes and the dynamic connection they have with their audience. Their concerts are more than just events; they are experiences. Each show is a unique journey that explores their music and their vision. They create this journey, which makes them so beloved by fans.
Examining The Voidz setlists offers a wealth of insight into their creative process, their audience interaction strategy, and their role in contemporary rock music. They stand out in an industry flooded with predictable performances. The Voidz provide a great example of artistry because their performances are unpredictable, experimental, and deeply captivating. With the anticipation surrounding their future, one can expect that The Voidz will only continue to fascinate music enthusiasts around the globe. And their setlists, the crucial component of their stage presence, will continue to document the continuous musical evolution of a band that is always striving to push the boundaries of their craft.


