Oh Wonder
Oh Wonder is an English alt-pop duo based in London, consisting of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists Anthony West and Josephine Vander West.[1][2] Formed in 2014, the pair initially created music using minimal equipment—a single keyboard and microphone—in their South East London home studio.[3] They gained international recognition through an innovative DIY project, releasing one original song per month exclusively on SoundCloud for a full year, starting with "Body Gold" on September 1, 2014; these tracks amassed millions of streams and topped Hype Machine charts, leading to their self-titled debut album in September 2015, which peaked at number 26 on the UK Albums Chart.[2][4][5] The duo's sound blends airy electro-pop with lush harmonies, sparse electronic beats, and themes of love, loneliness, and introspection, drawing influences from acts like the xx and James Blake.[2][1] Their follow-up albums include Ultralife (2017), which reached number 8 on the UK Albums Chart, and No One Else Can Wear Your Crown (2020), also peaking at number 8; both expanded their catalog with more polished production while maintaining their signature ethereal style.[5] Later releases feature 22 Break (2021), which charted at number 51 in the UK, and 22 Make (2022), alongside companion releases like Home Tapes (2020), a collection of stripped-down versions of their songs recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.[5][6] Oh Wonder has toured extensively worldwide, performing at major venues and festivals, and their music has been featured in films, TV shows, and reality series like Love Island.[7] In 2024, marking the tenth anniversary of their debut project, West and Vander West began re-recording the original album's tracks using live instruments and a full studio setup, releasing them monthly; the complete reimagined version, Oh Wonder (10 Years On), was released on September 4, 2025.[3][8] That year, Vander West also launched her solo project That Woman, produced by West. This milestone reflects their evolution from anonymous online experiment to established artists with over a decade of consistent output and a dedicated global fanbase.[4]History
Formation and early years
Multi-instrumentalists Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West met in London in 2013 through mutual friends while Vander Gucht was developing her solo career as a classically trained pianist and violinist.[9] West, a producer and former member of the rock band Far From Saints, offered to collaborate on her material after encountering her at local gigs and through shared connections in the city's music scene.[10] Initially intended as a side project to support their individual pursuits—Vander Gucht was preparing for a career in law—their partnership quickly evolved into a creative outlet focused on songwriting for potential licensing to other artists, and they formed Oh Wonder in 2014.[9] The duo's early work emphasized anonymity and experimentation, with them recording in a makeshift home studio using minimal equipment, including just one keyboard and one microphone.[3] In September 2014, they launched Oh Wonder by releasing their debut single "Body Gold" on SoundCloud without revealing their identities, committing to a unique challenge of uploading one new song per month for an entire year.[3] This approach stemmed from a desire to prioritize the music itself over personal promotion, allowing tracks like "Drive" and "All We Do" to gain organic traction through streaming platforms and playlist placements.[11] By mid-2015, the project's viral success—amassing millions of streams—prompted them to compile the 12 monthly releases into a self-titled debut album, adding a 13th track to complete it, which was issued independently in September 2015.[12] Their early years were marked by a DIY ethos, blending indie pop with electronic elements, and they maintained anonymity until late 2015, when mounting fan demand led to their first live performances and a signing with Island Records.[13] This period laid the foundation for their global breakthrough, as the songs' emotional depth and accessibility resonated widely in TV soundtracks and online communities.[9]2014–2016: Oh Wonder
Oh Wonder, the London-based alt-pop duo consisting of vocalist Josephine Vander Gucht and multi-instrumentalist Anthony West, formed in 2014 after the pair met the previous year and began a romantic relationship. To sustain their creative and personal connection amid busy schedules, they launched a self-imposed challenge: write, record, and release one original song on the first of every month for an entire year, starting with the track "Body Gold" on September 1, 2014, uploaded directly to SoundCloud without any promotional support. This grassroots strategy aimed to foster organic growth and document their evolving songwriting process in real time.[14][3] The monthly releases continued steadily through August 2015, producing 12 intimate, synth-driven tracks that blended Vander Gucht's emotive vocals with West's layered production. These songs— including "Livewire," "Technicolour Beat," "Drive," "Landslide," and "All We Do"—were shared freely online, accumulating over 40 million streams by mid-2015 and building a dedicated global fanbase through word-of-mouth and social sharing. On September 4, 2015, the duo compiled the full set into their self-titled debut album, Oh Wonder, self-released via Caroline International as a digital download and later on physical formats. The record's lo-fi aesthetic and themes of love, vulnerability, and escapism resonated widely, earning praise for its polished yet unpretentious DIY ethos.[15][16][17] Oh Wonder achieved swift commercial success, debuting at number 26 on the UK Albums Chart, number 16 on the Canadian Albums Chart, and number 80 on the US Billboard 200, marking a strong entry for the previously unknown act. Within a week of release, the duo sold out headline shows in key cities such as London, Paris, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and New York, signaling the start of their live career with their debut performance on September 16, 2015, at London's Village Underground. Throughout 2016, Oh Wonder embarked on an intensive touring schedule, playing over 100 dates across North America and Europe, including major festivals like Bonnaroo, Sasquatch, and Outside Lands, as well as supporting slots for artists like Halsey at Madison Square Garden. This period solidified their reputation for captivating live sets, blending the album's electronic pop with live instrumentation and audience interaction.[5][18][19][20]2016–2018: Ultralife
Following the success of their self-titled debut album, Oh Wonder embarked on an extensive touring schedule in 2016, performing over 100 shows worldwide to promote the record.[20] This period marked their transition from online song releases to live performances, including headlining dates across North America in January and appearances at festivals such as Suwannee Hulaween and Voodoo Festival later that year.[21] The duo's live energy, blending electronic elements with acoustic intimacy, helped solidify their fanbase amid the demands of constant travel.[20] In early 2017, Oh Wonder shifted focus to their sophomore effort, self-producing Ultralife primarily at their home studio in Brockley, London, with additional sessions at The Pool in Bermondsey.[22] The album incorporated live instrumentation, including drums, bass, and analogue synths, contrasting the more bedroom-recorded debut while exploring broader sonic textures from solo piano to expansive productions.[23] Written across New York and London, the 11 tracks drew from the emotional toll of touring, delving into themes of human connection, loneliness, and resilience—such as in "Solo," which captures isolation, and "High On Humans," emphasizing communal joy.[23][22] The lead single, "Ultralife," was released on March 31, 2017, via Republic Records, introducing the album's vibrant alt-pop sound with its video directed by Daniel Uribe and shot in Los Angeles.[22] Follow-up single "Lifetimes" arrived shortly after on April 7, highlighting the duo's harmonious vocals and uplifting melodies.[22] Ultralife itself debuted on July 14, 2017, receiving positive reception for its emotional depth and production polish, though some critics noted challenges in surpassing the debut's novelty.[23] The album peaked at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and number 17 on the Canadian Albums Chart, underscoring their growing international appeal.[5][24] To support Ultralife, Oh Wonder launched their Ultralife World Tour in 2017, playing over 100 shows in the first seven months alone, including North American legs with stops in Minneapolis, Oakland, and Phoenix.[23] The tour extended into 2018, reaching Asia with performances in Manila and festivals like A Summer's Tale in France, where the duo delivered sets blending new material with debut favorites.[25][26] This phase reinforced their reputation for intimate yet anthemic live shows, amid continued exploration of touring's highs and lows.[23]2019–2020: No One Else Can Wear Your Crown and Home Tapes
In November 2019, Oh Wonder announced their third studio album, No One Else Can Wear Your Crown, set for release on February 7, 2020, via Island Records.[27] The album was preceded by the singles "Hallelujah" and "Better Now" earlier that year, followed by "I Wish I Never Met You" on November 14, 2019.[28] Recorded primarily in the duo's London home studio, the 10-track album featured a pared-down production approach, limiting each song to around 10 sounds to emphasize intimacy and emotional directness, drawing from personal themes of growth, relationships, and self-reflection.[29] The standard tracklist included "Dust," "Happy," "Better Now," "Hallelujah," "In and Out of Love," "How It Goes," "Drunk on You," "Nothing but You," "I Wish I Never Met You," and "Nebraska."[30] Upon release, No One Else Can Wear Your Crown debuted at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart.[31] It received mixed reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 65 out of 100 based on four reviews.[32] Pitchfork awarded it 5.7 out of 10, praising moments of nuanced imagery in tracks like "Happy" and "Better Now" but critiquing the album's overall monotony and occasional clichéd lyrics, noting its elegant production often felt like suitable background noise.[33] Other outlets highlighted its celebration of personal and relational evolution, though some found the sparseness admirable yet underdelivering on dynamism.[34] The album's launch coincided with the announcement of the Wear Your Crown World Tour, scheduled to begin in February 2020 across North America, Europe, and Australia.[28] However, the escalating COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement or cancellation of most dates, including shows in the US, Canada, and Europe, starting in March 2020.[35][36] In response to the lockdowns, Oh Wonder initiated the Home Tapes project in April 2020, aiming to return to their origins of monthly home-recorded releases amid the pandemic's isolation.[37] The series began with the single "Lonely Star" on April 3, followed by subsequent tracks released over the next few months, all self-produced in their London home.[38] These culminated in the Home Tapes EP, released on June 26, 2020, via Island Records, comprising five songs totaling 18 minutes: "Lonely Star," "Keep on Dancing," "I Like It When You Love Me," "Oceansize," and "Don't You Worry."[39] The EP captured raw, piano-driven intimacy, with lyrics addressing loneliness and resilience during quarantine.[40] Home Tapes was generally well-received for its comforting, stripped-back aesthetic suited to the era, earning user scores averaging around 70 out of 100 on Album of the Year based on 26 ratings.[41] Reviewers appreciated tracks like "Lonely Star" for their gentle melodies and harmonious vocals, though some noted it as a charming but not standout extension of the duo's style.[40][42] The project underscored Oh Wonder's adaptability, fostering fan connection through vulnerability in uncertain times.[43]2021–2022: 22 Break and 22 Make
In 2021, Oh Wonder released their fourth studio album, 22 Break, on October 8 via Island Records, marking a surprise drop without prior announcement. The album, consisting of 11 tracks, delved into the duo's personal struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the breakdown of their romantic relationship, and represented a shift toward a more raw, introspective sound compared to their earlier polished indie pop. Recorded primarily in their London home studio, the project captured themes of isolation, vulnerability, and emotional turmoil, with Vander Gucht and West drawing from their experiences of lockdown and relational strain. Key tracks included the lead single "Down," released on September 17, which featured glitchy electronics and mournful saxophone to evoke heartbreak, followed by "Don't Let the Neighbourhood Hear" on October 1, blending frantic crescendos with glitchy production to convey suppressed grief.[44][45][46] The album's title track, "22 Break," served as both opener and thematic anchor, with its crystalline keys, emotive strings, and pensive lyrics reflecting a pivotal moment of fracture after seven years together. Other standout songs like "Rollercoaster Baby" and "Kicking the Doors Down" explored cycles of dependency and defiance, while "Free" introduced a glimmer of release amid the gloom. Critics praised 22 Break for its emotional honesty and sonic evolution, noting how the duo's layered vocals and experimental elements—such as distorted synths and ambient textures—amplified the intimacy of their storytelling. The record received acclaim for transforming personal pain into universal resonance, with reviewers highlighting its role as a cathartic lockdown artifact that avoided sentimentality. Accompanying the release was a short film directed by Vander Gucht, visualizing the album's narrative through fragmented, dreamlike sequences.[46][47][48] Following the introspective darkness of 22 Break, Oh Wonder announced the companion album 22 Make in March 2022, initially slated for July 8 but delayed until its release on October 7, 2022, also via Island Records. This 11-track sequel completed a 22-song diptych chronicling the duo's reconciliation, shifting from dissolution to renewal while maintaining the vulnerable core of its predecessor. Written and recorded in tandem with 22 Break but held back to reflect their healing process, 22 Make incorporated brighter production elements like soaring violins and upbeat rhythms, symbolizing hope and endurance. The lead single "Magnificent," released on March 10, 2022, captured this uplift with its euphoric build and lyrics affirming rediscovered connection.[49][50][51] Tracks such as "True Romance" and "Sweet Disaster" balanced tender introspection with playful energy, emphasizing small acts of recommitment, whereas the title track "22 Make" closed the project with an anthemic resolve, mirroring the opener of the first installment. "Can We Always Be Friends?" stood out for its stripped-back piano and harmonious vocals, underscoring platonic and romantic evolution. Reception for 22 Make was generally positive, with critics appreciating how it provided emotional closure to the duo's story, fostering a sense of warmth and maturity without overshadowing the rawness of 22 Break. Though the delay somewhat muted its initial buzz, the album was lauded for its cohesive narrative arc and sonic polish, reinforcing Oh Wonder's growth as songwriters. In support of the project, the duo embarked on a 2022 UK and European tour, performing reimagined versions of the material with live strings and piano.[52][51][53]2024: That Woman
In 2024, Josephine Vander Gucht, one half of the indie pop duo Oh Wonder, launched her solo project under the moniker That Woman, marking a significant creative expansion beyond the band's collaborative sound. She announced the endeavor in March, describing it as a return to songwriting roots predating Oh Wonder, with the project allowing her to explore personal narratives independently while co-producing with her husband and bandmate, Anthony West.[54] That Woman's debut album, Find Joy, was released on August 9, 2024, through Highwater Recordings, the label co-founded by Vander Gucht and West. Comprising 13 tracks, the record delves into themes of womanhood, self-perception, intergenerational trauma, and the pursuit of joy amid societal expectations and personal healing, often framed as a "soundtrack to a lot of therapy sessions." Vander Gucht has noted that the album addresses unprocessed experiences from her early twenties, emphasizing catharsis and resilience as a cisgender woman navigating pressures and identity. The production intentionally diverges from Oh Wonder's polished alt-pop aesthetic, incorporating diverse sonic elements like intimate acoustics and bolder arrangements to reflect emotional vulnerability.[55][56][54][57] Preceding the full release, That Woman issued several singles to build anticipation: "Hymn for a Woman" on May 3, which examines facets of femininity; "I Was Aching" in June, confronting inherited trauma; "Change" in early summer; "Joy" on July 19, probing sources of happiness; and "Complete" shortly before the album launch. Standout tracks like "Space Time & Peace," "The Tyger," and the title song "Find Joy" highlight Vander Gucht's insightful lyricism and vocal range, blending introspection with uplifting melodies. The album's tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Space Time & Peace |
| 2 | I Was Aching |
| 3 | The Tyger |
| 4 | Change |
| 5 | Joy |
| 6 | Complete |
| 7 | Enough |
| 8 | Hymn for a Woman |
| 9 | Body |
| 10 | All Roads |
| 11 | Beautiful People |
| 12 | Find Joy |
| 13 | Smile |
Personal life
Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht (now Vander West) began a romantic relationship in 2013, the year before they started collaborating musically as Oh Wonder.[59] They publicly confirmed their engagement with the release of their third album, No One Else Can Wear Your Crown, in 2020.[60] During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the couple faced significant relationship challenges that nearly led to a break-up, but they reconciled and married in August 2021.[59][60]Discography
Studio albums
Oh Wonder's studio albums are characterized by their intimate, self-produced indie pop sound, with all releases written, recorded, produced, and mixed by duo members Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West in their London home studio. The band has issued six studio albums since 2015, primarily through Island Records, blending electronic elements with acoustic instrumentation and themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth. Their self-titled debut album, Oh Wonder, was released on 4 September 2015 via their own imprint, compiling 12 tracks from their monthly SoundCloud singles plus two new songs, and it peaked at number 26 on the UK Albums Chart and number 80 on the US Billboard 200.[61] The follow-up, Ultralife, arrived on 14 July 2017 under Island Records, featuring 11 tracks with a brighter, more expansive production, and reached number 8 on the UK Albums Chart.[62] In 2020, No One Else Can Wear Your Crown was released on 7 February via Island Records, an 11-track effort exploring resilience amid global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which also charted at number 8 in the UK.[63] The duo's fourth album, 22 Break, came out on 8 October 2021 through Island Records as a companion piece reflecting on the difficulties of their twenties, peaking at number 51 on the UK Albums Chart.[64] Its counterpart, 22 Make, followed on 7 October 2022, also on Island Records, shifting to themes of hope and creation with 11 songs, though it did not enter the UK top 100. Most recently, Oh Wonder (10 Years On), a re-recorded version of their debut using live instrumentation, was independently released on 4 September 2025 and charted at number 48 in the UK.[5][65]EP
Home Tapes is the extended play by the English alt-pop duo Oh Wonder, released on June 26, 2020, through Island Records. The EP marks the band's return to a DIY release strategy reminiscent of their debut album, with all tracks written, recorded, produced, and mixed at home during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the United Kingdom.[43] Announced on April 3, 2020, as an ongoing series titled "Home Tapes," the project aimed to offer companionship and solace amid isolation, starting with the lead single "Lonely Star."[37] Subsequent singles "Keep on Dancing," "I Like It When You Love Me," "Oceansize," and "Don't You Worry" followed in the ensuing months before compilation into the five-track EP.[66] The release captures the duo's introspective style, blending electronic elements with acoustic intimacy to explore themes of loneliness, resilience, and connection.[40] Tracks like "Lonely Star" evoke emotional vulnerability through hushed vocals and sparse production, while "Keep on Dancing" introduces upbeat optimism.[38] The EP's total runtime is 18 minutes, emphasizing brevity and immediacy in response to global uncertainty.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Lonely Star" | 3:57 |
| 2 | "Keep on Dancing" | 3:15 |
| 3 | "I Like It When You Love Me" | 3:46 |
| 4 | "Oceansize" | 3:43 |
| 5 | "Don't You Worry" | 3:39 |
Singles
Oh Wonder's approach to singles release was distinctive from the outset, with the duo committing to produce and share one new track every month for a year beginning in September 2014. These self-released songs, distributed via SoundCloud, were written, recorded, and mixed in their home studio, fostering a direct connection with listeners and amassing millions of streams organically. The 12 monthly singles—"Body Gold" (September 1, 2014), "Shark" (October 1, 2014), "Dazzle" (November 1, 2014), "All We Do" (December 1, 2014), "The Rain" (January 1, 2015), "Midnight Moon" (February 1, 2015), "Drive" (March 1, 2015), "Lose It" (April 1, 2015), "White Blood" (May 1, 2015), "Landslide" (June 1, 2015), "Heart Hope" (July 1, 2015), and "All About You" (August 1, 2015)—formed the core of their debut album Oh Wonder, supplemented by two new recordings. Tracks like "Body Gold" and "Drive" became fan favorites, exemplifying the duo's blend of indie pop melodies and electronic production.[3] For their follow-up album Ultralife, Oh Wonder shifted to targeted promotional singles under Island Records. The title track "Ultralife" served as the lead single, released on March 31, 2017, followed by "Lifetimes" on May 19, 2017, both highlighting themes of human connection and environmental awareness central to the album.[67] The album No One Else Can Wear Your Crown was preceded by three singles: "Hallelujah" on September 5, 2019, "Better Now" on October 25, 2019, and "I Wish I Never Met You" on November 14, 2019, which explored personal vulnerability and resilience amid the duo's marital challenges.[68] In support of 22 Break (2021), the lead single was the title track "22 Break", released on September 22, 2021, reflecting themes of separation and introspection drawn from the couple's temporary split. The companion album 22 Make (2022) featured "Magnificent" as its lead single on September 9, 2022, emphasizing reconciliation and growth.[69] Marking the tenth anniversary of their debut, Oh Wonder launched the "10 Years On" series in 2024, re-recording and releasing updated versions of their original tracks as monthly singles. This began with "Body Gold (10 Years On)" on September 1, 2024, followed by "Shark (10 Years On)" (October 1, 2024), "Dazzle (10 Years On)" (November 1, 2024), and continued through the full album release on September 4, 2025, infusing the songs with matured perspectives and refined production. By November 2025, releases included "Heart Hope (10 Years On)" and others, celebrating their enduring catalog.[3] As featured artists, Oh Wonder contributed vocals to Lil Uzi Vert's "The Way Life Goes" from the album Luv Is Rage 2 (2017), which peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification, marking their most commercially successful collaboration.[70]| As Lead Artist (Selected Promotional Singles) | Release Date | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Ultralife | March 31, 2017 | Ultralife |
| Lifetimes | May 19, 2017 | Ultralife |
| Hallelujah | September 5, 2019 | No One Else Can Wear Your Crown |
| Better Now | October 25, 2019 | No One Else Can Wear Your Crown |
| I Wish I Never Met You | November 14, 2019 | No One Else Can Wear Your Crown |
| 22 Break | September 22, 2021 | 22 Break |
| Magnificent | September 9, 2022 | 22 Make |
| Body Gold (10 Years On) | September 1, 2024 | Oh Wonder (10 Years On) |
| As Featured Artist | Release Date | Lead Artist | Album/Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Way Life Goes | October 3, 2017 | Lil Uzi Vert | Luv Is Rage 2 |