Alt Rock

Atmospheric, cinematic, and emotionally charged, NOD marks the debut release from This Empty Vessel (TEV)—a collaborative project built on evolution, storytelling, and sonic exploration. Released on February 27, the album was written and produced by Gerald Josef, J Booth, and Wes Bishop, with vocals from Jennifer McLane guiding listeners through its layered, immersive soundscape.

Blending elements of alt-rock, electronic textures, and folk-inspired storytelling, NOD was crafted as a front-to-back listening experience—one that invites audiences into an etherial space somewhere between dream and reality.

JHP Entertainment caught up with the creative forces behind This Empty Vessel to talk about the origins of the project, the making of NOD, and what lies ahead in TEV‘s ever-evolving musical journey.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q: THIS EMPTY VESSEL ON THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, NOD 

RAPID FIRE WITH TEV’s GERALD JOSEF

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re credited as one of the founding forces behind This Empty Vessel. What first sparked the idea for the project, and at what point did the concept for the debut album NOD begin to take shape?

GERALD JOSEF: First, let me say that I’ve known J for nearly 40 years. His ability to write prophetic, emotionally deep lyrics—while still making them work within a pop or alt-rock framework—is unmatched. I always knew that if I ever started something new, he’d be the person I’d want to build it with.

The core idea behind This Empty Vessel is simple: create the best music we’re capable of. With each release, we plan to introduce a new artist—both to lift them up and to push ourselves as writers to keep evolving.

The concept for NOD came straight from J. He has this rare gift for taking a spark of an idea, shaping it, and carrying it all the way to a fully realized story.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a multi-instrumentalist and composer on NOD, how did you approach shaping the sonic palette of the record—from the gothic mysticism heard in “Prologue” to the folk-tinged textures of tracks like “Oceans and Blankets”?

GERALD JOSEF: One of the things I love about having a few years of experience under my belt is finally having access to tools I could only dream about when I first started. Most of what I use now is software-based, but so many of these instruments are incredibly faithful recreations of the originals—classic synthesizers, beautifully expressive orchestral libraries, and everything in between.

I’m especially drawn to sounds with a slightly spooky edge, like “Prologue,” or the dramatic, atmospheric textures you get from “Oceans and Blankets.” Anything with a cinematic feel tends to pull me in.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ok, let’s just get into it… NOD. When I first heard the name, I had two thoughts—Nod, the biblical city of exile just East of Eden…OR, The Land of Nod, a dreamlike state as written about in Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1885 collection of poetry. So, what was the inspiration for the project title?

GERALD JOSEF: This is truly a question for J as he is the author of this concept. I will say NOD leans more towards the liminal space in between awake and fully asleep.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: NOD was written as a front-to-back listening experience rather than simply a collection of songs. How intentional were you about sequencing the record and guiding the emotional arc from “Prologue” all the way to “Home”?

GERALD JOSEF: Everything about this project was intentional. J and I worked closely on every aspect of the production to make sure the album had a consistent feel and a natural flow. It was the perfect way to ease back into working together and a reminder of the direction we believe we’re heading.

Because our long-term vision is to collaborate with a different artist on each project, that intentionality becomes even more important. It allows us to stay true to our own writing style while also being mindful of the artist we’re working with and the direction they naturally want to take.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Now that NOD is out in the world, what’s next for This Empty Vessel—more recordings, live performances, or perhaps expanding the collaborative circle behind the project?

GERALD JOSEF: We’re already excited about what’s next. Our next artist is lined up, and we’ll most likely shift to smaller, more frequent releases before moving on to the next vocalist. As for live performances, that’s not our focus right now. If the right opportunity comes along, we can revisit it, but it may be challenging since we plan to work with many different vocalists over time.

For now, we’re keeping the writing circle to just the three of us. We may eventually expand the process, but we’re still early enough in this journey that it isn’t necessary yet.

RAPID FIRE WITH TEV’s J BOOTH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re part of the trio that formed This Empty Vessel. How did your lyrical/musical background and instrumental role in the band influence the sound and direction of NOD?…AND…When I chatted with Gerald, he deferred to you when I ask about the inspiration for the album title, so…

J BOOTH: When Gerald, Wes, and myself set out to work on this album we made two decisions at the onset. 1.) We wanted to work with a female vocalist on TEV’s first album—something the three of us hadn’t done in some time and missed. 2.) We wanted to write songs that were accessible to a large audience.

We challenged ourselves to use lighter tonal colors, focus on clear themes, and create hooks that complement a female voice. I approached it the old way—just me, an acoustic guitar, and weeks in a room. Once I had something strong, I’d send it to G and Wes. When approved, I’d dig into my studio and start building from there.

[as for the project title] When I was younger we would always “go off to the land of Nod” when we were going to bed. I didn’t realize at that young age that there were religious implications to the term or place. I thought it meant it was where you went when you nodded off—a place where you go to dream. Literally, that’s what I thought.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While somehow remaining cohesive, NOD blends alt-rock, electronic textures, shoegaze elements, and folk storytelling. When working on the arrangements, how did you strike that balance between atmosphere and raw edge?

J BOOTH: I love this question. We approached the album like we were filming a movie—each song is a scene. From “Prologue” to “Clean,” we let each track be itself while tying them together subtly.

When atmosphere was needed, G’s orchestration and synth work led the way. When it needed edge, I brought that on guitar, and Wes is a powerhouse on drums when it comes to accenting emotion. The songs told us what they needed—we just followed.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Tracks like “Knock Knock Road” introduce dissonant electronics alongside roots-leaning melodies. Can you walk us through the creative process behind building a track like that?

J BOOTH: Believe it or not, “Knock Knock Road” was inspired by “Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry. At its core, it’s a folk song—arpeggiated verses with sliding riffs instead of straight strumming.

We knew it had to follow “Japanese Tile,” so it needed to push the album forward. G added dark synth layers, we created an opening line together, and Jenn doubled it vocally with a bit of a Led Zeppelin vibe. Then I layered in percussive guitars while Wes and G built a groove.

Honestly, none of it should’ve worked—which is probably why it did. And yeah, we had a blast.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Where were the NOD sessions tracked, and what did those studio collaborations bring to the final sound?

J BOOTH: Gerald set up a system where I tracked guitars at my home studio while he handled orchestration, drums, vocals, and mixing at his place.

We’d share files back and forth—sending tracks to Wes with a click so he could build his parts before we all got together. It made the process efficient but still collaborative when we met in person.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With the album now released through Soundcrest Music Group and reaching listeners worldwide, how do you see This Empty Vessel evolving musically from here?

J BOOTH: The whole purpose of This Empty Vessel is to evolve with every project. The next one will feature a new vocalist, new direction, and a fresh blend of influences.

We’re doing this to challenge ourselves and to spotlight artists we believe in. The days of being boxed into one lane are over—we’re here to explore.

RAPID FIRE WITH TEV’s WES BISHOP

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As one of the founding musicians of This Empty Vessel, what initially drew you into the project, and how did your instrumental role shape NOD?

WES: Anytime I get the opportunity to create original material with G and J, I’m all in. The idea of being a production company rather than just a band really fits this stage of life.

For NOD, I wanted drum grooves that broke away from standard rock patterns—blending raw drums with synth elements alongside G.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Which track on NOD best represents your personal musical fingerprint?

WES: I’d have to say “Knock Knock Road.” It’s got an unusual groove, sensitive dynamics, and raw power—all things I love.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The album explores themes of loneliness, uncertainty, and communication breakdown. How did those ideas influence your approach in the studio?

WES: Like you said—we’ve all been there. We each brought our own emotional interpretation into the songs, and that helped shape something that feels real and meaningful.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: At what point during the single rollout did you feel momentum building toward the full release?

WES: I was excited from day one with “Valentine,” but it was after “Joey’s Getting Mad Again” that I really felt the momentum take off.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What excites you most about the next chapter?

WES: Starting new material. A new vocalist, new direction, new concept—that’s what has me fired up.

RAPID FIRE WITH TEV GUEST VOCALIST, JENNIFER McLANE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You provide the lead vocals on NOD. How did you first become involved with This Empty Vessel?

JENNIFER McLANE: I’ve known Gerald for years and had worked on some of his music before. When he reached out again, I was intrigued. Coming from a folk, blues, and R&B background, I knew this would stretch me—and that challenge is what drew me in.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your voice carries a haunting emotional weight across the record, especially on “You Don’t Want Me.” How did you approach that?

JENNIFER McLANE: “Haunting emotional weight”—I like that. I just stepped into that space. It’s something many of us can relate to. Lines like “I hate your popcorn…” made me laugh—they’re so specific, but so real.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How did you adapt your vocals to match the shifting moods of the album?

JENNIFER McLANE: Each song felt like a play, a movie—sometimes even a circus. I placed myself inside each story. The guys would share their perspectives, and I’d blend that with my own life experiences. Life is colorful—I had plenty to draw from.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Do you have a favorite track that pushed you vocally?

JENNIFER McLANE: That’s tough—they all stretched me in different ways. “Prologue” moves from whisper to howl. “Japanese Tile” broke my heart. “Clean” feels like a lament. “17” has this unrequited love energy. “Maybe” hits with the line, “If you don’t know that you’re the best part of me, then that’s my fault.”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope listeners take away from NOD?

JENNIFER McLANE: I hope people enjoy the journey. More than anything, I hope something resonates. Music is such a gift—to give and to receive.

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With NOD, This Empty Vessel has introduced a bold and deeply intentional debut—one that not only showcases the collective strengths of Gerald Josef, J Booth, Wes Bishop, and vocalist Jennifer McLane, but also sets the tone for a project rooted in collaboration and constant reinvention.

As the group looks ahead to new artists, new sounds, and new creative territory, one thing is clear: This Empty Vessel is just getting started.

NOD, released February 27, is available now on all major streaming platforms. CLICK HERE to check out the full album on your favorite streaming service. To check out a recent review of NOD, CLICK HERE.

To keep up with This Empty Vessel, CLICK HERE or follow them on Spotify, Apple Music, Insta and TikTok.

As always, If you wanna check out who we’re chatting with for our latest Rapid Fire 20Q, or to read our latest Music, Movie or Theatre Review, please check out JHPEntertainment online or socials at Facebook, Insta, X and Threads. Till then…. #ListenToTheMusic!