Exposed Vocals Sits Down with The THIRTEEN 7: Exploring Gothic Soul and The Shadow and the Light

The THIRTEEN 7’s unique fusion of gothic soul, jazz, folk, and blues is as haunting as it is mesmerizing. At the heart of their sound is an evocative interplay between shadow and light—where rich, immersive instrumentation meets deeply introspective storytelling. Their debut single, The Shadow and the Light, exemplifies this contrast, pairing a warm, laidback Caribbean groove with themes of grief, powerlessness, and the human struggle for meaning. The result is a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive, a sonic journey through the depths of emotion wrapped in lush, textured melodies.

What makes The THIRTEEN 7 truly compelling is their ability to balance darkness with beauty, sorrow with hope. The concept of “Gothic Soul” as a genre is captivating, merging the moody aesthetics of gothic influence with the raw vulnerability of soul and the timeless appeal of jazz and blues. This duality—a collision of the ethereal and the grounded—gives their music a cinematic quality, inviting listeners into a world where storytelling is just as vital as melody. As they continue carving out their own space in the musical landscape, The THIRTEEN 7 proves that there is power in contrast, and that true artistry lies in embracing both the light and the dark.

We had the chance to sit down with The THIRTEEN 7 for an exclusive interview, diving into the creative process behind The Shadow and the Light and the inspirations that shape their unique sound. From their deep appreciation of gothic aesthetics to their love for soulful, groove-driven rhythms, the band shared insight into how they craft music that is both sonically rich and emotionally profound. In our conversation, we explored the themes that drive their artistry, the challenges of breaking into the industry as an independent act, and what the future holds for this intriguing new project.

Exposed Vocals: The Shadow and the Light introduces a unique blend of soul, jazz, and gothic influences. What inspired this fusion of styles?

The THIRTEEN 7: Primarily, I’m a bass player, so my songs have a strong rhythmical style. Not necessarily written from the bass, but bass and drums are set early in the process. Lyrically, I draw from the “gothic” as I love the tone, fantasy, and aesthetic of this genre.

Exposed Vocals: The lyrics of The Shadow and the Light explore powerlessness and loss. What personal or universal experiences shaped this song?

The THIRTEEN 7: I can’t think of a specific circumstance as to why this song came to be. But I’m an observer—interested in psychology and anthropology. I thought taking this perspective, as one step removed from the subject, was an interesting idea, possibly less explored.

Exposed Vocals: The THIRTEEN 7 has been described as a “Gothic Sade.” Do you resonate with that comparison, and how would you describe your signature sound?

The THIRTEEN 7: I love the band Sade, and this first song draws heavily from their influence. I’ve kind of grown tired waiting for their next album, so I thought I’d write my own!

Exposed Vocals: Your music touches on themes like mental health, self-worth, and even ghost stories. How do you approach balancing the dark and introspective with the soulful and uplifting?

The THIRTEEN 7: I’m a naturally positive person. These themes fascinate me, but they’re not laden with despair. There’s always light and hope in the stories I tell.

Exposed Vocals: How does the collaborative process work within the band? Does each member bring their own influence to the final sound?

The THIRTEEN 7: The songs are written by me, KLVN. It’s very much a recording project, and I bring in musicians to enhance the style and sound I’m looking for in each song. Roger (drums & percussion) and I (bass) are the constant, and the musicians on top are sought to add their unique skills. I write on guitar and keys, but I’m in no way a guitarist or keyboard player. Although I have strong ideas about the songs’ direction, I want musicians to enhance and surprise me with their tastes and skillsets.

Exposed Vocals: Can you share a moment during the creation of The Shadow and the Light that was particularly meaningful or challenging?

The THIRTEEN 7: Writing a complete children’s book as the Mid 8 (bridge)! I wished to conjure the image of a parent reading a bedtime story to their child. I’m not a natural lyricist. That took time. But I think of songs as little puzzles that I enjoy solving.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform The Shadow and the Light in any setting, anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

The THIRTEEN 7: The fantasy—The Royal Albert Hall, London. The reality—anywhere would be wonderful. This is very much a recording project. Should an opportunity arise to perform the songs live, it would mean there’s interest, an appetite for us, and we’ve gained some traction. It’s simply not affordable for me to put a live/gigging group together at the moment.

Exposed Vocals: What artists, past or present, have been major influences on your music?

The THIRTEEN 7: There’s a fusion of sounds I’ve drawn upon for this project. Sade, of course. Duran Duran, Me’shell N’Degeocello, Cassandra Wilson, Fairground Attraction…

Exposed Vocals: As an emerging band, what challenges have you faced in carving out a space for your sound, and how have you overcome them?

The THIRTEEN 7: The album’s called Nobody’s Listening, which is a play on words should you hear the title track. I feel like a droplet in an ocean. Getting heard is the hardest thing for any independent artist starting out. I really don’t know how to make that happen, but I believe in the songs, and I’ll keep looking for opportunities.

Exposed Vocals: What’s next for The THIRTEEN 7? Any upcoming releases, performances, or projects our readers should know about?

The THIRTEEN 7: Our second song, Carry the Burden, is being mixed at present and really showcases the “Gothic Soul” sound we’re trying to create. The album will be made. It’s a labor of love and a slow process, but musicians are coming together, and each song is mapped out and ready to go…

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As The THIRTEEN 7 continues to refine their signature sound and push the boundaries of “Gothic Soul,” it’s clear that their music is more than just a collection of songs—it’s an immersive experience, a space where emotion and atmosphere collide. With their upcoming release Carry the Burden on the horizon and a full album in the works, the journey is only just beginning. Whether through haunting lyricism, intricate instrumentation, or their ability to weave beauty from darkness, The THIRTEEN 7 is an act to watch. Stay tuned for what’s next, because if The Shadow and the Light is any indication, their story is one worth following.