Shwa Losben

"A staple of the D.C. singer-songwriter scene over the past few years, Shwa has spent the last few months assembling a full band, playing up and down and all over the place (London, even!), and recording his new release, "Just a Thought." The band (Shwa Losben on guitars and vocals, Jim Beardow on lead guitars, Brad Moore on bass, and Brandon Witt on drums) keeps the local fans rocking at venues like Galaxy Hut, the Black Cat and DC9, and Shwa uses the off dates to travel all over the East Coast playing acoustic shows. The band's hard work pays off on the new album, which features hook-heavy, radio-ready songs that reflect elements of Travis and Coldplay but stand on their own merits. The full band experience breathes life into these songs and places Shwa on a path to become a top local act." - On Tap Magazine

"Just a Thought" finds former solo singer-songwriter Shwa Losben leading a new alt-rock quartet that bears his name and packs plenty of rhythmic vitality and melodic appeal. Losben often sounds out of sorts with the world, struggling to make sense of relationships ("Here and Now") and dealing with exiting partners or dwindling interest ("Let Yourself Out" and "Forget I Said Anything"). Still, he and his bandmates ultimately display more craft and tunefulness than reasons to rant.
- The Washington Post

"...it feels like the search is over for the next worthwhile troubadour. He could be Ryan Adams without the whiskey or Conor Oberst without the whine. At the end of the day, Losben is an inspired singer-songwriter who holds the promise of carrying more tricks and insight up his sleeve." - DCist.com

"The album is haunting, revealing levels past just the usual singer-songwriter ennui. Sounds like Elliott Smith at times, but that’s unfair. Losben is his own man. With the voice and chops worthy of repeated listens, you’ll get lost in this disc. And be glad you did." - On Tap Magazine

"Shwa Losben has the contemporary style, age and attitude to make him a perfect prospect for a college market entertainer. His appeal will draw your students in and could very well make this act one your board continues to bring in far in the future." - Campus Activities Magazine

On a cold, damp Monday evening, the Fireplace Lounge was warmed by the sounds of acoustic rocker Josh "Shwa" Losben. Concert-goers who braved the chilly temperatures were treated to a great night of music.

Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Shwa's sound is similar to that of Bright Eyes, Dashboard Confessional, Elvis Costello and Damien Rice. With meaningful lyrics, heartfelt vocals and great guitar skills, Losben treated the small, but appreciative, audience to an intimate and entertaining set, complete with a rendition of Britney Spears' "Baby, One More Time" (sung in Spanish no less!)

Another high point of the evening was when Shwa performed a song from his latest release entitled, "Hanging By A Thread." After the show, he explained the deeper meaning to some of the song's already powerful lyrics, "The ministers admit we were mislead� we're wishing where we'd rather be instead� we're hanging by a thread."

"The song is about taking a step back, and carefully examining where you're at in life. Appreciating things for what they are, both the bad and the good. There are people with real problems in life, nothing is ever as bad as it seems," he said. After a pause he added, laughing, "...Wow, that came off way more pretentious than I intended."

With audience banter and plenty of laughs between songs, Shwa kept the atmosphere comfortable and energy high all night.

Fans will find Shwa unusually sincere and approachable. It was refreshing to see and speak to an artist focused on a powerful positive message and commitment to his craft. Losben's eloquent song-writing style and indie-rock sensibility sets his music on a higher level from so many other acoustic guitar-wielding solo acts. Shwa's musical influences include Guster, Travis and Neil Diamond, to Radiohead and Michael Jackson. He does a remarkable job reflecting these influences; blending sampled beats and rhythms with acoustic guitar playing, rounding out his sound with breathy, intricate vocal work, clever lyrics and sincere delivery.

Losben cracked jokes and was affable and easy-going as he spoke with attendees about his favorite bands and experiences performing and traveling after the show. Students in attendance left the show with smiles on their faces and music in their hearts.

Often times some of the best shows one can see are put on by the acts that nobody has heard of, still on the rise, yet to be discovered by the mainstream. Keep an eye out for Shwa in the near future. This is one act with a creative drive and commitment to music that shows no signs of stopping. - PSU's "The Clock" by Mike Kim

The independent release Chop Chop is the first solo effort for singer/songwriter Shwa (Joshua) Losben. This is the kind of album you find yourself listening to over and over again, while gleaning something new and insightful each time. Losben's vocals are reminiscent of early Neil Young but the songwriting reminds me more or bands like R.E.M., Radiohead, Jack Johnson and others. This is a rare and great find; a true indie release that doesn't suck. - 75WordsOrLess.com

Shwa layers guitars, bass, keyboard, cello, drums and claps, atop precise vocal harmonies to create a melodic and sweetly nostalgic sound. - Gothamist.com

Former DC rocker Shwa Losben has been making a name for himself since moving to New York last year. With a vocal style that sounds like a cross between Michael Stipe and Elliott Smith, Shwa specializes in melodies that you can't get out of your head. On his first solo effort "Chop Chop," Losben weaves intricate stories over beautiful arrangements. The product is one of the year's most unique albums. - The Deli Magazine