Oh Wonder: Harmonizing Love, Life, and Music
London mornings often start with drizzle, the smell of rain on cobblestones mingling with the aroma of fresh espresso. For Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht, mornings in the city are a gentle reminder of home, a place where the duo, known worldwide as Oh Wonder, both live and breathe their art. But for these two, life is rarely static. They have spent years traveling the globe together, performing in cities that pulse with neon lights or rest in quiet, green expanses, all while nurturing a rare bond that exists simultaneously as bandmates and life partners.
Their relationship, unlike many in the music world, has not faltered under the pressures of collaboration or fame. “Spending seven years and nearly every day together,” Josephine explains, “makes a difference.” Anthony, who affectionately calls her Josie, adds, “We really like each other.” That sincerity, embedded in both their music and their partnership, sets Oh Wonder apart. The duo’s affection and commitment have remained steadfast, proving that shared ambition and romance can coexist without compromise.
Touring, performing, and writing music is not without sacrifice. “The commitment it takes and the sacrifices for your social life,” Josephine says, is no small task. Birthdays are missed, weddings left uncelebrated, and days once spent with friends are traded for buses, planes, and late-night soundchecks. Yet Anthony remains grounded, constantly reminding himself, “We’re living our dream.” It is this professionalism, often missing in artistic careers, that allows them to thrive.
Despite the challenges, the rewards of connecting with audiences are unmistakable. Anthony describes their work as music they would never force themselves to create, emphasizing the joy inherent in their craft. Josephine finds particular fulfillment in hearing fans’ stories and witnessing how their songs resonate. A show in Berlin, where the audience stood entranced, remains etched in her memory. “It’s a very tangible acknowledgement,” she says. These experiences feed back into the studio, informing songs written at home, steeped in the memories of the people and places they encounter.
Traveling feeds not just their music but their perspective. Anthony notes, “Josie is very much a city girl, but she’s starting to appreciate the relaxed nature of the wilderness.” London’s vast parks offer a respite from urban intensity, a contrast echoed in journeys to natural landscapes or bustling streets abroad. Josephine emphasizes the importance of openness on the road: “Say yes to as many things as you can.” Anthony adds a note of responsibility: “If I met my favourite singer and he’s a douchebag, I’d be livid.” Their approach balances spontaneity with integrity, both onstage and off.
Even in an era where social media leaves little room for privacy, the pair remain unfazed. They carry no masks, whether navigating Bogotá’s markets or lounging in London parks. Their transparency is part of the charm that permeates their music. It is in the way they exchange glances mid-song, the quiet humor in shared anecdotes, and the unmistakable chemistry that makes Oh Wonder more than a band: it is a living testament to partnership, creativity, and unwavering dedication to both love and craft.
Anthony and Josephine move through the world together, turning cityscapes and wilderness alike into a canvas for their music and their life. In their songs, fans hear not just melodies but a reflection of two people who have found harmony in every sense of the word.
From the LYFSTYL original series - “On the Road.”
Originally posted in 2020 during the rollout of No One Else Can Wear Your Crown.
Words by Sam Farrell.