In a town overwhelmed by art-rock groups trying hard to earn the respect of the Black Cat scenesters, and alt-rock groups jockeying for local radio airtime and record contracts, Shwa are banking more on honesty than image to stand out from the pack. The band’s edgy melodic rock reflect hints of Coldplay and Travis; a blend of acoustic folk and muddy Brit-rock electric guitar with this-is-how-things-really-are lyrics. There are actually two acts performing under the name Shwa — the first is the solo Joshua Losben and his acoustic folk rock; the second is a full band lineup, playing the same songs with driving electric guitars backed by a solid rhythm section. It’s a formula that has allowed Losben to target multiple venues and demographics, playing countless gigs both intimate and rocking across the country and winning over the affections of fans eager for something different to call their own.

Few local artists can claim that they are full-time musicians; Losben is one of those, and tours the country relentlessly with a stiff blue-collar, Do-It-Yourself work ethic, having played over 200 shows in the last 2 years. He is a local talent of-sorts. Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, he was reared on the alt-rock of the now-defunct radio stations 103.9 DRE and Y100 and his sound bears influences of those mid 90’s playlists heavy on Oasis and the Gin Blossoms. His first show was in 1994 on Beach Day at Holland Junior High School, covering Aerosmith’s “Cryin’” and The Beatles’ “Birthday,” which he recalls was a “trainwreck.” After playing in a couple bands in high school, Losben moved to the District in 1999 to attend American University. It was here, playing open mics across the region and a regular stint during his senior-year at the Grog and Tankard, where he really cut his teeth on the local music scene and found his voice as a singer and songwriter.