.png)
Next up for Balearic Ensemble is the first of two releases from Claptrap label boss Vanity Project, featuring: ‘Multi Level Music’. In this work the process begins through a double side of cosmic funk loaded with synthesizers with the luminaries Joe Morris and Romain FX as support for remixes. We have had the pleasure of interviewing Vanity and this has been the result.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from and how did you get into music?
I’m originally from Preston, just north of Manchester in the UK but I’ve lived in London for the last 15 years. I’ve always played music, first playing drums in bands back when I was at School then later moving to London and finding DJing and Electronic music.
How is your sound evolving? What artists and genres do you like to mix at the moment?
I think over the last few releases I’ve been putting out more club focussed music, my first release was quite a slow balearic release and as I started playing in more clubs I found it difficult to be able to play more music. I’m really enjoying playing disco but also have been playing more acid and harder dance music as part of a DJ duo called Memory Muscle.
How do you think your music influences or impacts its listeners?
I’d hope it would make some people dance, but to be honest if people just enjoy it at all that’s a bonus!
What projects are you working on right now?
I’ve got a lot of unreleased music and edits that I’m currently working on getting finished for release. We also have some new releases on Claptrap (a small label I manage with some friends here in London) that I’m really excited to share.
What can you tell us about your latest work?
It’s two tracks ‘Multilevel Music’ & ‘Ponzi’, with remixes from two amazing producers Romain FX and Joe Morris, both of whom I’ve enjoyed listening to and have played their music in my sets!
Has that sound changed much in recent years?
I think maybe my sound is a bit more focussed now - my early stuff is quite sprawling. I’d at least like to think my mixes are tighter now haha!
We all know that the digital revolution has affected sales, but do you think it has affected creativity?
I think to be honest there’s less of a need to pander to an audience and producers / musicians are able to find their own niche with a small group of supporters now. From the music being released, it seems like people are being as creative as ever!
Can you tell us about your current and future projects?
I’m currently just working on finishing up some more releases for later in the year, including another release on Balearic Ensemble. I’ve also been playing with a psych band called Black Market Karma, I think we have a tour later in the year and there’s a new album from that project on it’s way in the autumn!
What first attracted you to the world of electronic music?
I think the simplicity, I’ve always been a rhythm focussed music fan and when I first started to play with drum machines and synthesizers in a live project I was just completely hypnotised. My friend Tom (Dr. Valentines who runs Claptrap with me) used to stay up until 3 - 4 am every Tuesday jamming and then listening back.
Since you got into this professionally, what did you miss at the national and international level?
I’ve only done a little bit of travelling for DJing which has always been great, but it’s always fun when you get a great night in London - especially running nights and playing b2b with friends.
And what helped you the most to grow, even to believe in yourself?
I think just having other great DJs and musicians as friends who support each other. Also reaching out to artists and labels who I respect and hearing back has been a big confidence boost!
What are your favorite places to hang out in the city?
Both Voices Radio and Loose FM have been great places for building community here in London, I feel very lucky to have been able to do shows and meet people through both of those!
Have you had time to focus on making music, spending time with your family, or planning future projects?
I promised myself to spend more time making music this year, which so far has worked. My main aim is to keep finishing and releasing music throughout the year - it can be easy to get distracted and suddenly the year is coming to an end and you’ve stood still!
Do you have any last words of wisdom?
I don’t think I have any words of wisdom hah! Just keep doing your thing.
@Van1ty_project
Comments