Today we had the pleasure of interviewing the newest signing, VGLNTE.
We got to sit down with Jeff - one of the most talked-about emerging producers in electronic music - and explore his musical journey that led him to creating his distinctive sound.
Jeff's passion for music runs deep - from being exposed to the classic rock 'n roll of The Who and The Rolling Stones, to discovering and perfecting his craft through sampling, sequencing, and engineering. He shared his exciting experience in the NYC nightlife scene, his plans to travel to legendary clubs around the world, and his aspirations to collaborate with top artists in the industry.
It's an inspirational story and we can't wait to share Jeff's music with our listeners!
RedOn Records: Welcome to the Redon Records, Jeff!
We are so excited to have you here today to talk about your musical journey. Can you tell us a bit more about how you got into music and how you developed your particular sound?
VGLNTE: Excited to be here as well and be a part of the Redon Records family! I got into music at a very early age, about as early as I can remember. I grew up in house filled with music. My folks played their stuff throughout the day, during dinner, in the car... anything from The Who and The Rolling Stones to Madonna were in heavy rotation. I picked up playing drums at the age of 10 and guitar later in life but, it was at the age of 15 that I got my first set of turntables. At that point, it's all I focused on. I'd spend hours each week at a local record shop, sifting through vinyl and spend any little money I had to bring home whatever I could afford at the time.
RedOn Records: What inspired you to create your own sound?
VGLNTE: Having played instruments at an early age, taking part in jazz band and jamming a lot with buddies i always found it the most fun to create. That easily translated to electronic music as i got older when computers and software became more accessible. I split the cost of my first production software with a buddy back in 2008 and these programs have gotten immensely better since then so you can really develop a unique sound.
RedOn Records: What type of music are you most interested in producing in the future?
VGLNTE: Interesting question... to be honest, what interests me the most is variety. Even now, I find it difficult to stick to producing one genre of electronic music. Although I love the harder, techno sound, I still really enjoy listening to and producing stuff with more of house, funky, melodic or deep vibe. I guess for me it's all about what emotion I'm feelin' at the moment and bringing that to life as best I can musically. I try to imagine a moment in the night a song might fit best and dig into that feeling.
RedOn Records: It sounds like you have a lot of experience in the NYC club scene. Do you have any advice for local ravers, or any specific clubs you'd recommend they check out?
VGLNTE: Man, I've been going out now for 20 years and have been fortunate to catch some great times in the New York party scene history since the late 90's/early 2000's. Some of the most legendary clubs that are no longer like Pacha, Sound Factory, Crobar, Shelter and Arc/Vinly are some of the places i frequented most - particularly Arc. Things were different back then - all these clubs were in Manhattan, there were no closing times, cell phones barely existed, and people were super engaged. Some of these places like Sound Factory would stay open for 36 hours. DJ's like Danny Tenaglia would play marathon sets weekly. Today, most of the scene is out in Brooklyn and the venues are super cool. You have these massive mega venues like Brookly Mirage and Brooklyn Navy Yard, that can rival any Ibiza venue, along with unique warehouse spaces like the Knockdown Center to more funky and intimate venues like Good Room. The best advice I can give to any local raver is definitely hit up the big spots but don't neglect any of the smaller and mid-size venues... there are a ton but, a few that come to mind are Public Records, Three Dollar Bill, and Good Room. They typically will get great DJ's and attract friendlier crowds who are there for the music.
RedOn Records: It sounds like you've been fortunate enough to travel around the world and experience different cities and club scenes. Are there any places in Europe that you'd like to visit and explore the club scene?
VGLNTE: Yea man, I've been fortunate enough to get around over the last few decards from Montreal, Barcelona, Ibiza, Italy and most recently Goa India which was super dope! I think the number one place I want to visit is Fabric-London. That place is legendary and right in line with the club experience I'm looking for nowadays.
RedOn Records: Looking ahead to 2023, what are some of your musical goals?
VGLNTE: I just want to keep learning, exploring and growing into a unique sound so that when people on the floor hear a track they will know it's me. Ideally, I'll have a few more releases out this year that will get play from some top names in the industry. Feels lofty when I write it but, gotta aim high!
RedOn Records: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
VGLNTE: Really tough question, I could honestly name about 50 off the top of my head.
RedOn Records: Finally, to end on a lighter note, if you could have any superpower, what would it be?
VGLNTE: Hahaha - funny question to think about but, I guess the first thing that came to mind is to be able to fly! Mostly to get from venue to venue faster lol. Who wouldn't wanna do that!?
RedOn Records: Thanks so much for joining us today, Jeff. We're so excited to be able to share your music with our listeners and wish you all the best in the future. Thanks again for your time!
VGLNTE: Thank you!