Q: I love how “Street Beat” has such a nostalgic 80s techno vibe to it, yet it has such a fresh, modern feeling as well; who are your biggest musical influences?
VJAY.mp3: Funny you say that! I stopped listening to NEW music around 2013. Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange was the last new artist I’ve heard. I don’t know Lizzo or The XX, or any of these new people I go backward to find my music. Finding a lot of love, depth, and sincerity in 80’s Japanese Synth Pop songs than I do chart-topping hits of today. MF Doom, Gorillaz, Anri (a lovely Japanese Pop Singer), & Toro Y Moi
Q: The production on “Street Beat” sounds so flawless and professional; can you walk me through your production process on this track?
VJAY.mp3: I create all my songs through my Boss RC505 Loop Station. Collecting my drum pads and synths in one room and crafting the piece one by one. I always go into a new beat as a happy accident, I never know I’m going to come out with a track. So I loved the crafting of this song cause as the layers kept falling onto of each other I just kept feeling the vibe and kept dancing. This song put me in a trance-like state and I had to get it out to the peoples!
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
VJAY.mp3: 9th grade! I was a drummer for 3 years and had an idea for some guitar chords. I was in the school orchestra as a percussionist, which usually means you hit the cymbals or play the xylophone… But this one school showcase, my band instructor let me play the drums for, what still remains, my favorite orchestral theme. The Incredibles Theme from the Disney Pixar Movie, The Incredibles. Now.. I can’t read music, but I know the feeling. I knew when to stop when to fill I knew that song back and forth in my soul. But on paper, it wasn’t, step by step accurate and for that, I got kicked out of the orchestra. And I remember I knew I didn’t suck at musicianship, I just had to connect with people who feel with their heart and not so bureaucratically.
Q: The beat on “Street Beat” is so infectious! What was your favorite part in creating this track?
VJAY.mp3: My absolute favorite part had to be electrifying vocal layers meshing with the charging drums in the final chorus. Just because when exporting those loops there was a nasty clip that was very hard to get rid of from a technological standpoint. So when I climbed that hill of errors and was able to fix the problem, I felt so much more content with that ending than I would’ve if everything went right. I still catch myself in private and public belting out those lyrics. And of course, I go for the high part!
Q: How is the music scene in Brooklyn? I feel like it’d be so much fun, but I’d love your take on it!
VJAY.mp3: The scene is incredible. People of New York will hype you up and humble you in ways previous states I’ve lived in haven’t. There are so many different cultures here willing to love your music and add their spice to the mix. There are communities and events everywhere around this hustling city. I’ve played rooftops, bars, clubs, hair salons, laundromats, abandoned subway cars… It really is a city where collaboration is key to survival and I love crafting with my neighbors from all over the globe.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?
VJAY.mp3: Marc Rebillet is my musical hero. I have tried to make multiple ‘bands’ works to no avail. So I remember seeing videos of his Multi-Instrumental Live Looping talents and thinking.. well I can do that in my own way. And the musical journey started to blast off from there. So I’d love to share a stage or some of mine with Marc Rebillet, he has been my inspiration for years and you cannot deny his style and grace and flow.
Q: I love that you release new music every two months; what projects are next for you?
VJAY.mp3: I just finished up a content retreat called Moving Mixtapes. A Musical Renaissance happening around America. I just finished a 6 day music retreat in Hull, Massachusetts and the music and videos from THAT should be out in May. Of course I have two tracks coming out every month for the rest of the year and if you happen to be in or around Brooklyn, NY. I host Music / Comedy Variety Shows called ‘Velvet Brick’ and love putting on local talent ready to emerge and come out to a loving audience. Feel free to DM your reel to ‘VJAY.mp3’ on Instagram so we can connect!
Q: Any parting words you want to tell your fans?
VJAY.mp3: Community is key. You can be creative or passionate or as driven as you want, but with people around you influencing you, building you up, making you feel secure and humble. You gain love and respect.
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