“Jams, not bangers” is Viceroy's main mantra, but what does it mean? The chilled-out DJ and producer has denounced the typical maximal sounds of popular EDM, and makes his fame in the name of summertime gladness. Last week, Viceroy released the single “Improvise” with Tom Aspaul, and the artist's foray into a more pure disco-house sound has left fans ogling.
I was able to chat with the man himself and ask a few questions about past successes and future plans:
Hey! I love the new single “Improvise” with Tom Aspaul, what was it like working on that track?
Thanks! It was so refreshing to go deeper into the disco and funk world. I’ve played with those genres in the past, but “Improvise” was a first step towards the route I’m trying to achieve for future productions and my album. Tom’s voice is so unique. His voice reminds me of a British version of The Dream. That’s a massive compliment in my book!
You've developed quite the signature sound over the years and are a Pioneer of modern disco house, how did that come to be?
Messing around with different sounds and listening to different kinds of dance music over the years allowed me to weed through what I don’t fancy and what I wanted to go after. I’ve been doing my thing for years and It’s gotten me this far, so I plan to develop my sound in the ways I see fit, not by whats necessarily popular.
I'm a fan of “Jams, not Bangers” but for all of the uninformed readers, care to elaborate?
Jams are simply songs that aren’t solely for raging face to; they are multi generational, multi purpose, and most of all fun. You can listen to to Jams in the club, your car, with your grandma, etc and they fit in just perfectly. Bangers are kind of a one track mind song. My Spotify playlist “Jams Not Bangers” is updated weekly with all kinds of those goodies.
What's been your favorite show you've played in the past year?
I really enjoyed playing Music Hall of Williamsburg and of course Mezzanine in SF. Both cities always come out to support and most importantly have a blast with me.
Any new music in the works?
I'm working on my 1st album! I can’t wait to showcase some of the new music I’ve been making. A lot of the instrumentation is hard synths and live instruments which has been making it more enjoyable to produce and gives my tracks and old school feel.
If you could collab with one dream artist, who would that be?
Probably Chromeo, the Grateful Dead, or Hall and Oates!
