Can you tell us about your background and how you first got started in music? How did you first become interested in electronic music and what drew you to it as a medium for self-expression?
I started music pretty early with drums: I played in several band, mostly rock music, but some of them used electronic sample made from Ableton. So that was my first steps with MAO and I instantly liked this new tool/ instrument as it has an infinite range possibility. It leaves you the liberty to fully express creativity and realise the melodies and composition you have in mind.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both within electronic music and outside of it? How have these influences shaped your sound and approach to creating music?
I don’t have a specific artist in mind but different music styles inspire me and interact with my producing constantly and unconsciously. And most of the time, it is not electronic music but other music genre or 90’s tracks. I always prefer to let inspiration arise randomly and spontaneously rather than trying to do something similar than other artists I like.
Can you walk us through your creative process for writing and recording a new song? How do you typically begin a new track, and what are some of the key elements or techniques you focus on as you develop it
My production process always evolves and I think that’s what helps me to keep a high intensity of release and the creativity going. I do like to start jamming on a drum loop, but I can also get new ideas for a track just from a synth sound and build it up from here. The fact that I have different approaches also helps me to stay out of a routine and something mechanical which is very important for both inspiration and my own entertainment.
Your latest project is really gaining traction, can you tell us about it? How did this project come about and what inspired you to create it? What was your approach to making it and what do you think sets it apart from your previous work?
First of all, my last releases were made possible thanks to the creation of my label: Retro Futura. It was necessary for me to create a record on which I could completely express my music and my style without any restrictions. This new project is the opposite of my first album Cyber Zone LP which was inspired by 90s progressive house and night time atmosphere. This V World album is more oriented toward actual music with some electronic and dreamy tech house vibe. I wanted to experiment this different music style under my alias Vytamin and through the production of a full album which is the best way to explore a style and draw a story.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Can you talk about a specific moment or accomplishment that stands out as particularly meaningful to you?
Thought question! I had a lot of amazing moment so far. Thanks to Chevry Agency, I had the opportunity to play in South America, Australia and in some of the best clubs in Europe. I also had the chance to do some 2 All Live Long in Paris: basically 7 hours of live performance during which I’m able to navigate between my different releases and test the fresh new tracks I have. It’s always a crazy experience: very intense and rewarding. The launch of Retro Futura was one my biggest step and ‘accomplishment’ for me so far.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works? Are there any new directions or sounds you’re exploring in your music right now?
I’m exploring a lot of different inspirations right now. I have some synth wave projet, some pop-oriented tracks on which I intend to sing (other big step!) and some trance music under my Grand V alias.
As a musician, what message do you hope to convey through your music? What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?
In my opinion, it always depends on the mood you are in while listening to music. The same music can go from something light and sunny to something very nostalgic and contemplative depending on your emotions and your thoughts of the day. Music is just the reflection of what you want to see in it and what you expect from it. And to me, that’s actually what is interesting as it changes depending on the day, the listener and the era you’re are in. So, I never try to convey one specific message or energy, my current mood will spread through my track and people will find the same message or something completely different.
Can you tell us about any challenges you have faced in your career and how you overcame them? Have there been any specific obstacles or difficulties you’ve had to navigate as an electronic musician?
The Covid situation was definitely a hard time for me. Music was always my main passion in life and also my only activity. So, I had no plan B during this uncertainties’ time and giving up or doing something else was never an option. I’m grateful that I was able to keep producing music during this period and I felt really lucky about it which kept me motivated.
How do you see the music industry evolving in the next 5 years? What changes do you think we’ll see in terms of technology, distribution, and audience engagement?
I think that AI will change the way we approach and produce electronic music. It’s exciting but also frightening, I guess.
Also, social media and advertising tend to take a bigger place everyday in how music is distributed and listened to. I have the feeling that social media’s skills are almost as important as playing and producing music nowadays. So, I do hope that music will always stay in the centre of the approach.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to make it in the industry? Are there any particular tips or strategies you’ve found to be particularly effective in building a career as an electronic musician?
I’m always very careful when someone ask some advice about producing music and succeeding in the industry; it depends on too many criteria and personality features. I would rather advice to keep on creating with your own touch and mindset. Some people will like it, some will not; but at the end of the day, you will generate some interest and emotions while keeping your identity.
What’s next for you?
I just finished the third album and the next EP which will be out on Retro Futura. And I’ll keep exploring every sub-genre of electronic music and music in general which keep me interested and thrilled in producing music.
Artist: Vytamin
Title: V World
Label: Retro Futura
Cat: RFLP002
Format: 2 x 12″
Genre: House / Electronic
V World is Vitess AKA Vytamin’s second album. It follows on from Cyber Zone, the Frenchman’s first LP that was released to widespread industry acclaim last year. Eight months have passed since, with several releases springing up in between. From Up The Stuss to Locus, to Pont Neuf, Shall Not Fade and more, his musical footprint is plain to see.
