Best of 2013 Interview: Robert Vadney. Robert Vadney (aka Robbie V) is a Greek-American multi-talented music producer/composer, songwriter/singer, DJ/remixer and one of electronic dance music's standout individuals. A true, unique and rare talent, constantly pushing EDM musical boundaries beyond it's perceived norms, with innumerable remixes on high profile labels and critically acclaimed original compositions already under his belt.
From his ground-breaking fusion of Trance with Rock/Goth/Horror overtones, Robert is the first artist to marry these extremes in a unique manner and as a consequence, "Gothic Trance" was born. Affectionately known as the "King of Gothic Trance" for his past dark underground Trance music by his fans worldwide, his work has been supported worldwide by the likes of Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk, Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Markus Schulz but his legendary association and work with Paul Oakenfold is most noted.
As well as critically acclaimed remixes, Robert's own productions have equally astounded and acquired cult status among devoted fans. His outstanding debut albums with many of his own vocals on Perfecto Records ('Halloween Anthems', 'Christmas Anthems', 'Shadowlove Anthems' and ‘Dance 4 Death’) were merely his first artistic works but attracted outstanding reviews from the dance media and are a must hear for any true EDM fan.
As well as critically acclaimed remixes, Robert's own productions have equally astounded and acquired cult status among devoted fans. His outstanding debut albums with many of his own vocals on Perfecto Records ('Halloween Anthems', 'Christmas Anthems', 'Shadowlove Anthems' and ‘Dance 4 Death’) were merely his first artistic works but attracted outstanding reviews from the dance media and are a must hear for any true EDM fan.
Just when the world couldn't get enough of his productions, Vadney began to feel the constraints of the Trance music scene and needed a new challenge. He went back to his roots, turning his attention mainly to the live Alternative Rock music scene and formed band projects which yielded some notable recording and performance successes. In 2013, Robert returns to the EDM scene with a fresh outlook and showcases his new sounds to the world. These new sounds have brought together many of Robert’s favorite music styles and showcase the next stage of his musical evolution. 2013 saw Vadney furthering his original dark Trance sound but also fully-introducing his alias "Robbie V" who takes on the more commercial side of EDM and lastly, late 2013 finally saw the launch of his own record label "Reclublic Recordings", which focuses on releasing innovative progressive Trance/EDM music by artists who can create and carry on the sound which Robert loves.
Aside from his class A production and lyrical-writing skills, Robert is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who can play various instruments like piano/keys, guitar, bass, drums and has composed scores for various visual projects. He's been mentioned in the world-renowned magazine "Rolling Stone" as an artist to look out for and as if this wasn't enough, he also found time in his already busy life to obtain a first class honors degree in Music Technology from Preston University. Lastly, not forgetting he is an accomplished DJ who has graced some of the world's big clubs and festivals such as Gatecrasher UK, Rain Las Vegas, Cavo Paradiso Greece (to name but a few). 2014 is shaping up to be another successful year for Vadney with his ever growing army of fans loving his new sounds, brand and monthly radio show "RECLUBLIC". Robert is shifting into a higher gear and more determined than ever to taking his musical offerings to new heights and wider audiences, which is guaranteed to enhance his reputation as one of the most musically diverse, skilled, creative, enchanting and individual talents in the music scene today!
Interview was written and conducted by Dimitri Kechagias, Music Journalist, Radio & DJ
Name: Robert Vadney
Location: United States & Greece
Dimitri: Can you tell us about your achievements in your music career in 2013 as a DJ &/or producer?
Robert Vadney: 2012-2013 was hectic, full of work, accepting things, letting go of things but good came out of it, the main thing being that I know exactly what I want to do and I've gotten back to what I originally set out to do years ago; Dark Trance & EDM, different from what everyone else is doing. I've pretty much found my style/sounds, myself and changed my life this year. Also, being mentioned in the "Rolling Stone" magazine as an artist to watch out for is pretty cool!
Dimitri: If you look back on 2013, are there any events in your music career that you wished you had done differently in order to get a better outcome?
Robert Vadney: Sure, I think it's natural to want to change some past things in time as we grow, learn more,mature. i.e. There are past tracks of mine I feel I would've done much better now.
1)Best EDM Label:
Robert Vadney: I like quite a few labels, more than I can think of at the moment but at the top of my head, RECLUBLIC, Perfecto Fluoro, JOOF, Pharmacy, Straight UP! Music and more!
2)Best amusing video from Youtube related to Dance Music:
Robert Vadney: The only thing I find amusing about Dance music nowadays are some mainstream clowns and the circus tunes they sell. Mind me, I can be an a** when I really dislike something :]
3)Best Online Social media network:
Robert Vadney: I can't say for sure but it definitely is not Facebook! (see, there's the ass again) I still update my MySpace profile though because that's where I was discovered back when. So maintaining a profile there is like a form of respect/thanks, even if their help was indirect, I didn't abandon them when FB came along.
4)Best music composition software:
Robert Vadney: There's plenty to mention, I've been through the likes of Cubase/Nuendo, Logic, Pro Tools, I've tried them all more/less but I still love "Reason" the most since I first found it back in 1999-2000 and Propellerheads continue to evolve well. It's good for my creativity flow and working fast.
Of course, this depends on what you want to do - i.e. for film scoring and sound designing (that's writing music for films and creating the sound effects, for those who don't know) I'll use other software like Pro Tools and Reason as a plugin, at least until Propellerheads do an upgrade to support video importing and surround mixing (that would be awesome).
But I'll tell you what I tell everyone:No software is the best on it's own, everyone should choose based on what they want it for and what works best with their mind and way of functioning.
5)Best personal DJ Gig:
Robert Vadney: I can't choose but, the first time I got booked to play away from my birthplace is a bit indescribable. I was 19, never really was treated nicely or accepted at my "homeland" and it was quite overwhelming to see and receive love, praise and appreciation for the first time and from strangers, especially for the music I make/play. At some point, I actually hide under the console for a bit to hide and wipe my tears.. Intense feelings!
Playing alongside Tiesto was cool. This past summer I played on a boat that travelled to our main event at a secluded beach area, inaccessible by any other route other than the boat.
Everyone was FREE (it was a rave). Touring the UK with Oakenfold was great too, Brits are a good crowd!
6)Best country in which you have performed:
Robert Vadney: I'd say the UK.
7)Best Radio station:
Robert Vadney: Probably Digitally Imported FM, they've got many channels, DJs, they're up to date, got a nice mobile app to listen anywhere and everyone is there, including me.
8)Best Online Record shop where you usually purchase your music:
Robert Vadney: I don't really buy music unless I want to support someone, I mostly source music for my DJ sets via promos sent to me by many record labels, musicians, DJs etc. Mainly Beatport and iTunes is where everyone's at though.
9)Best Website that you visit regularly:
Robert Vadney: More than one, I mainly frequent certain pages for world news, music news and horror movie news. Though a lot of times the world news is the real horror news. Hah!
10)Best DJ/Producer product (software or hardware):
Robert Vadney: I've been rocking the DDJ-T1 by Pioneer but I'll probably upgrade to Pioneer's XDJ-R1. Always new toys!
11)Best new sound or sample which has been used in EDM this year, preferably introduced by you?
Robert Vadney: Hm.. Well, you know my music; you know I always come up with something odd/new. lol
First thing that comes to mind is the lead synth in "Escape Earth" - that solo still really trips me out, when I played it live on the keyboard for the first time I was lost in space. It's coming out soon; you should have a promo from RECLUBLIC already!
12)Best Twitter or Facebook message you received from a fan or friend or you have read from someone else:
Robert Vadney: There have been many nice and bad words by many people but I still can't explain exactly how I feel about a few people who told me that some track of mine helped them not commit suicide, among other things. All I know is that if it's really true, it's an important feeling that I did that for anyone and by simply writing music and I won't forget. It's awesome how music can be such a powerful thing when done right, when you put your soul into it.
13) Best piece of News you heard this year related to Electronic Dance Music:
Robert Vadney: More and more people having enough of mainstream EDM and are going "underground", good times!
14) Best personal achievement related to Electronic Dance Music:
Robert Vadney: Too many things to mention that are important to me but I could narrow it down to my best achievement being that no matter the obstacles, wars on me etc, I overcome, survive, I'm still doing my own thing and I still manage to do something different from what a whole world of people is doing. That amazes me sometimes.
15) Best holiday destination or best hobby or activity that you spent some time in during 2013
Robert Vadney: I was on Rhodes island in Greece this past summer, what better place to be in the summer than on an island! My hobbies and activities mainly revolve around music and horror movies. I also play video games but they're mostly horror survival. lol
16) Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career:
Robert Vadney: OK, based on this whole "Mainstream vs Underground" EDM going on and more/less everyone copying each other's sounds etc, I'll say this in the name of creativity:
If you want to be a pop star, just become a politician;
It's more/less the same thing but being a politician has much more perks and I'd much rather you destroy a community than music.
It's been proven we can survive in a rotten community but we can't survive with rotten arts, because arts cultivate the soul and we're not much without a good essence.
If you want to be a true musician and have respect, forget what I said above, be yourself, do what you want/love no matter what anyone says. You're better off being a true artist anyway, cause they won't love you when you stop being popular and the money goes.
17)The Best Book this year, preferably related to EDM:
Robert Vadney: I don't really read books but the best one I've read, the only book I ever bought myself, is a compilation of all Edgar Allan Poe stories. That man and I share many similarities, I imagine if I put my music into words, it would be much like his writing.
18)Best Movie of the year preferably related to EDM or inspired you to compose a track.
Robert Vadney: My track "Devil's Rock" inspired by personal feelings and the movie "The Devil's Rock".
19)Best tip that you learnt this year relating to DJ’ing or music composition.
Robert Vadney: That "less is more" is true but only to a certain degree, in a certain aspect. I prefer "everything in moderation".
20)2014 is ahead of us; would you like to tell us your plans for future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations or DJ gigs.
Robert Vadney: A lot to mention!
I'm developing many things like myself, my radio show and new record label RECLUBLIC, big new tracks coming out there from various artists I like.
Many new tracks coming from me on labels such as Perfecto, Perfecto Fluoro, Exalted Tunes, Straight Up! Music, RECLUBLIC and more.
I just want to keep spreading my music and mature with it, I want to be the best I can and create a group, a scene for people like me, who like the same music as I do. Look me up on social networks, I keep everyone up to date!
Dimitri: Thanks very much for taking the time to reply to this interview!
Robert Vadney: No problem, thanks for having me on!
Grab your nice gift from Robert Vadney - Devil's Rock (FREE DOWNLOAD)
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