Exclusive Interview with DJ Vadim
DJ Vadim has become well respected as an innovator in a number of areas during his career. In 1994, Vadim founded his own independent record label, Jazz Fudge and signed to Ninja Tune the following year. So begun Vadim’s adventure that is now approaching its twentieth year and has seen him perform over 2500 times, with shows at some of the world’s most prestigious events such as Sonar, Glastonbury, Big Chill, V Fest, Fuji Rock, Roskilde, Exit, VInarock, Moscow Street Ball (to over 40,000 people), Notting Hill Carnival and Shambhala. Vadim’s sound is not easy to describe, but it’s electronic, hip hop inspired and tinged with reggae, trip hop, soul, funk, grime, dub and bass, with elements of African rhythms, house and boogie. Vadim has produced numerous solo and group albums across these genres. He is an evolutionist in sound, described once as ‘the John Coltrane of Hip Hop,‘ always pushing boundaries, always collaborating.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Vadim, shortly before his performance at DUBWAY Sessions at Grease on 28th March.
You were born in Leningrad, in the former USSR (now Saint Petersburg, Russia), raised in London, and currently residing in both New York and Berlin. You are one of the leading figures of the “downtempo” era of the mid-90s, creating future beats even before genres such as Trip Hop emerged. What inspired you to create music in the first place and where from comes you inspiration to innovate?
I came from hip hop and the first releases were simply instrumental cos i didn’t know any MCs... but for me its always been hip hop based. sampling, beats, boom bap, scratching... so at that time it was people like dj permier, dj muggs (cypress hill), pete rock, alchemist, dj krush, portishead, massive attack, soul2soul... ninja mo wax.. roni size…
Your productions include Hip Hop, Trip Hop, Breaks, Glitch Hop, Soul, Funk, Boogie, Grime, Reggae, Electronica, Drum&Bass, House, Nu Disco and Indie Dance. How would you describe your music in a few words?
DJ Vadim Style! Organic warm beats bass and rhythm. it can take many forms but thats what it is in essence. a rhythmical bass beat ting
You have released 9 studio albums, 5 compilations and several EP’s and Singles. Out of all tracks you have produced, which would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
HaHa, well i would say the new album which is coming out in may - Dubcatcher, out on BBE. Otherwise (the albums) Soundcatcher / Don’t be scared… or One Self (ninja tune).
Editorial Remark:
One Self is a collaboration of like minds. Born within the culturally rich and ethnically diverse music scene of London and now living in Brooklyn NYC, One Self is the collaboration of DJ Vadim, Yarah Bravo and Blu Rum 13, engaging each other to create a world of possibilities and mixing together a global melting pot of musical ideas.
You latest album “Don’t Be Scared” was released in 2012. What have you been up to since then, what are you currently working and focusing on and what’s on your agenda for the near future?
Well, last year i did an album with a soul singer- greg blackman. its called bespoke futre. its a kinda sleazy soul album. this year i have the dubcatcher. its a reggae state of affairs and later i have the soul catcher. which as u guess is the 2nd part of a series i’m doing into the different facets of dj vadim.
In 1994 you founded your own independent record label “Jazz Fudge”. Looking back on the last 2 decades of producing music, what are your personal highlights or fondest memories?
So many really. traveling the world and going to all these exciting places. meeting amazing people and doing stuff that i know if it wasn’t for music would never allow me too!!!
Editorial Remark:
In April 1999, JAZZ FUDGE was voted 4th best Hip-Hop label in the WORLD by the readers of Hip-Hop Connection. Sadly in 2004 it closed it doors as Vadim could no longer find the time to run the label due to his touring schedule and also trying to fit in a personal life!
You have played all over the world – in over 60 countries. What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Its 69 countries and on this tour - i add Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Lebanon, Jordan and United Arab Emirates... so 76 now!!!!! worst gig is wen someone threw a boot at me and it landed on the turntables. it was a show i was pening up for - super furry animals at Glasgow Barrowland. the best crowd diving at soundwave festival in Croatia.. wow what a feeling…
In 2007 you were diagnosed with eye cancer that had the potential to render you blind, but a lengthy operation saved your life. What has changed for you since that blow of fate?
I feel i became way more creative. if i told u all the things i was doing now. U wouldn’t believe me. u would think i have an army of minions doing it for me.. but honestly i got so much music on the go. so many collabs and stuff..
You perform up to 180 shows a year - obviously, you travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
Laptop. cant leave the house without that. and in terms of what i miss- my bed, my cat, my sofa and just chilling!!!
On 28th March you will you perform live here in Bangkok at Dubway Sessions at Grease. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
Yes - its my debut. i have been the the airport before which is just huge…
What to expect. I tailor every set according to the crowd. so i have to scope it out. and it also depends on how long my set it. i like to go on journeys to encompass many moods from reggae dancehall to bass music to hip hop, house, jungle, tropical sounds, latin etc... really depends but its definitely going to have bass, drums and rhythm!!! lots of rhythm. so if u don’t like rhythm. stay away!!! lol