After teasing the album with its three compelling singles, Vexillary finally releases its third full-length effort, Horror in Dub. The compelling electronic output seamlessly blends dub-tinged techno, dark wave and bass, to present a deep dive into the realm of creepy horror while maintaining haunting beauty.
We have had the pleasure of interviewing him and this has been the result.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from and how did you get into music?
Music was not a huge part of life growing up. In fact, it wasn’t till college that I got obsessed with music and began playing instruments. Eventually also learning about electronic music production there.
But the true education and inspiration came from being part of the vibrant NYC music scenes over the past two decades. NY is a melting pot of cultures and my music’s diverse nature mirrors the environment that gave birth to it.
I began melding rhythmic DJ/producer vibes with familiar song structures as a direct result of attending DJ shows immediately after concerts that followed more conventional styles.
A mash up that is on full display on my latest album, ‘Horror in Dub’.
Where are you and what have you been doing now?
You found me at home, winding down from a hectic day. I just finished some new music last night so today I’ve been checking mixes and making adjustments.
The new single ‘Insurrection’ from the album ‘Horror in Dub’ is also dropping in a few days so been creating some visual content for it and planning the album release cycle that will follow shortly after.
How is your sound evolving? Has it changed much in recent years?
Evolution has been the driving force behind my project from the get-go. I strive to infuse each release with a sense of freshness, drawing from new inspirations that naturally guide the recording direction.
At the heart of my stuff, you'll find the influence of EBM and Techno, faithful companions on my musical journey for several records now. The infusion of Darkwave made its debut in the last album, 'Crash and Yearn,' and continues into the latest effort, 'Horror in Dub,’.
On 'Horror in Dub,' you'll also catch the bass influences permeating through several tracks, introducing a distinctive character to the songs. It's a welcomed addition, a new ingredient that contributes to pushing the boundaries of the album.
Do you feel confident now to play a more experimental sound?
It's a rather intriguing journey for me. My roots lie in a more experimental space, evident from my earlier EPs.
Interestingly, my goal has shifted. Now, I'm on a quest to discover sounds that resonate with people, which led me to embrace a less experimental approach—something I avoided for quite a while.
The new album is a blend of both worlds. If you're into more experimental sounds, there are tracks that capture just that. On the flip side, if you're looking for something more familiar, I'm thrilled to share that there's a bit of that too.
'Horror in Dub' feels unique in the sense that it does have a polished and emotive single like 'Insurrection' coexisting with something raw and industrial like 'A New Body’. It's an odd mix that shouldn't work, but strangely enough, it does.
What artists and genres do you like to mix at the moment? What is your musical criteria?
On DJ/producer front, you'll find me vibing to Klangkuenstler, Peryl, and the stuff from R Label Group. On the flip side, I'm deeply into Darkwave stuff too, with favorites like Years of Denial, Minuit Machine, and Ultra Sunn.
My recent releases, I'd say, sit right in the middle of these two worlds—Technoid dark wave. There's a definite infusion of EBM and Techno, coupled with a vocal approach reminiscent of song structures.
My latest project, 'Horror in Dub,' also draws from bass influences, setting it apart from other releases in the dark music genre.
I like to think I've landed on a sound that's both brutal and allows for moments of beauty and emotive exploration. Maybe 'Hard and beautiful' is the sweet spot that defines it best.
How do you think your music influences or impacts your listeners?
Many listeners often sense there's more to my work than just the music itself.
I put considerable effort into crafting meaningful lyrics, thought-provoking titles, captivating covers, and overarching concepts. It goes beyond the usual fare found in contemporary electronic music.
There's a certain fulfillment that comes with my project. Musically, it consistently embodies a juxtaposition—dark and beautiful or hard yet beautiful. This deliberate contrast is crucial for me, and listeners describe it as hypnotic and strangely alluring.
What can you tell us about your latest work?
‘Horror in Dub’ marks my third album, and it's been quite a journey with numerous lessons along the way.
Prior to crafting this record, some truly harrowing events occurred unexpectedly. This album serves as my endeavor to encapsulate those experiences in sound, taking a deep dive into the realm of eerie horror while presenting haunting beauty.
The lyrics and vocals explore themes of transformation, the fragility of the human form, and cosmic terrors across the album's ten dynamic tracks.
I didn't hold back much in the creative process, offering a mix of polished singles and deep cuts that highlight the more experimental side of my work. It's a must-listen for any fan of dark music and horror, covering the spectrum in a unique way.
We all know that the digital revolution has affected sales, but has it affected creativity?
It's really given creativity a boost. The speed at which we consume music, both as enthusiasts and creators, is at an all-time high. Plus, the tools available for the creative process have never been more advanced. As a futurist, I'm fully on board and the optimist in me sees the upside.
for music to have to contend with a barrage of online entertainment coming at us rapidly, it's a good thing in a way. Now, to get someone to choose your music over everything else, the work has to be truly outstanding. In my view, it just sets a higher standard for all of us.
Can you tell us about your future projects?
I almost always start making a new record as soon as I finish an album or a project. So, believe it or not, I’m knee deep into making the next record. There’s also a vinyl only split EP in the works that showcases the more industrial side of my project.
I also love making music videos, so definitely planning a few more for the ‘Horror in Dub’ album beyond what was created for the singles. The video for ‘Insurrection’ should be out around the release of the album and I can’t wait to share that with the world, definitely one of the best creative experiences of my life.
Really craving a deep dive into live performances too after 3 back to back albums. Think I’ll finish a 4th then switch to live mode after. We’ll see.
Pre-Order Link: https://vexillary.bandcamp.com/album/horror-in-dub-album
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