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 like 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.
Just when the world couldn’t get enough of his productions, Vadney began to the 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 on 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. 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. And 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!
SUM: What is your current vision for your career? Has it always been the same since you started or did that vision change mid-way?
ROB: My goal has always been to create music around the trends that come and go, rather than within the trends. Being within them confines you to whatever everyone else is doing. Being around them allows you to do different things from what everyone else is doing but also not seem too “alien” to everyone. Most people seem to avoid things they’re not at least somewhat acquainted with.
SUM: I think we can say, you are not a Trance music producer anymore, we have seen you releasing Pop Rock and Progressive House for a few years now. Now, it is said that artists that don’t have a music genre focus don’t succeed as artists with that focus do, what is your opinion about that statement?
ROB: I guess I evolved into a musician in general, not just a Trance producer/DJ anymore but I still love EDM and mostly Trance. True love doesn’t die, they say! Plus, the word Trance is tattooed on my arm, so, yeah. I know I’ve confused people with my random releases, I blame that on being young, wanting to experiment and being a music lover in general (as a somewhat angry/melancholic person, I always loved Alt.Metal too, had bands etc).
But now I feel I did a lot of things I wanted and have placed myself in a style I love the most and if you listen to my latest releases (since after summer 2013) on Reclublic Recordings, Perfecto Records, Exalted Tunes and the latest Reclublic radio shows (on DI.fm or Mixcloud) you’ll know just about what type of sound I’m into; It’s like a specific mash of dark progressive Trance, House/Techno, Psy/Goa and a dosage of the mainstream “EDM” sound. I will be putting out an occasional somewhat mainstream-ish track or song because that’s how the cookie crumbles but those will mainly be under “Robbie V” (i.e. “#EDM Generation” on Audiophile Live). I want to focus on furthering my natural sound which is dark. Yes, it’s somewhat true about musicians and generally anyone who doesn’t focus on one specific thing.
SUM: Your music (at least in Exalted Tunes) has been heavily influenced by Dubstep, I still remember “The Second Sky (Trance Dub)” with that incredible wobbling bass, and now your 2013 Reboot of “A Day in Heaven” (more of that later), any plans on releasing a full Dubstep album or EP? I mean, it would seem as a natural step, don’t you think?
ROB: I wouldn’t really say Dubstep influenced it because it’s mainly Electro sounds that made Dubstep what it is today but yeah, I’ve done some Dubstep tracks, it was more fun and raw when I did that live with band members and I could also scream at people about whatever issue I had (haha) but I don’t feel like doing only Dubstep, I just always loved making and using some harsh synth sounds here and there, even way before it was mainstream, when I was criticized and frowned upon for “destroying” Trance with my harsh sounds! haha I’m still a rocker too, don’t forget.
But like I said, I will be experimenting with things (like always) but it won’t be random like before, it will mainly be around my true sound, what I’m doing now; “DARK EDM” might sum it up the best for many people. Don’t be afraid though, it doesn’t bite. Unless you want it to.
SUM: All your music career, you have spoken in a very graphic way about illegal downloads but you can differentiate, between that and the benefits of legit free downloads. Last week, Straight Up! Music and sub-labels adopted a new philosophy called “Free or Pay”, making every release starting from last week and on, as free download and for purchase as well. What do you think of this initiative?
ROB: Honestly, I have no problem with people stealing my music as long as they enjoy and support in any way they can, even a share, retweet or nice comment is support. I think your method is pretty interesting and definitely consumer-friendly, I’m curious to see how it goes.
SUM: “A Day in Heaven (2013)” was the first “Free or Pay” release by Exalted Tunes, how do you feel about the rework of such a classic being available for free to your thousands of fans worldwide? What are your words to all those who chose to buy it even though it was up for free grabbing?
ROB: That’s funny actually, more and more people (incl. some known DJs) are suddenly calling “A Day In Heaven” a classic – can someone make this official then? haha I always loved this track, it does have something special to it, I’m glad I did this re-release with Exalted Tunes and I’m really pleased with how the 2013 version turned out. I’m very happy that many people liked it so much they purchased it even though they could download for free!
SUM: If more people are calling it a “classic” it is official already! Tell us about the two years in the making of “A Day in Heaven (2013)”. What made you rework it, why did you choose Trancestep as the theme for this reboot and not uplifting trance as it was originally made?
ROB: It took some time because I was “lost” (let’s leave it at that for now) but when I “found myself” again and everything was clear to me, I did it in a day, some hours. I wouldn’t say Trancestep, I just threw in a bunch of mean, dirty Electro synths and wobbles along with progressive Trance elements. Why? The old original is uplifting Trance, I expected that most of the remixers would do more uplifting Trance mixes, so I felt there was no reason for me to do that, plus this mix is more/less the style I’m into now.
SUM: ADIH was also remixed by four talented artists, ASKII, Facade, Der Mystik and Fanatic Emotions. Tell us briefly what do you like about each interpretation.
ROB: They’re all good productions, I can’t single one out, all remixers thought outside the standard box, got creative and all mixes are different, that’s important to me. Identity is important.
SUM: This year, you have launched your own label “Reclublic Recordings”, what do you hope to accomplish with your imprint, what music will be featured there?. Does this mean that from now on, all your music will be released on Reclublic?
ROB: Nah, my music never was restricted to one label, I like to work with other people, labels etc. Besides, the label is about releasing music I like to the people who love and crave it as well, I’m not monopolizing or battling other labels etc. Like my music style, Reclublic focuses on the darker and/or more melancholic side of EDM but with more futuristic and unconventional/experimental sounds; It’s a progressive EDM label. If you listen to episodes 34 & 35 of my RECLUBLIC radio show, you can get a pretty good idea of the sound.
SUM: What is coming next by Robert Vadney, I think we saw “Trap” somewhere in your twitter page.
ROB: haha A while back I made a semi-Trap song named “HOT” as “Robbie V” for fun when I was wasted in my studio one night in Greece and recently was asked to remix a RnB/Trap song “Breathe” but apart from that, I think there’s plenty of Trap out there! Like I said, I’m done with being overly random, I’m focusing on my dark EDM sound (i.e. “Ruin/Wasteland”, “Lullaby For A Ghost 2013”, “Devil’s Rock”, “Attack Of The Clones”, “A Day In Heaven 2013” etc), so expect more unconventional dark progressive Trance, Psy/Goa, House/Techno. The good stuff! Aside from EDM though, I really want to get involved with film scoring and also Horror movies.
SUM: Let’s get your opinion out about a few subjects, we value your opinion because you give it to the world straight. Let’s start with those companies providing ghostwritten music for sale using mottos such as “We make the music you be the star”?.
ROB: Trying to get me in trouble, are ya? haha I’ve done my share of “ghost-writing” for some people, I couldn’t do it for long, it’s not for me, it’s not really something I agree with or believe in but I understand why some people require the service and I still help out people now and then when they reach out to me. It’s the human thing to do.
SUM: Before they were rumors, now it is even old news, but artists and labels keep doing those practices. We are talking about paying people to buy their music to get to top 10 charts at Beatport.com. What are your thoughts about it? Labels say that is just another way of paid promotion just like major record companies pay radio stations to overkill us with music plays 24/7? Can you sympathize with that?
ROB: Please don’t look for ethics etc in business, it is what it is! lol I can’t condemn this act because it really is a form of marketing. We live in a capitalist country my friend, let’s play ball!
SUM: What do you think about streaming services such as “Spotify” , “Slacker” and “Pandora”, do you think that music streaming will overthrow the reign of digital downloads? What about their need to constantly lower the mechanical royalties paid to artists in exchange to give freedom of choice to the fans, as opposed to regular radio and satellite radio, who pay the standard royalties but only play what they are being paid to play?
ROB: Haven’t digital downloads proven to be “insufficient” anyway? Things change, evolve and companies can do whatever they want with their services but it all boils down to this: People will always buy something of their favorite musicians, singers, actors, etc. If you’re getting absolutely no love and no support, I’m pretty sure you should try something other than what you’ve been trying thus far or try harder and in a different way.
SUM: Electronic Dance Music has now become mainstream music? A dream come true or a curse?
ROB: Not all Electronic Dance Music is pop, you’re referring to this certain formulaic commercial form of dance music everyone’s recycling and they dubbed it “EDM”, so everyone nowadays just says “I make EDM”. lol Besides, Electronic Dance Music is a wide range of genres (i.e. House, Trance, Techno) and sub-genres, too many to mention. I don’t mind, I’m doing my own thing anyway.
SUM: Let’s set up a fictional yet morally controversial scenario here. Justin Bieber wants you to produce his next hit, yet he is known for disrespecting Electronic Dance Music openly and he is at the lowest he has ever been, but he is famous, with millions of fans worldwide. Would you do it?
ROB: haha Wait for it.. .. .. I would do it! Because I always love a challenge and my constant challenge is to do something new, something big, no matter if it’s with Bieber, Miley or whoever I have to work with, the result must be AWESOME (and with the least “cheese” possible).
SUM: “You can’t have a happy family life and a successful career at the same time”. Thoughts?
ROB: It really depends on who your family and companion are. A lot of times we’re only as strong, faithful etc as the people around us.
SUM: What movie deserves a sequel?
ROB: My life! lol Plenty but at the top of my head, I’d like a third “VHS” movie but with more “WTF” effect like the satanic cult in “VHS 2 – Safe Haven”. Kusnandar was perfect!
SUM: If you were directing a movie, who would you cast as your leading man and woman?
ROB: That would depend on a lot of factors, firstly, what type of movie, what the movie’s about, who’s right for each role. Also consider things like budget, trends etc.
SUM: What historical figure would you most like to have a discussion with?
ROB: Only one? Adolph Hitler.
SUM: If you went to a psychiatrist, what would he/she say you suffer from?
ROB: They already told me I “suffer” from stress, anger and depression but mainly from intelligence and awareness.
SUM: What is the nicest thing someone else has done for you?
ROB: I can’t really say, plenty of people, supporters/fans, friends etc have done cool things for me and I’m grateful for anything good anyone’s ever done for me, especially my parents/family for their ongoing support. And believe it or not, there still are good people out there.
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