Following on from the impactful offerings 'The Best Of Our Times' and 'Like The Water Loves The Oxygen' last year, London-based artist and producer Verse Vicer returns once again to deliver his captivating new single 'Running'.
Unveiling more of that rich and dynamic aesthetic he has been building for himself over the years, 'Running' makes for an incredibly absorbing listen. With its warm and soul-infused textures perfectly set to his dreamlike vocals throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Whilst I originally learned piano, guitar was the one that stole my heart when I was 13 - ahh young love. I’ve never put it down since! From gentle, melodic strumming to ripping heavily distorted chords or a solo—that just captivated me. It was my gateway drug into the world of music, teaching me about melody, harmony, and emotion in a way that nothing else could. The versatility of the guitar, being able to play a variety of genres and styles, made it an endless source of inspiration and creativity. It's an instrument that feels like an extension of myself when I play, and it's where I turn when I need to express something that words can't quite capture.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was younger, I was all over the place with my music tastes, but I had a deep love for anything that conveyed real emotion. This ranged from the gritty storytelling of hip-hop, the raw energy of grunge, rock and funk, to the stirring melodies of neo soul and the complex rhythms of jazz. I believe this eclectic taste really informs my production style today, where I love blending genres to create something unique.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning was "Toxicity" by System of a Down. It was a transformative purchase, having saved up my pocket money for the CD for a few weeks, and it completely captivated me. Funnily, I used to listen to it every night quietly when everyone had gone to bed (not sure that's what Serj Tankian intended for his listeners!). The raw emotion, the political anger, and the sheer energy of their music was unlike anything I'd ever heard before. It opened my eyes to the power of music as a form of protest and expression, which has deeply influenced my approach to music production. The way System of a Down could convey complex messages within such compelling music really showed me the layers and depth that music can achieve.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
If there's one song I wish I could have written myself, it's "Fingerprints" by Hiatus Kaiyote. The complexity of the harmony and the beautiful steps and leaps in the vocals are absolutely mesmerising. Nai Palm’s vocal ability is out of this world, and although I could never sing like her, the way she weaves melody and emotion together is something I deeply admire. The song's structure and the band's ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly have been a huge inspiration to my work. Their approach to music challenges and pushes me to explore more complex arrangements and emotional depths in my own productions.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
When it comes to writing new music, I have a bit of a ritual. I usually start late at night when it's quiet, and the world has sort of "turned off." I’m fortunate to have a studio down in my garden so I slink off there once the day is winding down. I find that this way I’m way more likely to get into a flowstate where I lose track of time and the music pours out of me. I often start with some chords on the guitar which I might transpose to piano or synth using my midi guitar, and then build from there, often then drums, bass and other textures. Sometimes, I’m there until the small hours as I can get a bit hooked on the process.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately, my playlist has been heavily featuring Thundercat, for his virtuosic bass playing and eccentric musical arrangements, Djo (Joe Keery from "Stranger Things" under his producer alias), who has some incredibly intricate and lush production that really stands out, Crumb, for their psychedelic vibe and immersive soundscapes, and Mac DeMarco, whose slightly janky, twanging guitar lines and use of detune effects add a unique, laid-back feel to his music. Each of these artists brings something unique to the table—be it Thundercat's fusion of funk and soul, Djo's experimental approach to indie rock, Crumb's dreamy and ethereal sounds, or Mac DeMarco's off-kilter approach to singer-songwriter music. Their creativity in using unconventional sounds and production techniques has been a huge source of inspiration for me, pushing me to explore and experiment with my own sound.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If I could open a show for anyone in the world, it would have to be D'Angelo. The smooth neo-soul harmonies, the slunking drums, and the scintillating vocals he brings to his music have always been a massive influence on me. He's one of my all-time favourites. The opportunity to share a stage with a legend like D'Angelo, to feel the energy he exudes in his songs and his performances would be a dream come true. His music creates groove and feel in a way that few others have come close to, and that's the kind of impact I aspire to have with my own music.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part of being a musician, to me, is the creative process. I love creating something from nothing. Often I start with no idea what it will become and then I feel like I watch the music evolve almost like I’m watching from outside the process. And even better when that creative process is with people, that collaborative spirit that converges around music can be so rewarding and fun.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is the music business side of things. In order to get heard you have to play the game and do lots of self-promotion and social media - it requires so much hustling to get your music heard! It's a necessary evil, but it can take away from the creative process.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Write what you like, not what you think other people will like. Music is most exciting when unique characters with their own story to tell, bubble up above others who opt for a more homogenous sound. That's what makes a lasting artist. In an industry that's always chasing trends, it's easy to lose yourself trying to fit what's popular. But authenticity resonates more deeply with people. Staying true to my sound, my story, and my vision hopefully leads to more compelling work.
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Verse Vicer's new single 'Running' is out now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.