With a name that conjures flickering tape reels and neon-lit memory, UK-based producer Rogue VHS has quietly become one of the most compelling voices in modern synthwave. Since the breakout success of his 2021 debut 'I am: Rogue VHS', the producer has been on a steady ascent; building a global following drawn to his fusion of retro textures, cinematic atmosphere, and a deeply personal, hands-on approach to production.
Now, with the release of his brand-new single 'Schism', Rogue VHS returns with a bold new statement. Both expansive and introspective, the track delves into themes of conflict, duality, and artistic reinvention; drawing from the emotive wellspring of classic video game scores while pushing the genre’s boundaries in striking new directions.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I actually don’t play an instrument! I dabbled with the keyboard when I was younger but never really enjoyed the repetition of practicing songs- I was more interested in composition. From a sonic perspective I’ve always loved strings- they’re rich, emotive and really touching.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of video game music- games like the Pokemon series, final fantasy, golden sun- basically any RPG I could get my hands on. These games really formed my musical foundation and I found myself exposed to some truly excellent work as a bi-product of my love for video games. When I was 15 I discovered dubstep/electronic music in earnest, and I never looked back.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I bought a couple albums back in 2003- the Rasmus “Dead Letters” and Maroon 5 “Songs about Jane”. The Rasmus were insanely popular back then, haha. Afterwards moving to alt/gothic rock like Evanescence, Breaking Benjamin etc.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
One of my idols is Savant- aptly named as a musical savant. I might call him a modern day beethoven or mozart. His song Ism is a perfect blend of electronica and irish jig (of all things). I don’t know… it’s just phenomenal work. Hard to believe it came out in 2011! There are loads of songs in his catalogue that flex insane musicality.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I have cycles when it comes to starting and finishing songs- a period where I only want to start songs, and a period where I only want to finish songs. These periods wax and wane depending on what’s happening in my life and my consistency, but I’d say it’s pretty integral to how I work. I don’t force myself to ‘complete’ anything, I just turn up and see what happens. Going in with 0 expectations of outcome is hard, but a necessary outlook, in my opinion.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m a huge TOOL fan and look to them for a lot of inspiration- purely from an artist standpoint though as the genre divide is pretty stark. Within my own space I’ve been listening to a lot of Tonebox- who actually is one reason why I’m even here in the first place. His 2016 album Nocturn shaped my sound like nothing else. Aside from that, other chill synth artists like Lucy in Disguide, HOME, etc.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Daft Punk- no questions. Their mark on electronic music, and particularly analog synth-based electronic music, is indelible.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
It always was–and always will be–the feeling you get when flow takes over, you realise four hours have passed, and you’re left with something you never could have dreamed of creating. The flow state is the most magical sensation I think any creator can slip into. It gives me such an unparalleled sense of purpose. Knowing that others will love it just as much as I do, is just one of the other plethora of reasons why the process is so rewarding.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Having to flex the muscles so often. The best work is made when I have a few weeks of consistency under my belt, which is hard to meet sometimes with real life commitments etc. I’d say staying consistent is the trickiest and most important part of being a musician, but also, any skill.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’d have to thank my friend remnant.EXE for this one, actually I already mentioned this point above- but it’s a mistake I see a lot of my music production students making. You must enter a songwriting session with zero expectations- use your skill and creativity to channel an output, but don’t ‘try’ to sound like X or Y, just create something and be loosely guided by genre or feeling. Stay zen and try to go mostly with feelings, gut and intuition. As the TOOL lyric goes “overthinking, over-analysing separate the body from the mind!”
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Listen to Rogue VHS' new single 'Schism' in the player below.