EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
VCL’s trajectory within the techno realm is a testa- ment to the power of personal evolution and musical exploration. Hailing from the suburbs of Lille, Fran- ce, VCL’s journey into the electronic music scene began with a profound fascination for the intricate world of DJs and a deep-seated love for electronic beats. From his humble beginnings, VCL’s musical odyssey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
As he transitioned from his early affinity for hard music to his immersion in the dynamic techno landscape of Lille, VCL’s sound matured and evolved, mirroring the diverse influences of his environment. His penchant for experimentation and willingness to embrace new sonic territories set him apart as a visionary within the techno community.
At the forefront of VCL’s artistic endeavors lies a desire to push boundaries and challenge conven- tions. His involvement with Rave Alert, a Belgian label, underscores his dedication to shaping the future of techno and rave music. With plans to launch his own label, VCL aims to breathe new life into genres like jumpstyle and explore uncharted creative territories.
In this interview we get personal with him talking about his personal journey, the scene and some crazy stories that have shaped him to be the artist he is now.
VCL’s journey from the suburbs of Lille to the pulsating heart of the techno scene is a testament to the transformative power of music. His passion for electronic beats ignited at 15,
through a sonic evolution from hard influences to the tranquil rhythms of techno.
“To briefly explain my journey and what led me to discover the techno scene in Lille, I’ve always been very interested in electronic music in general, as well as the world and work of DJs. I started teaching myself at the age of 15 (I’m 30 now).
During my youth, I was mainly interested in hard music, with Belgian and Dutch influences, a style that I found evolved enormously and which I began to struggle to connect with around the age of 20. At that time, I was already primarily listening to old school music and very few new releases”.
Arriving in Lille after his studies, VCL found him- self immersed in a burgeoning techno
diverging from his previous musical leanings. Embracing the genre’s nuances, he ventured into iconic venues like the Magazine Club and expanded his horizons to Belgium and Parisian parties.
“I was young, and obviously, I continued to go out, but in Lille, techno was the trend. It was very different from what I had listened to before, but like any musical style, I believe every genre can be apprecia- ted. In my case, I love music in general, and I found this genre at a slower pace interesting”.
As I attended more events, initially at the Magazine Club, then in Belgium at the Kompass, or at Parisian parties , I learned to meet people in this scene, including Pawlowski, who at the time was laun- ching his collective and organizing some events in bars, etc.
trend, leading him
It was this fortuitous encounter with Pawlowski that catapulted VCL into the spotlight, as he was invited to DJ at collective events. With a unique blend of old-school charm and contemporary flair, VCL’s rise within the techno community was swift.
He invited me to DJ at one of their parties, it went very well, they immediately took me into the collec- tive, and since I was older and had a job, I was able to help increase the size of our parties, make us a bit locally known, and then in Paris, and that’s how the story begins for me.
Reflecting on the early days of the techno scene, VCL reminisces about the traditional beats that defined the landscape. “The trend was more towards traditional techno, minimalist and quite slow,” he recalls. Sets were characterized by their
progression, typically spanning around two hours per artist with minimal variation throughout the event. However, as time marched forward, so too did the sound of techno. VCL witnessed a shift towards industrial techno and hardtechno, ushering in a wave of diversification within the scene.
“Parties were perhaps more eclectic than they are today,” he observes, noting a balanced progression from the beginning to the end of the night.
As the techno landscape continued to evolve, VCL found himself navigating the changing currents with finesse. “I participated in this ‘hardening’ of the scene,” he acknowledges, recognizing the com- patibility between his musical influences and the emerging trends. Yet, amidst the transformation, VCL remains steadfast in his commitment to inclusivity, refusing to judge others’ musical tastes or party preferences.
Looking towards the future, VCL’s vision for techno remains as vibrant as ever.
“I still love this style but I find it less and less interes- ting,” he admits.
reflecting on the mainstream adoption of once-ni- che sounds like hardstyle reverse bass. Yet, true to his pioneering spirit, VCL is charting a new course with his upcoming releases.
From remixes for the Russian Village Boys to solo EPs blending pop, rap, and neo rave, VCL’s musical journey is a testament to his boundless creativity and relentless pursuit of innovation. With a commitment to quality over quantity, VCL is poised to make waves in the techno scene, one beat at a time.
Reflecting on the key differences between the old and new generations of techno enthusiasts and artists, VCL paints a vivid portrait of an industry in flux.
“They’re colossal,” he remarks, encapsulating the magnitude of change witnessed over his illustrious career. From the archaic days of vinyl hunting to the digital age of streaming and social media, the evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In the bygone era, mastering vinyl and producing music required a herculean effort, with access limited to those with the means and resources.
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