For this installment of Northmix, we spoke to Vermont-based producer and DJ, Vakkuum. His love of all things dark, deep, and driving shines through in this mix, which features the gems he doesn’t always get to play out along with some other unreleased tracks. Originally influenced by classic house and techno, he’s developed a love of darker sounds—Bambounou, Daniel Avery and Nautiluss all make appearances on this track list.
After a busy year though, he’s taking the time to focus on his artistic development. “This year I’ve been more quiet. I have a lot of unfinished projects and I’m really trying to focus on developing my own sound and just have fun in the process… I’m working on creating my own musical identity without sacrificing functionality in the process.” His goal is to improve the quality of his output, and although being a firm believer in quality over quantity, he hopes to raise the number of releases and EPs he puts out in the near future.
Videos by VICE
And how will he know when he’s made it, and gotten that identity he’s working so hard to craft? “Having people hear one of my tracks in a club and know right away that it’s one of mine,” he says. “I would also like to reach a point in my career where I can make a living solely off my music and gigs.”
We can’t wait to hear what he’s got in store for the rest of the year. In the meantime, enjoy his Northmix above.
Track list:
1. Bambounou – Excluding Natalia [50 Weapons]
2. PALACE – Element [UTTU]
3. Markus Suckut – March [FIGURE]
4. The White Lamp – Ride With You (ItaloJohnson Remix) [HOTFLUSH]
5. Nick Harris – Bang The Box [NRK]
6. Daniel Avery – Drone Logic (Rodhad Remix) [PHANTASY]
7. Will & Ink – Second Wilson [WNK002]
8. Justin Jay – How I Knew [PETS RECORDINGS]
9. Duke Dumont – Mumble Man (Vakkuum Remix) [Turbo Recordings]
10. Zener Brothers – Heeman [ILIAN TAPE]
11. Bambounou – Each Other [50 WEAPONS]
12. Deapmash – Dimension [CDR]
13. Gunnar Haslam – Overcomplete [NAIF]
14. Nautiluss – Aerochrome (ft. Vin Sol) [OWLDINER]
15. Tiga – Love Don’t Dance Here Anymore (PILO CIAO BARCELONA MIX) [CDR]
Vakkuum is on Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud
Follow Lizzy on Twitter.