Hey Valexx! It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How has 2023 been for you so far?
It’s my pleasure to be here and thank you for this interview… 2023 has been a very productive year, with many musical changes and projects. The first year after covid where everything has returned to normal.
Congrats on your latest release «Nguewe» EP on My Other Side of The Moon. What was your inspiration behind this record?
Thank you! This was a record produced in 2022. During my changes in this period, there has been a great search for an afro sound but one that included strong drums and basslines all while keeping an emotional break using original vocals.
You worked on this track together with a talented singer/songwriter Tabia. How did you meet, and what was your experience working together?
During my search for original sounds and vocals, I heard many records by Tabia. She has a beautiful and very original voice. This was a perfect fit for what I wanted for the song. A strong and decisive ride but with an original and emotional voice like hers. After having built my idea I wrote to Tabia to get her feedback, and from there I proposed a collaboration. She immediately accepted giving me the imprint of the disc that I will receive. It was an absolute pleasure to meet an artist like her and to finish a record together.
What are some musical influences that you believe have shaped your sound?
I hear music at 360 degrees. I was born more in the house music world but as I mentioned earlier, during the pandemic period I let myself go and dove into what I really felt inside the Afro/tribal world. Following major artists such as Black Coffee Black Motion, Lemon & Herb, Themba, an afro with voice, dark nuances and often tribal drumming have really had a strong influence on me and my sounds. Along with the tribal music and live performances of Sunnery James & Ryan Marchiano, which I have heard live around the world, like in Ibiza.
Can you name some of the instruments or plugins that you believe define your sound?
As a plugin, I use a lot of Diva, Arturia’s package of pianos, strings, and emotional pads; from which I compose melodies for the breaks that I love to be sung by talented artists such as Tabia, Nomvula, Idd Aziz who I have also collaborated with in the past and many others.
What has been your highlight gig so far this year?
I often perform in Amsterdam and Ibiza, especially at Sunnery James parties. Ryan Marchiano is the most important gig that I will be doing this year in August at the famous Mysteryland festival. I will also be a part of the Sexy by Nature Stage, with a rich lineup of world-class artists such as Roger Sanchez.
How do you define success? Is it strictly about numbers, or is there more to it?
Success for me is a series of important combinations that blend together. Being original for me is already a great success and it’s the key to everything. Being able to make music and truly express yourself in what you do by not following trends. Moving forward and always being ambitious, not looking back but improving yourself every single day to obtain a good future, is the key to everything for me. A well-known quote defines everything for me: “Music is the answer”.
Now that «Nguewe» EP is out, what is next for Valexx?
I’m working on various projects at the moment and as always with the presence of vocals like my new single which includes Nomvula Sa and Mazet along with other artists. My next project will be with Nomvula Sa, which has a rhythm less dark than Nguwe but heavy on tribal bases and drums with a very strong rmx from Saint Evo.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer our questions, is there anything else you would like to mention before we go?
Thank you for the interview, I hope I was able to answer your questions clearly. I would like to mention and therefore take the opportunity to thank the artists, labels, and professionals who believe in me and my music.