Pursuit Grooves, real name Vanese Smith is known for creating warm yet complex musical motifs by fusing soulful melodies over electronic tribal inspired percussion arrangements with her beloved SP505. A self-taught musician, she began MCing at 15 before moving to the other side of the booth to handle her own production. Smith not only posseses clinical production skills independently but is also one half of the dreamscape duo Gushee. You can read the interview we did with them earlier this year here.
Grooves forthcoming album ‘Frantically Hopeful’ is set to drop on Pinch’s Tectonic later this year, which will be her second release on the label. The new album occupies similar rhythmic terrain as ‘Fox Trot Mannerisms’ on the Bristol label however launches into a different head space with lyrics toughing on current affairs and technological dependency.
Transformation Of Consciousness – NEW ALBUM by PursuitGrooves
After catching wind that Pursuit Grooves was set to make her second release on Tectonic we got back in touch with her to ask a few questions. This is how it went..
Inhabit: What inspires your music?
Vanese: Daily life. Everything really.
Inhabit: What inspired you to start MCing and making beats? Which came first?
Vanese: MCing around 14 years old. Producing around 16. I was doing talent shows in high school and I figured I could make my own beats for myself and some friends. I’ve been hooked ever sense.
Inhabit: Do you follow a certain method when producing tracks?
Vanese: Not at all. Besides starting with the drums/rhythm first. That sets the tone for everything.
Inhabit: You produce downtempo beats as well as music for clubs. Does it just depend on what vibe your feeling at the time?
Vanese: Definitely. I’m never feeling the same way everyday all day. Sometimes I want to chill and meditate and sometimes I want to get loose!
Inhabit: What does your current set up look like?
Vanese: SP505 sampler , a couple keyboard synths, Garageband for sequencing. That’s it basically.
Inhabit: Is there a piece of equipment you couldn’t live without and why?
Vanese: My SP505. I’ve got three and it’s just easy for me to get my ideas out with it.
Inhabit: You started your own record label, What Rules Records for your first release. Can we expect music from other producers on the label?
Vanese: No time soon. It was basically for me to share my music without waiting for someone else to put it out.
Inhabit: Tell us about your experience at the Red Bull Academy.
Vanese: Amazing. There’s nothing like it. From meeting other cool musicians from around the world and having two weeks to exclusively focus on music… it was awesome.
Inhabit: Can you tell a bit about your podcast Nodding Grand?
Vanese: I’ve been doing it for over two years. It’s monthly. It gives me an opportunity to play whatever I wish without worrying about tempo or genres.
Inhabit: You released Fox Trot Mannerisms on Pinch’s Tectonic, How did that come around?
Vanese: I sent him some tracks via Myspace and he was really supportive.
Inhabit: Your forthcoming album is also on the Bristol label? Was this just a natural progression?
Vanese: Yeah pretty much. After the first EP we were pretty sure we were going to work together on an LP.
Inhabit: What can we expect from your forthcoming album?
Vanese: Music for your brain and feet!
Inhabit: What are your plans for the future?
Vanese: Working on a new live show to support “Frantically Hopeful” with my GuSHee partner ProEf. He’s a crazy experimental turntablist. It’s time to give vinyl proper shine!!! And what he does with it is bananas.
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