Hailing From Kazan City, Russia, Arthur Gorbachev, aka Vertigini, is reshaping house music with his unique blend of funk-infused beats, deep basslines, garage drums, and disco motifs. Supported by industry icons like Calvin Harris and Mark Knight, Vertigini’s dynamic sound has made waves worldwide. Ahead of his Future Disco Radio show live later today, we caught up with him to chat about the work that went behind his craft and his release ‘Marathon / Blowfish’.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into the world of DJing?
A: My name is Arthur, but I am better known as Vertigini, I am from the city of Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan (Tatarstan is the homeland of the Tatars, a small people to which I belong).
As for DJing, it’s a funny story, at the time when I had not yet had a single performance as a DJ, I was already somewhat famous thanks to my music, and thanks to the fact that my friend from St. Petersburg already knew me through my music, he invited me to play in a couple of bars: “Hi, you can play as a DJ, right? There are joint slots in 3 weeks” and “Of course”, I replied. Haha, such an opportunity was impossible to refuse, especially in St. Petersburg, so I was a little dishonest with him, but I was sure that this time would be enough for me to prepare for my first DJ set, and so it happened, I took a few lessons and in 3 weeks I was already playing in famous St. Petersburg bars.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically as a Producer and DJ?
A: When I was in primary school, my cousin’s boyfriend gave me a cassette tape with the album “Benny Benassi/Benassi Bros. – The Biz”, that’s how my love for dance music started. Then the local radio started playing Pete Tong’s show on BBC Radio 1, and I was constantly making recordings on tapes from there, and when I got a little older, a friend of mine introduced me to FL Studio, I studied for a long time and then my first releases appeared.
Q: How would you describe your signature sound or style?
A: Earlier, when I was just starting out, I always wanted to box myself in, to be a follower of one style, but over time, developing my skills, I realized that trying something new (especially if there is such a desire) is what will someday lead me to my signature sound/style. When I was just starting out, I liked sampling old Soul/Funk/Disco records more, but now I like using synthesizers and various electronic instruments in my tracks, perhaps this is due to the fact that I began to DJ constantly and want to write more danceable music
Q: What does the Future of Disco look like for you?
A: I really hope that everything will return to the original sound, as it was before, no matter whether it will be new genres/styles, or old familiar genres but with a new look, now I notice more and more so-called covers or remakes.
Q: What are your usual rituals before Dj’ing?
A: I almost always start searching for new music in completely different and sometimes surprising places. It is always important for me to prepare the beginning of the playlist so that the tracks fit together as much as possible and the transitions are smoother and more appropriate.
Q: As a DJ, what do you hope to communicate or evoke through your music?
A: The main thing is that people want to dance and distance themselves from the outside world for a while, and of course, with my sets I try to instill in people a love for the music that I play and appreciate.
Q: Can you share any memorable experiences or highlights from your career so far?
A: All my performances last summer were in my hometown, in Bar Sol’, it’s one of the best open-air dance floors in our country and every summer set is something special.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs looking to make it in the industry?
A: Always be true to your tastes and not chase trends, and of course always be in search of music and try to improve your skills
Tune into Arthur’s Future Disco Radio Show today at 3pm for an hour of sonic goodness, and to hear both ‘Marathon/Blowfish’. Tune in via the link below and listen to the EP now.
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