Following on from an impactful run of releases these last few years, US artist Vincent Van Great has now returned to share the new video for one of his standout offerings, 'Thee Vibes'.
Honing more of that riveting R&B-inspired aesthetic he has built over the years, 'Thee Vibes' makes for a wonderfully rich and shimmering listen. With his captivating vocals spread across a laidback production throughout, he is certainly looking to sweep us off our feet with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The organ. I grew up in church and every Sunday I would find myself right in the front row watching our church organist Charlie play for the choir and he just had me in awe every week. to the point where I asked my Mom and Dad if I could take organ/piano lessons. Charlie was FIRE on the organ! Rest in peace Charlie.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was introduced to and fell in love with all different genres of music when I was younger and that's all thanks to my family. You might hear some of everything with us. My Mom may be cleaning the crib listening to Faith Evans, D’Angelo, Norah Jones, Jodeci. Then my Dad may start bumping some James Brown, DMX, Maxwell, to some Jay-z. My uncle Tre-D was always bumping some Dj Quik, Curtis Mayfield, Outkast, And if you are with my Grandmama (we are not allowed to call her ‘’Grandmother LOL!) you better believe we were listening to some Gospel, Michael McDonald/The Doobie Brothers, or some smooth Jazz for a fact.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember I saved up my allowance Mom and Pops were giving me at the time and I'll never forget we went to some store and I bought the DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince - ‘’Summertime’’ tape. Yes; a cassette lol. I had to be 7 or 8, I'd say. I was so proud to have spent my own money on some music. I was bumping the hell out of that tape.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
N.E.R.D - She wants to move
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Yes…Smoke hella weed before I start creating and while I am creating.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Well according to my Spotify the 3 artists I listen most right now are Kali Uchis, Snoh Aalegra and Westside Gunn.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Pharrell Williams…Hands down
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Just the joy of knowing your music can inspire and bring happiness to people. Seeing how your music affects others positively can be very rewarding in my eyes.
And what is the most frustrating part?
For me it would be all the personal sacrifices you have to make. The demands of a music career, especially for an independent artist often require significant personal sacrifices, such as time away from family and close friends, your significant other, and so many other things and at times has an effect on your mental and physical health.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To maximise every opportunity big or small and to always make the next move the best move.
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Vincent Van Great's new single 'Thee Vibes' is out now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.