After the rousing response behind their brilliant comeback single 'Haze' earlier this year, London-based duo VIRTUO are back on the grind once again to deliver their breezy new single 'Attention'.
Teaming up with Cloubee and Meron T for this new release, 'Attention' makes for an incredibly smooth and alluring return for them. With its shimmering beats, soulful atmosphere, and captivating vocals layered throughout, they continue to cement themselves as one of the more innovative names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My mum's grandfather was a professional trumpet player so as a child she gave me his trumpet and it was the first instrument I learned and fell in love with. I went on to play in multiple jazz bands even getting to perform at the Royal albert hall. The works of Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis were always playing around the house and I think ive always had a connection with the sounds of the instrument. You will now hear a lot of samples in my production.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I listened to a wide range of music when I was younger. Although I didn't really discover Hiphop till later in life as most of my childhood was filled with my parents musical influences. Predominently I would listen to music from the past of all sorts of genres: soul, jazz, rnb, pop and rock. My fathers favourite artist was Ella Fitzgerald and with my mum I remember singing along in the car to old bands like squeeze.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think the first album I remember owning was Lemar 'Time to grow'. Me and my brother loved that peoject. You would often see child versions of ourselves performing 'If theres any justice' at family gatherings. While they may have not been my most polished deliveries I do think that those early experiences definately prepared me to grow into the enigmatic performer I am today.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
That's a tough one, theres a lot of songs that have changed my perspective on life and music. I think I would say Love yourz by J Cole . That song moved me, gratitude is a big part of my preachings I feel like while a certain level of ambition is healthy, the world would be far happier and peaceful if people learned to better appreciate their current position.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to mix up the way that I make music to keep me on my toes and stay inventive. Sometimes I start with the production, other times the lyrics or melodies. As a producer and songwriter though I would say a big part of my process when collaborating, which i think is a step that some people miss, is to have a conversation. I like to find out what is going on in the other artist's life that we can draw inspiration from and maybe I can relate to that same feeling or experience.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I listen to a very wide variety of music however of late I have predominantly been locked into mellow hiphop and Rnb. I have been enjoying Tendais new tape 'The rain', Berwyns- 'who am I' and ‘dear dialE’.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I think currently with the vibe of this song and trajectory of upcoming releases I would choose Skepta. He is one of the founding fathers of the uk rap scene and one of my favourite artists . Lately hes transitioned to doing a lot of djing which is where he originally started and even launched the big smoke fest. I think my energy and music would resonate very well with his fan base and generally I would love the opportunity to meet him with a chance to showcase my art.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I am constantly receiving blessings from the passion I have chosen to dedicate myself to. Being a musician has brought me to some of my closest friends, to some of my favourite memories and developed some of the strongest bonds. I think the times in which I feel the most rewarded is when I can first hand witness the impact that my music has made on peoples lives. I've had lots of people reach out to tell me how theyve related to certain tracks and listening to my music has helped them get through periods of their lives which have been difficult and wow that really touches me and makes me feel like all the work I do is worthwhile.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Despite this making music can feel like a very thankless pursuit. I would hate to work out my hourly wage! I think however the most frustrating part is just the process of finalising a track, I am always far too much of a perfectionist when it comes to calling a song finished, I have however been improving how streamlined my process is with final finesses.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’m a very social person and am very lucky to have created lots of friends within the industry. From them I have received loads of great specific advice on a multitude of important elements although I don't know about a specific catchy line. I would say however as a person my favourite quote is by MLK: “if a man has not found something worth dying for he is not fit to live.” I guess my point is that I found my passion and am grateful to have this calling and I hope everyone else also lives their lived looking towards their dreams not looking back at their fears.
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VIRTUO's new single 'Attention' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.