Exclusive Interview: Vlad House

1. Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Bulgaria, but for the past 10 years I’ve been living in the US. I came to the US as an international student to study computer science at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. After I completed my degree, I moved to Chicago where I met a lot of new people and built unbelievable memories and experiences, which I would never forget. So to me Chicago is my second home. I love this city.

2. What made you want to start djing/producing?

I’ve always been into music. Although I have never imagined that one day I will be DJing or producing. First of all, for me everything started when my parents enrolled me in piano lessons when I was ten years old. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the sound of the classical piano, so I played for 6 years back then and for some reason just stopped.

Years later… while I was in high school, I found breakdancing as it was becoming more and more popular back home. I was inspired by the electro-dance music tracks of Flying Steps and Music Instructor, which to me back then were unbelievable. The synths used in producing these tracks were something that I had never heard before, so I instantly became obsessed with this kind of electro-based music.

So to answer your question, I think it’s a combination of things which made me want to start DJing and producing. I definitely think playing the piano for many years was the main reason, but also the fact that I was a huge fan of breakdance music which was completely based on electro-dance sounds, rhythms and melodies.

3. Who is your biggest influence(s)?

In terms of DJing, I’ve always looked up to Laidback Luke. In my opinion, he is one of the most skilled DJs in the world. Plus, I love his versatility behind the decks.

When it comes to biggest influences in terms of producing, on top of my list is definitely Hardwell. I love his tracks and the unique mastering he does for all his tracks. Also, I’m a huge Revealed Recordings supporter. Other artists that have had influence on my style are Nicky Romero, Hard Rock Sofa, Thomas Gold, Deniz Koyu, Fedde Le Grand to name a few.

4. Whats you’re favorite record of all time?

That’s a tough question. I have a ton of favorite records, but one that comes to mind is ATB’s Ecstasy. To me this song includes the perfect vocal with an incredible piano melody in the background, and it never gets old.

5. What can you recall your favorite performance and where it was?

My favorite performance was at the MID in February this year (2014) when I had an opening set for TJR from 10 pm. I wasn’t expecting much since it was an opening set, but once I started playing, the crowd really responded well on all of my pure house tunes. I could tell there was this vibe in the air that night – it was packed and everyone was going nuts early in the night.

6. Who do you want to collaborate with?

If we’re talking about Chicago, then I’d go with Topher Jones, Inphinity, Steve Smooth, Tony Arzadon, Marc Stout and definitely DJ Bam Bam – his production is really good. If I could collaborate with anyone, I’d definitely put Hardwell, Dannic and Sander van Doorn on my top list. I think TJR, Deorro, W&W and Cash Cash are some of the hottest producers these days, so I’d love to collaborate with them one day.

7. What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?

I’m pretty sure this has happened to every DJ out there. Hitting that cue button while the track was playing in a full packed club was probably the most embarrassing thing that has happened to me at a show.

8. What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/djing?

I’m building websites. That’s what I do when I’m not working on music. I love web development and that’s why I made it my profession besides DJing and producing. And in fact, these days I’m working on two new websites… one of which is my brand new ‘Vlad House’ website and you can find it on VladHouse.com

9. What is your opinion on the current Dance Music scene?

I think dance music is taking over the world. I remember a couple of years ago I was telling people how electronic dance music will be on mainstream radio. They didn’t believe me. I was telling people… dance music will replace hip hop, as hip hop was the thing back then. They didn’t believe me. It turned out EDM became bigger and better than any other genre out there.

10. What do you think will be the next big thing for Dance Music?

Trap is making some noise for the past couple of months, but I’m just not confident enough that it can be the the next big thing for dance music. On the other hand, I think deep house is coming back, but this time stronger than ever with a brand new sound… or future deep house sound. I’m a huge fan of Tchami – he’s a super talented producer and his new deep house tracks are simply amazing.

11. Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?

Yes, definitely. Every month I’m releasing two radioshows – one completely based on progressive house tracks which I’ve called ‘Next Generation Radioshow’ and the other one features my favorite deep house tunes of the month. I love vocal deep house tracks and feel like deep house is becoming more popular these days. And I’m definitely planning on producing a deep house track soon.