Over the last decade, jungle music has experienced a wave of new talent reaching its community. The scene in general is not only nurturing a new crop of artists but also displaying a diverse group of individuals in an array of sub-genres. In certain pockets of the UK we have hotbeds for this sound and none more so than London. The young, up-and-coming, selector VXRGO has been DJing and producing for the last 3 years. Hailing from South East London, she has drawn inspiration from so much London-centric artistry. Furthermore, listening to a range of genres growing up, her sound is quite clearly influenced by those styles which include soul, reggae and jazz.
Boasting a deep collection of jungle and drum & bass flavours, you can always expect a deep-dive into the old with a fusion of the new wave of jungle sound creating a distinct presence when VXRGO is behind the decks. Her fast-paced mixing and carefully thought out curations has taken the jungle community by storm. Now under 23 Degrees management, she is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after, rising, jungle artists on the circuit.
Fast-forwarding to today, there is just as much excitement around her regarding the production side of her game as she is now coming off the back of two EP releases over the last 2 months. Which are the self-released ‘Borough Breaks’ and ‘Luv 4 U’ courtesy of the esteemed Hooversound Recordings. These two projects, full of breakbeat goodness and enough amens to keep you satisfied, undoubtedly demonstrate what exciting projects we can expect from this raw, young, beatmaker in the years to come. Support from some of the best in the scene including Tim Reaper, Mantra, Sherelle and DJ Flight has only strengthened her place as one of jungle music’s most electrifying artists at present.
In the last year and a half VXRGO has achieved some unbelievable feats including playing on some of the biggest platforms around including Keep Hush, Rinse, Boiler Room and Rupture. Whilst also holding down a residency on the infamous Kool FM. In addition, playing at some of the best places the rave scene has to offer such as Glastonbury, Boomtown, FOLD, Fabric, Corsica Studios, Sun & Bass and Outlook. Even taking her sound international over the summer. We caught up with the South Londoner to find out more about why this latest period has been so successful for her, as well as touching upon the exciting new EP releases she’s put out over the summer months.
What sort of music was inspiring you growing up?
I didn’t listen to jungle music till I was about 18. I’d heard of drum & bass, but just wasn’t really immersed by it at that stage. So my inspirations growing up were stuff like soul and reggae through my carribean heritage. Even stuff like jazz, I grew up on artists like Amy Winehouse. She is someone that I idolised. These are all sounds I still listen to to this day. I feel like I get a lot of inspiration from films as well. The soundtracks to the films I love watching always have some great track selections in there.
What was your first experience of jungle music?
I was at Tranzmission festival in Crystal Palace. I heard a remix of Congo Natty’s ‘Junglist’ and I was completely hooked. After that experience, I immersed myself in the sound as much as possible. It was something I just wanted to hear all the time after that moment. I was going out loads in an attempt to find that sound again. This was around 6 years ago now, so it wasn’t something that was played out in clubs as much as it is today. Nowadays we’re spoilt for choice.
What made you want to learn how to mix?
At first, I was just trying to rave and listen to these sounds as much as I could. But my interest for mixing stemmed from wanting to listen to the jungle sound all the time. The art of DJing makes you search for new tracks all the time. So for me, the whole process of learning how to DJ was satisfying my desire to be immersed in these sounds. I would make playlists and just try and work it out as I went. One day I saw an advert about a free DJ workshop in Whitechapel, which sadly doesn’t exist anymore. At the beginning, I wasn’t even learning how to mix jungle. It was just generic electronic tracks, to get in the swing of mixing. I’d always attend these workshops and in the end it was really beneficial to me. After a while I bought my own controller so I could practice more regularly at home.
And how did production become a skill you wanted to take on?
I initially thought production and DJing would go hand-in-hand in terms of learning – so I took it up. Obviously as I’ve gone on I’ve found out they’re different. I took it up 3 months after starting to learn how to DJ. I learnt through the same workshop that taught me how to mix. I’d tried watching youtube tutorials but I couldn’t grasp it. It was so much easier to have a hands-on approach when learning the art of production.
What artists are currently inspiring you?
Mantra for sure. She’s a Mum of 3 and is just always smashing it which I seriously admire. She’s constantly releasing music and her sets are always unreal. I’ve never heard a bad set from her. The whole Rupture crew inspires me to be fair. Tim Reaper and DJ Flight are also big ones for me. Without a doubt SHERELLE. She’s been very instrumental in my career and a huge help in the scene. The whole Sexy Lady Massive crew are big inspirations too. They’re of a similar age to me, so it’s nice to see some of our age range coming through the ranks and doing so well.
Talk to me about your ‘Borough Breaks’ EP. What’s your general feel about how it all went?
I’ve been producing for 3 years and that’s the biggest body of work I’ve put out so far. It really has inspired me to push on. I believe It has solidified my place in the scene. It hopefully shows I’m not just a good DJ but a good producer too. The whole project has definitely taught me a lot. Things like promoting the track differently or even just knowing when to draw a line under a project are things I’ll be better at next time. I’m grateful for the lessons. I never thought I’d see the day where people are sharing my tunes and promoting my production. It’s opened a whole new wave of opportunities.
And your second EP ‘Luv 4 U’ out on Hooversound. It must be a nice feeling getting a second one out so soon after your first?
Yeah, it’s surreal! I feel like it was released at the perfect time, as it came out towards the end of August, which also signified the end of my festival run this year. It being released during Virgo season is very fitting as well; it’s all the things I love happening at my favourite time of the year. I’m also really grateful that it’s out so soon after the first because it just shows that I’m here to stay and that I’m serious about contributing to a scene that has been nothing but goos to me over the past few years.
What stuff have you got coming up?
I’ve got a couple of tunes out at the end of the year on Hi-Fi Jungle which is an American label. I’ve also got some more plans for more self releases. People have been asking about my ‘Pass the Dutchie’ remix so I’ll need to get that out for sure.
Looking at your highlights as a DJ over the last year and a half. Let’s talk about some of those moments.
Yes, so I’ve done the likes of Glasto, Keep Hush, Boiler Room, Boomtown, Outlook, and so many wicked club nights. The Keep Hush show at Pickle Factory really stood out for me. It had this wicked intimate vibe, with the likes of Mantra, Double O and Doc Scott. It was a real moment because some of my close friends were there and it felt like a very full circle moment. I’ve attended many Keep Hush events and had been following their platform even before I started mixing. Glasto was a fun set. I’m not a camping type of girl so that part of it I struggled with. However, it was great to experience seeing people genuinely have fun around me. I’ve been going to Outlook for 3 years, and this year I played, officially. I got to rinse out with the Sexy Lady Massive crew on the first evening of the festival at the Beach Stage, which was overwhelmingly wholesome and warm, then the next day I rolled out some heavier flavours with the Motive Hunter crew (OS:MAN, Fendi-K and myself) at The Cove which is a smaller spot but still had a wicked turnout. Boomtown was crazy! Throughout the set, the crowd just kept growing and vibing harder to each tune. It was also crazy getting to play on such a fat sound system as well. Despite being suspended at maybe 6 feet in the air on top of a school bus, I could still feel the bass rattling underneath my feet; it was heavy.
Playing in Glasgow and Copenhagen this year were real stand out moments for me. They were intimate clubs, but it felt like such a throwback, authentic, type of event.
Now you’re on the 23 Degrees roster, it must be a nice feeling having the backing of an ever-growing, strong, platform.
Yes, for sure. I knew about 23 Degrees before I was a DJ. I’d been to some events and really loved what Tremayne, who runs 23 Degrees, was doing. The fact he’s taken a chance on me is a great feeling. Tremayne and 23 Degrees in general is the best representation I could’ve asked for. I’m always getting advice and support, it’s just a great place to be. In terms of international bookings he’s been very instrumental. The quality of the nights have definitely improved in general.
Are there standout back-to-backs you’ve partaken in?
Going back-to-back with Melba and Abby Daze over the last year has been really cool. Silva Snipa is one that really stands out for me. She is such a gifted DJ. The main person I’ve gone back-to-back with is Fendi-K and he has a wicked range – so he for sure is my favourite back-to-back partner.
And are there any back-to-back partners you’d love to perform with in the future?
Mantra, no doubt. Tim Reaper too. They are two people I look up to, masters of the craft. Just two artists I’m really inspired by.
Who should we be keeping an eye out for in the jungle scene?
Mylania, she’s only 19 and such a wicked DJ. She’s got her own night starting in Leeds. I’m rating Emillian too. And finally, I’ll say Fendi-K again. He’s so underrated as a DJ and producer. Someone who is equally as talented in both is rare to find.
What’s your top 3 nightclubs?
Corsica Studios for sure. The Rupture nights there are crazy. The 16th birthday I played on was incredible. The venue is intimate, yet you can get loads of people in. Baggen in Copenhagen was another standout for me. Again, small and intimate. Finally, Venue M.O.T, It’s so stripped back and real. I love its authenticity. It feels like home to me. I’d like to throw a special mention to FOLD, a bigger space than the others I mentioned. The soundsystem there is unreal.
Finally, what 3 cities would you say are your favourite to go and play?
Sheffield, Manchester and London. Being a born-and-bred Londoner it’ll always hold a special place for me.
Luv 4 U EP / Borough Breaks EP
Follow VXRGO: Instagram / Soundcloud
