Vondelpark: DJ's should play vinyl, and bands should play instruments

Isolation can breed many things. It can be the catalyst for contention or the spark of productivity. Growing up, Surrey lads Vondelpark were self-confessing loners and as a part of the eponymous 'bedroom producers' the trio creates its own brand of r 'n' b music. But can three white guys perform music so stereotypically linked to black-America? As long as the live aspect is genuine: "DJs should play vinyl, and bands should play instruments essentially," says the band.

Jasmine Phull speak to Vondelpark about their new album and the importance of a 'live' show ahead of their Islington Mill gig.

You've said you want people to move away from their laptops and start making 'real music'. What is real music?
I record music using a laptop as if it were a 8 track recorder on a daily basis, so at no point should people be moving away from them now, they're an important part of our generation of bedroom producers. I think the issue of 'real' was in reference to live performance where aesthetically we think it's important for audiences to be able to place a sound visually. DJ's should play vinyl, and bands should play instruments essentially. All sound is real, and the really genuine stuff is filled with feeling. You can only decide what's real to yourselves, something as artists we're always questioning..

Your most recent offering Seabed is inspired by the sounds of Arthur Russell, Barry White and Herbie Hancock - just to name a few - what music were you surrounded with during you adolescence?
A variety of jazz fm, kiss 100, heart, Carole king , and the influences mentioned before.. We've been listening to people like John Martyn, Tom Vek, Daft Punk, Nerd, Outcast and Daniel Johnston for a fair few years now..

Describe the ‘music scene’ of your hometown during your teens.
Isolated, us three have hung out together and kept ourselves to ourselves musically since kids basically.

Do you come from a musical family?
For sure, we all do..

Who is the most influential person from your youth?
My mum.

As a trio Vondelpark has been producing its own brand of R&B music for over 8 years. Do you think the 'black guys' R&B stereotype is a thing of the past? Can a white guy confidently portray genuine R&B music?
I don't think it's a thing of the past, no. The black guy stereotype will continue to reign if people like Drake keep on producing the goods time and time again. I don't think it's a race thing but American culture may have something to do with it.

You signed with R&S Records and released the debut album. How did that relationship come about?
They were excited about what we were doing and we felt the same about them..

Tell us about the cover of Seabed.
It's a hooded figure underwater, and the beak represents the face we can put on in life when we act up.

What are two hurdles you always have to overcome at the festival gig?
Amazing Europeans crowds to please , and short line checks..

In three words describe your music:
Underwater sideways pop.

Two bands you're really diggin?
Nautic
Tame impala

Last song you listened to?
Jumbo - Bananas feat. Celeste

First album you bought?
Carole King - Tapestry

What next?
Jumbo productions, and a second Vondelpark LP. Were demoing it up at the moment whilst touring but the jazz funk element is coming through and we've developed as unit to a point where I think we could finally make a disco record.

Get your tickets to see Vondelpark live at Islington Mill on May 9th. 

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