Check out the rising artists presented by Vintage Music Label that you don't want to miss.
Today, we're featuring the talented musician, songwriter, and electronic music producer, STARK D, who just released an incredible new single called "INNERGLOW". Trust us, this is a tune you won't want to overlook. Take a seat, hit play, and discover the magic of Stark D.
Great to have the opportunity to chat with you, Stark D. As one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the electronic music scene today, our readers are eager to learn more about you and your music.
Let's start with your unique blend of house, techno, and disco with a touch of Brazilian flavour. How did you come up with this sound, and how has it evolved over the years?
Stark D: Thank you for having me. My sound is a reflection of my personal musical journey and influences. Growing up, I was surrounded by classic records, and I began DJing at house parties and underground venues around 1998. After moving to England, I was able to expand my musical horizons and experiment with different genres and sounds. The Brazilian flavour in my music comes from my roots and culture, which I am always proud to incorporate into my tracks.
As for the evolution of my sound, it has been an ongoing process. I am always experimenting with new sounds and techniques to push the boundaries of electronic music and create tracks that are fresh, exciting, and unpredictable.
Your attention to detail and innate ability to read a crowd are often noted by your fans and fellow DJs. How do you ensure that your performances are unforgettable and inspiring?
Stark D: For me, it's all about the connection with the audience. I put a lot of time and effort into preparing for each performance, from selecting the right tracks to crafting a set that takes the audience on a journey. But ultimately, it's about being in the moment and feeling the energy of the crowd. I try to read their reactions and adjust my set accordingly to keep the energy high and the dance floor moving.
It's clear that you have a lot of passion for music and for sharing it with others. Can you tell me a bit more about your creative process? How do you go about producing your tracks and incorporating your unique blend of genres?
Also, I'm curious about your experience founding Vintage Music Label. What motivated you to start the label, and what have been some of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of running it?
Stark D: As for my creative process, I'm extremely passionate about diatonic harmonies that can captivate the listener. I usually start by writing the harmony on the piano or guitar and then add a catchy melody to it. Finding the right drum kit can be a challenge, and it often takes me hours to get it just right. Unlike before, I no longer rely on sample packs or loops; instead, I create everything from scratch to give it my personal touch.
The idea for the song usually comes to me after I choose a theme that resonates with me. Sometimes, I write the lyrics myself, while other times, I collaborate with other artists. If my creative juices are flowing, I can finish a song in about a week from the day I start working on it.
That's really interesting, Stark D. It's great to hear about your commitment to creating unique and personalized sounds. And it's clear that your dedication to the creative process has paid off in the quality of your tracks.
Moving on to Vintage Music Label, could you tell us more about what inspired you to start the label and what your vision is for it? And what have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards of running the label thus far?
Stark D: I have a personal connection to Vintage Music Label, as it all began when I was scammed at the start of my music production journey. I had been invited to release my first track on a VA back in 2009, but with no experience or knowledge of the electronic music scene, the A&R and owner of the record label charged me a fee that was a significant amount of money at the time. The song was released, but just one month later, it was taken down from the record store. When I tried to contact the label owner to find out what had happened, the shocking response was: "I sold the record label, that isn't my problem".
After that experience, I made it my mission to study the music industry and ensure that I would never be scammed again. Over the course of two years, I gained a deep understanding of how the industry works, and I began to think about the possibility of starting my own record label brand to improve the scene. That's when Vintage Music Label was born.
As the founder of Vintage Music Label, I prioritize being true to the artists. We work closely with each artist to craft and plan all the material for the release, and all the royalties go directly from the DSP to the artist. Running a record label by myself has been a challenge, as I am responsible for everything from artwork and marketing to listening to demos, doing mixdowns for some artists, and always doing the masters. But as I mentioned earlier, I love it.
That's quite an inspiring story, Stark D. It's unfortunate that you had to go through that experience, but it's great to see how you turned it around and created something positive out of it.
Can you tell us a little more about how Vintage Music Label operates? How do you choose the artists you work with and what sets your label apart from others in the industry?
Stark D: I have been through a continuous metamorphosis with my Vintage Music Label and am always evolving. In the beginning, I didn't have much experience, so I thought I had to drop at least 12 releases per year. Looking back, THAT WAS CRAZY - I was basically running against the clock. However, as time passed, I gained experience and know-how. Today, Vintage Music Label operates in the mode of quality, giving preferences to artists who are truly committed to their craft and want to tell a story. I believe that an artist must aim for excellence and work hard to achieve it. Releasing just one track isn't enough for us; we value continuity and consistency. I don't see the point in moving on after releasing just one track. Nowadays, the industry has become so mechanical, shallow, and lazy, making it difficult to find artists with real determination. Although we all dream of playing at the biggest festivals and clubs around the world, it's important to take the necessary steps to build a solid foundation. Without doing so, the artist risks becoming just another number in the streaming services and online retail catalogs.
That's a great point, Stark. It's important to focus on the quality of the music and the artist's long-term goals rather than just pumping out releases. Can you tell us a bit more about how Vintage Music Label works with artists to help them build that foundation and achieve their goals?
Also, how do you go about finding and selecting the artists you work with? Do you have any advice for up-and-coming producers who are trying to get noticed by labels?
Stark D: As a label representative, I always aim to approach my conversations with artists in a rational and objective manner. I typically schedule online meetings to get to know the artists and their plans, offering ideas and advice to help them overcome any self-imposed barriers. It's common for many upcoming artists to experience anxiety when it comes to releasing their tracks, but I reassure them that good things take time and a successful release requires careful planning.
In terms of finding new artists, I often discover them through demos or word of mouth. Sometimes, artists who have previously released with our label will even introduce their friends to our work, which has been a great source of new talent for us. Overall, our approach has proven successful and we continue to thrive as a label.
That's great to hear! It seems like you have a personal touch when it comes to working with your artists, and that really shows in the quality of your releases. Can you tell me a bit about your criteria when it comes to selecting artists for Vintage Music Label? And how do you balance between promoting established artists versus up-and-coming talent?
Stark D: My criteria for selecting artists to work with are based on several factors. Firstly, the quality of their work is paramount, as is having a strong musical idea that falls within the genre I specialize in. Additionally, I look for artists who possess humility and a deep passion for their craft.
When working with established artists, my approach differs slightly. These artists often come to me with a clear plan in mind, as well as a pre-existing fanbase. In these cases, my focus is on driving media attention and promoting their work in a way that aligns with their established brand.
However, when it comes to working with up-and-coming artists, I often encounter resistance to the strategies I propose. Many newcomers have preconceived notions about what it takes to achieve success in the music industry, and are often frustrated when their expectations aren't met. It's important for them to understand that they are a product, and that successfully commercializing a product requires careful planning, polishing, and labeling to ensure that it resonates with its intended audience.
That's an interesting perspective. Could you elaborate a bit more on what you mean by "polishing" and "fixing" the product? How do you work with the artists to ensure their vision is not compromised but also make sure that the product is marketable?
Stark D: As a newcomer to the music industry, there are several things that I must keep in mind, even though some of them might not be the most enjoyable tasks.
Here's a list of ten things that you should consider:
Register with P.R.O. companies like ASCAP, E-CAD, BMI, GEMA, and PRS to be able to collect your royalties.
Build an online presence and engage with your followers on social media. People want to know the person behind the music or art.
Secure an income to fund your personal promotion if you don't have a steady income from your music.
Have a commitment to your craft and discipline to succeed.
Keep yourself in learning mode 24/7. Search and study about the things you don't know, as information is available everywhere.
Remember that there is life outside music. Set aside time to spend with loved ones.
Be passionate about your craft and enjoy the creative process.
Don't listen to criticism from people who don't understand your work. Feedback from people who don't listen to your music is not valuable.
Avoid spending money on unnecessary gear or shortcuts. Knowledge and humility will take you further.
Don't compare yourself to other famous artists. Your journey is unique, and reference is not the same as experience.
Those are all great points! It sounds like you have a lot of experience and knowledge about the music industry. It's important for artists to remember that success takes time and effort, and there are many things they need to do besides just making music. Building a brand and establishing a following requires a lot of work, and it's important for artists to be disciplined, committed, and passionate about their craft. It's also important for them to continue learning and growing as artists, and to not compare themselves to others.
BTW, congratulations on the release of your latest single, "Innerglow!" The track sounds amazing, and the production quality is top-notch. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track and what you were trying to convey through the music?
Stark D: Thank you so much for the kind words. "Innerglow" was inspired by the idea of uplifting and elevating the soul through music. I wanted to create a track that would bring positivity and light to the listener, with a strong, ethereal techno beat that would make people feel empowered and energized. The melodic elements of the track were designed to add a sense of mystery and enigma, to create a unique and intriguing atmosphere that would keep listeners engaged throughout the entire song.
It's great to see that "Innerglow" has received so much positive attention, including being featured in top charts and receiving rave reviews from industry publications. How does it feel to have your work recognized in this way?
Stark D: It's always an incredible feeling to have your work recognized and appreciated by others, especially when it's in such a competitive and challenging industry like electronic music. I'm grateful for all the support and recognition that "Innerglow" has received, and it inspires me to keep pushing myself creatively and exploring new possibilities with my music.
What's next for you in terms of upcoming projects and releases?
Stark D: I have several exciting projects in the works, including collaborations with other artists and some solo work as well. I'm always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of my music and explore new sounds and ideas, so I'm excited to see where my creativity takes me next.
Thank you so much for your time, Stark D. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you and your music.
Stark D: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to chat with you.