Spinning songs around the world

DJ VIK TOREUS DISCUSSES HIS DJING CAREER, NEW SINGLE AND PLANS

by ASJAD NAZIR

HE MAY be an internationally renowned DJ, who has played at some of the largest venues globally, but Vik Toreus is also a talented music producer and recently released his superb single Block The World.

The sizzling party track has generated a lot of heat since it released and has added to an already impressive musical journey for the multi-talented star, which also includes his own radio show. With more musical bombs on the way, the explosive star is set to shine even brighter in the coming years.

Eastern Eye caught up with London born Vik Toreus to discuss his dynamite DJing career, new single, music and future plans.

What first connected you to DJing?

Melodies and attentive-hooks. I was always drawn to these since an early age, especially as I was learning to play guitar and piano at school.

How do you look back on your impressive DJing journey?

I started from the bottom and now I’m here. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. As the music industry is quickly evolving and growing (streaming, social media etc.), so must we as DJs and artists, to stay connected.

What has been your most memorable gig? 

Performing at a secret party in London for all the Kapoor actors in Bollywood, including Anil, Arjun, Sonam and Kareena Kapoor.

What is the secret of a great DJ set?

One that connects closely with the crowd, leaves a long lasting memory and takes the audience on a journey. This journey I hope is one where they listen to not only what they love, but also hear something new and different that they fall in love with.

Do you have any go to songs that never fail?

Lots! Asian wise, Panjabi MC. Non-Asian, Be Faithful by Crooklyn Clan and Fatman Scoop. Sure hitters.

How do you stay on top of your music collection?

Constantly staying tuned to the market, charts, social media, record pools, promos, etc. It’s part of my daily routine. Last time I checked, I had over 32,000 records.

Where does music production fit in and is it influenced by your DJing?

As a DJ, I know the components of a song that will work well for a dance floor. That influences the music I produce. It’s also about developing my own style and sound, which is the real challenge. It takes many years to get right. Production is another level – it requires music theory, sound-design, artistry, knowledge of composition, song-writing and collaborating with artists.

Tell us about your new song?

My new song is called Block The World. It’s a feel-good Latin party record with a familiar reggaeton sound. There are small elements of Indian and Middle-Eastern in there to give it a world-music feel. It works really well on the dance floor. Most music I produce has a global and cross-cultured feel to it, as that’s my overall DJ persona and style.

Who are you hoping connects with the song?

Anyone who’s into party music; Latin pop fans and reggaeton lovers.

In terms of producing songs, what is the plan going forward?

Continuing to produce many more tracks of varied styles and tempos, but still keeping that world and cross-cultured vibe with a touch of South Asian.

Tell us about your radio show?

United Colors with India is a specialist world-music mix show for Rukus Avenue Radio. It combines music from different continents and cultures such as South American, African, European and Middle-Eastern with South Asian and Indian music. Every week you get to hear the very best mash-ups, mixes and remixes of your favourite Bollywood, bhangra, Punjabi, Pakistani and South Indian records with music from different parts of the world, including Spanish, reggaeton, Afrobeats and Arabic music, just to name a few. It’s extreme fusion and I honestly feel it’s unique for an Asian radio station.

What else can we expect from you next?

Besides new music, I am also working on my live shows to give the audience something beyond just watching and hearing a DJ perform. This links into live instruments and also the work I’ve been doing on United Colors with India. More on this space over the coming year.

What are your big passions away from music?

I like travelling, whenever I get the chance. I have probably visited more countries than the average person, I think. From Brazil to Africa, and China to Australia. I have seen much, but I want to explore much more. I am also very much into fitness and health, and have been for a long time. I spend a lot of time cooking and eating well, as well as training and keeping very fit.

What inspires you?

Motivated and driven individuals who don’t stop, like The Rock and Cristiano Ronaldo. In music, artists, producers or DJs who think out of the box and release something very fresh and interesting. If I’m ‘shazaming’ your music, or listening back to your mixes repeatedly then you’ve caught my ear.

Who has been the most interesting person you have met on your musical travels?

When I DJed in Australia last year, I met a doctor. He built a chain of clinics from nothing and has a similar ethos to how I work – striving for perfection, keeping a high standard, but most importantly, just being an all-around good person.

Why do you love music?

You know those goosebumps you feel when you hear a song that really hits you. Or when it’s 1am on a Saturday night and you’re having the time of your life, then the DJ plays that perfect song at the perfect moment. That’s why I love it.

Why do you think should we tune into your radio show? 

It’s almost like a travel experience, a world music holiday, which starts from the UK or India. Except that it’s totally free. Every week for one hour you can tune in and be taken on a journey across the world. You will hear sounds from different continents and feel really connected when they are mixed with Indian music. It’s a fun experience – you get to hear some really cool and clever mixes, which you just won’t find anywhere else. You will also learn something new every week about a culture or a country, just through the playlists we curate.