Deep House

VCATION Talk About Working As A Pair, Their New Single, Dream Collabs & More!

Published

3 years ago

July 12, 2022

VCATION is the musical love child of lifelong friends John Martin and Michel Zitron. Although they have featured on some iconic singles as solo acts, coming together as a pair has certainly brought the best out of each artist. Bringing a super fresh and exciting brand of dance music to our new music feeds, VCATION was launched in 2018 with ‘Lay Low’ and now 6 releases later, the pair of artists have crossed the 7 million streams mark on their catalog. We had the pleasure of speaking with VCATION about their brand new single, the creation of the duo, how they work together, and much more.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, how are you doing today?
We’re doing very well, thanks. We’re in the studio writing music and drinking a few beers.

Let’s kick things off with your brand new single, ‘Miss U’, how happy are you with the finished product and its release?
We’re super happy that it’s finally out! It’s been a long time coming making this track and the track itself is a blueprint for the whole sound of VCATION that we’ve been working on for a while, it feels fantastic that we’re finally able to share it.

This single is your second release of the year, equally 2018. Will this year be your most productive under the VCATION name and will be hearing more new music soon?
This year has definitely been the most productive year for VCATION so far and we have so much more music coming out in 2022 and 2023.

Can you give me a little insight into the creation of VCATION?
VCATION started out as a side project at first as we, by time, realized that we needed an outlet to create more music alongside our many other projects that we were working on. After many years of writing music to other artists and dj’s we felt like we needed our own haven where we could create straight from the heart and not think about writing hits or writing in a specific genre.

Having worked as solo artists, what aspects of being in this duo do you bring out in each other?
This music is not hit based but more based on pure feelings. The biggest difference from our other ‘John Martin’ project were John is doing the vocals, this is a project where Michel leads with the vocals instead. This is a more free based project with no rules.

How was it to work alongside artists such as Swedish House Mafia and Martin Garrix on anthems such as ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ and ‘Higher Ground’.
Martin Garrix is a very good friend of ours and we’ve become family over the years. So, working with him is like working with a brother. We spend time together maybe for a week or so doing fun stuff and during that week we just also happen to write songs together. Swedish House Mafia is basically apart of our legacy that made it possible to have our big break into the music industry. So obviously that time is a big mark for us in our careers. It was a beautiful time and we will cherish that forever.

As VCATION, who would be your dream collab?
We have a couple! The Blaze would be amazing to work with. Also, some people that we’ve already worked with but as songwriters, that being the group Bob Moses. It would be amazing to work together with them as VCATION and not only as songwriters. It would also be super sick to work together with the Swedish artist Kite.

Under the VCATION alias and during your solo careers, you’ve worked with a number of styles and genres, always excelling with each one. What do you think is the reason behind your diversity?
We think one of the reasons is that both of us have slightly different music backgrounds. Working together has allowed us to merge our different backgrounds together and work from there. Many people don’t know that we didn’t really make ‘dance music’ before we had our big break with Swedish House Mafia. John Martin comes from an indie background and Michel comes from a background of more urban and pop music. We think people would be surprised to know how many different genres we have in our music archive on our computer. Also, we have music schools to thank for our diversity. Generally, music schools in Sweden are very good these days and they allow you to explore and learn about the different genres and subcultures.

Do you have any genres or styles that you haven’t worked with but you’d like to try?
Country Music! We haven’t been to Nashville yet but it’s a place we’d love to visit. It would be supercool to go there and get inspired by the music culture over there.

Thanks once again to you both for taking the time to speak with me! Do you have anything you’d like to reveal with our readers as we close this chat out?
There’s so much more music coming soon! And we can’t wait to share it with you, so please stay tuned for more music coming straight from the heart.

Check out their latest single below.

Deep House

Shibui Releases Brand New Single ‘Ai Koi Ai’ On Tankfloor / Warner Music Italy

Published

6 days ago

June 10, 2025

Dylan Smith

Multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and producer Shibui returns with her highly anticipated new single, ‘Ai Koi Ai’, set for release on May 30 through Tankfloor / Warner Music Italy. Known for her genre-fluid style and remarkable vocal versatility, Shibui continues to shape the future of European electronic and pop music with a sound that effortlessly bridges mainstream appeal and underground edge.

With over 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 1 billion total streams, Shibui has become one of the most sought-after voices in the industry. Her collaborative portfolio includes high-profile names such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, R3HAB, Prezioso, Gabry Ponte, LUM!X, VINAI, Afrojack, Blasterjaxx, Scooter, Marnik, Mariana Bo, LIZOT, Shanguy, Stefy De Cicco, Vini Vici, and Paolo Pellegrino, underscoring her versatility and creative influence across genres.

Her music has consistently charted in Spotify’s Top 50 across multiple countries and has appeared on the Global Viral 50 as well as the Billboard Dance Charts. In addition to chart success, her tracks have featured in global brand campaigns, international television programming, gaming content, and major digital campaigns, broadening her reach far beyond the streaming world.

Deep House

Hotboxx Drops Dope New EP Titled ‘What Is Jazz’ On Dobar House

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2025

Dylan Smith

Hotboxx has returned to deliver his latest project, unveiling a two-track EP titled ‘What Is Jazz’ via Dobar House. As he blends Deep House energy with his unique sonic touch, the Producer and DJ delivers more music that speaks to his influences, approach, and forward-thinking vision.

Throughout his journey on the scene, Hotboxx has consistently recognised the value of collaboration – whether in the studio, behind the decks, or across his wider creative pursuits – and this latest project appears no exception. Teaming up with fellow Producer and DJ Billy Cave for the EP’s title track, ‘What Is Jazz,’ he adds another collaborative track to his discography, highlighting the creative synergy he fosters when working with other artists, all while ensuring his own style remains clearly defined. As he balances the collaboration with ‘Deep Down Inside,’ the second, solo production on the EP, Hotboxx provides yet more insight into his versatility and genre-blurring style, aiming to push his creativity forward and introduce a fresh dynamic to his growing catalogue of studio work.

Through both tracks in the collection, listeners can immerse themselves in the dynamic grooves and vibrant sounds that define Hotboxx’s signature style. From the intricate rhythms, jazzy melodic licks, and the spoken vocal sample of the title track to the bouncy synths and shuffled beats of ‘Deep Down Inside,’ the EP unravels in an engaging and considered way, maintaining a strong sense of identity whilst bringing in sounds that feel fresh. The result is a bold and refined collection that showcases Hotboxx’s abilities for curating captivating musical journeys: a reflection of over ten years’ experience on the Electronic Music circuit and the developed skillset he continues to cultivate.

With the release of his ‘What Is Jazz EP,’ Hotboxx taps deeper into his artistry, reaffirming his commitment to crafting music that resonates with listeners while maintaining the signature energy that keeps his tracks primed for the dancefloor.

So, out now via Dobar House, discover the funky, driving soundscapes of Hotboxx’s ‘What Is Jazz EP’ and be sure to keep the Producer and DJ on your radar by following him across social media.

Listen and Buy ‘What Is Jazz EP’ here:

Hotboxx Online 
Spotify | Instagram | Beatport  

Billy Cave Online 
Spotify | Instagram | Beatport  

Dobar House Online 
Website | Instagram | Beatport

Deep House

Xtaosea Releases Shimmering Single ‘Waterfall’

Published

4 weeks ago

May 20, 2025

Mackenzie Morris

In the world of deep house there’s a new talent emerging from Virginia. Xtaosea is a rapidly developing artist who first appeared in 2024 with her debut single ‘Show Me The Way.’ She’s already dropped a further 3 tracks this year and now her fourth song of the year ‘Waterfall’ is here.

There’s a great variety in instrumentation across the track from the brooding bassline of the intro to the subtle yet effective percussion in the verses. With interspersed ear candy from start to finish ‘Waterfall’ feels fresh through every section alongside having excellent vocal production. The track is designed to work all season long from sunny days on the beach to late nights out on the town.

Her work rate having released 4 singles this year is impressive as it is, however, she’s turning up the wick with 2 albums planned for later in the year. Expect to see diverse sounds across the albums with one aimed to be a vibrant dance album, while the other will be a faith-based album that ventures into spiritual themes.

There’s no doubt that there’s plenty to look forward to from Xtaosea in the near future with her admirable work rate and fast-growing talent. Keep an eye out on this vibrant, versatile, Virginian.