Deep House
VCATION Talk About Working As A Pair, Their New Single, Dream Collabs & More!
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.
Martina Beach Club Tulum, a top destination for luxury beach vibes and world-class electronic music in Quintana Roo. From thrilling New Year’s Eve celebrations to reggae rhythms under the stars, this season’s events promise non-stop energy and unforgettable moments. Stay connected via Instagram at www.instagram.com/martinabeachtulum for exclusive previews and news.
Here are the upcoming events for the end of 2025 into 2026 and beyond:
December 27: Mundo Maya Opening Party
Kick off the season with the grand unveiling of the Mundo Maya series, rooted in electronic dance music, house, and techno. This opening extravaganza promises an immersive exploration of ancient rhythms fused with contemporary sounds, setting the tone for a transformative journey under the stars. With Mauro Torreta (@maurotorretta), BERNI (@berni.bernardita), IRINNA (@irinnap), and special guest host Ethan Cutkosky (@ekat19)!
December 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner with Timo Maas and D-Unity
Bid farewell to the old year in spectacular fashion. Join renowned DJs D-Unity (@d_unity), known for techno, and Timo Maas (@timo.maas), celebrated for techno and progressive house, for a New Year’s Eve celebration that blends melodic house and techno into a euphoric crescendo. As midnight approaches, the club’s beachside ambiance will amplify the joy, ensuring a seamless transition into the new year amid fireworks and waves.
January 2: Art Department
Dive into the sophisticated world of underground electronic music with Art Department (@artdepartmentofficial), masters of tech house and house. Known for their innovative sets that weave deep house grooves with emotional depth, this performance will captivate attendees, offering a night of introspective dancing against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
January 4: Night Tales, Flowers Bloom Party
Embrace the floral-themed splendor of the Flowers Bloom Party featuring Night Tales (@nighttalesmusic), experts in house and electronic with R&B influences, and Ginton (@gintonmusic) a genre-blending DJ known for Afro house and electronic fused with global rhythms and guitar riffs. This event transforms the club into a blooming paradise, where eclectic beats and vibrant visuals encourage guests to flourish on the dance floor, celebrating life’s renewal in a garden of sound.
January 5: GORDO
Experience the high-octane energy of GORDO (@gordoszn), whose dynamic mixes span house and electronic music with hip-hop influences. This performance is set to electrify the crowd, turning the beach into a pulsating hub of rhythm and passion for an evening of unbridled excitement.
January 6: White Hole Presents – NORA EN PURE
Step into a cosmic realm with the White Hole Party (@whiteholeproject), headlined by Nora En Pure (@noraenpure), a leader in deep house and indie dance. Her melodic techno and deep house sets, inspired by nature’s wonders, will transport participants through a portal of ethereal sounds, all while dressed in luminous white to enhance the otherworldly atmosphere.
January 7: Marco Faraone
Italian maestro Marco Faraone (@marcofaraoneofficial) takes the stage with his signature techno prowess, incorporating house and tech-house elements. Expect a masterclass in driving beats and intricate layers that build to explosive peaks, perfect for those who appreciate the artistry of electronic music in a seaside sanctuary.
January 9: Afrobreach
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Afrobreach (@afrobeachtulum), where African rhythms meet house innovations in an Afrobeats and Afro house fusion, hosted by Rasheed Dennis (@internationalswagger). This fusion creates a cultural bridge, encouraging dancers to move freely and celebrate diversity in a night filled with infectious grooves and communal vibes.
January 10: Deorro
Renowned for his high-energy electro house and electronic music tracks, Deorro (@deorro) promises a blockbuster performance. His sets are designed to elevate the party’s intensity, ensuring every beat resonates with the crowd for an adrenaline-fueled beachside spectacle.
January 17: Einmusik
Conclude the series with Einmusik’s (@einmusik_samuel) melodic techno odyssey, blending melodic house and techno. His atmospheric compositions and progressive builds will guide listeners through an emotional landscape, leaving a lasting impression as the sun sets on this remarkable lineup.
Dive into paradise and claim your slice of magic! Reserve your tickets now for these electrifying parties at www.mundo-maya.com/mundomayo-sunset-series, where every moment pulses with possibility. Keep an eye out, as tickets are flying really fast!
Follow Martina Beach Club Tulum & stay updated @martinabeachtulum
Where the essence of paradise awaits. Join us for a season of rhythm, relaxation, and revelation.
Mathilde SPZ teams up with Ayko and George on the brand new single Don’t Quit via Langhewood Records.
Norway’s dynamic artist and songwriter Mathilde SPZ joins forces with Italian DJ and electronic music producer Ayko and emerging talent George to release their new single “Don’t Quit” on Langhewood Records, out now.
Mathilde SPZ is a commanding presence in the Norwegian music scene, having performed at major festivals including Øya, Stavern, Slottsfjell, Pstereo, and Findings across multiple projects. In 2024, she lit up the stage at Melodi Grand Prix, Norway’s national Eurovision finals, with her electrifying performance of “Woman Show”. With a decade of experience as one of Norway’s most sought-after live performers, Mathilde’s master’s degree in live performance sets her apart as a unique force on the club stage.
A songwriter from a young age, Mathilde began crafting pop songs at just nine years old, but her heart lies in EDM, house, and dance music. Her solo career launched in 2022, and she quickly amassed approximately 70,000 monthly Spotify listeners with over 3 million streams to date. Her previous releases have featured on influential editorial playlists such as New Music Daily (Apple Music), New Music Friday (Spotify in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Finland), EQUAL Norway, and “Ny Pop.” Her single “Losing Game” has also been viewed over 130,000 times on YouTube. Mathilde continues to expand her reach with collaborations across the globe, bringing her explosive energy and powerful vocals to the international club scene.
Italian producer Ayko (Francesco Dogliani) brings his signature blend of melodic techno, house, and dance music to the collaboration. Drawing inspiration from 1980s British pop, Italo disco, and 1990s rave culture, Ayko has developed a sound defined by melodic depth, rhythmic complexity, and eclectic instrumentation. Beginning his career in Turin, Italy, Ayko has performed at legendary venues including Space, Sankeys, and Privilege in Ibiza. In 2021, he founded Langhewood Records, a UK-based independent label dedicated to original electronic music, which has become a platform for his releases and a nurturing ground for emerging artists.
The collaboration is rounded out by George, an emerging electronic music artist whose deep house and melodic house sensibilities complement Mathilde’s powerful vocals and Ayko’s rich production, creating a track that promises to resonate on both festival stages and dance floors worldwide.
The release of “Don’t Quit” is accompanied by a visually striking music video created using DREAMOTICA, the generative visual language developed by Emanuele Del Fio and Viktoria Blank. Translating the song’s message of resilience into imagery, the video becomes a hypnotic fusion of light, motion, and emotion, where sound shapes color and form. Each frame is born from musical stimuli and digital artistry, achieving harmony between technology and human sensitivity. Through this collaboration, Langhewood Records and the DREAMOTICA team present a groundbreaking audiovisual experience that merges music, art, and introspection, pushing the boundaries of contemporary visual storytelling.
New York-based DJ, producer, and violinist Kozlow returns with ‘Find a Way’, a hypnotic new collaboration with ForgiveMeTommy!, out via his ANTHR FCKNG PARTY (AFP) imprint.
Kozlow continues his breakthrough year with ‘Find a Way’, a deep and driving underground anthem that blends groove, tension, and emotion in perfect balance. Built on a pulsating bassline, percussive synths, and a catchy vocal hook, the track embodies the essence of AFP’s ethos, raw, immersive, and designed for both dance floors and headphones.
Following the success of ‘Cowboy Killers’, this new release cements Kozlow’s evolving sound, one that fuses underground minimalism with melodic sophistication. The single also marks the next chapter for his acclaimed NYC-born party-turned-label, ANTHR FCKNG PARTY, which has gained early support from heavyweights like Mau P, Skream, Solomun, CamelPhat, Jamie Jones, and Marco Carola.
Speaking on the release, Kozlow shared: “‘Find a Way’ has a bass line that’ll knock your socks off — whether you’re in a club or pretending your living room is one. It’s a dirty, driving record with bite, and I’m hyped to unleash it on AFP.”
Kozlow’s upcoming shows include ANTHR FCKNG PARTY at White Lodge (Nov 1), and Outer Heaven (Nov 8), where ‘Find a Way’ is sure to light up NYC’s underground dance floors.
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