Emerging as a powerful voice in the realms of Melodic, Tech, and Progressive House, Jody Vukas has steadily built a reputation for blending evocative soundscapes with infectious rhythms. With a career shaped by a love for music pioneers like Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode, Jody has evolved his artistry into something deeply personal yet universally resonant.
2024 has already proven a standout year, with several Beatport-charting releases on acclaimed labels such as Natural Rhythm and Progressive Vibes, and support from scene heavyweights like Dowden, DJ Chus, and Steve Lawler; we caught up with Jody to uncover the story behind his music, his creative process, and what lies ahead for this rising talent.
Hi Jody Vukas, how are you?
I’m great, thanks! How about yourself?
All good here, thanks! To begin, how did you first fall in love with Electronic Music, and what led you to pursue this journey professionally?
My love for Electronic music started in the ’80s with artists like Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, and New Order, and were my first introduction to Electronic music. Their music had this raw emotion and futuristic energy that hit me in such a way that it completely mesmerized me. The powerful emotions and atmospheres opened my ears and heart to a whole new world of musical expression. The feelings it evokes and the way it brings people together was unlike anything I knew or had experienced.
What began as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, and the more I developed my skills, the more I wanted to push myself creatively. Eventually, I decided to take the leap and pursue this journey professionally so that I could express myself and connect with others through music.
Your sound blends various influences, from Melodic, Tech, and Progressive House. Can you share how you developed this distinct style?
In its simplest form, it started with curiosity and imagination. I’ve always been drawn to the emotion of Melodic House, the energy and rhythm of Tech House, and the storytelling aspect of Progressive House. Having played across them for years as well as creating within them, I began to explore how I could merge them into something cohesive and unique that reflects my true creative side. I pay attention to trends but I don’t set out to follow them or allow them to influence my creativity. I always aim to create something that feels true to me while staying open to evolution. The fusion of influences keeps my sound fresh and allows me to connect with listeners across multiple genres and levels.
With several Beatport charting releases this year, how do you approach crafting a track that resonates both on the dancefloor and with listeners at home?
I always think about the emotional journey I want to take people on, including myself. When inspiration hits, I focus on creating the melody or hook that will pull them in. Then build a groove with additional layers in melodies, textures, and subtle elements that give the track depth and personality, making it captivating and enjoyable for any listening experience.
Having several charting releases on Beatport this year has reinforced that my authenticity and attention to detail resonates with people. Regardless of the genre or vibe, my goal is always to create something original and timeless.
You’ve received support from heavyweights like Dowden, DJ Chus, and Steve Lawler. How would you say this recognition has influenced your journey as a Producer and DJ?
Receiving support from tastemakers has been both humbling and incredibly motivating. Having them connect with and champion my work is a huge validation of the time and energy I pour into my craft. It’s encouraged me to push my creative boundaries even further, knowing that my music can resonate with such influential figures in the industry. Their support has also opened new doors, exposing my music to broader audiences and giving me the confidence to experiment with new ideas and sounds. As a producer and DJ, it’s inspired me to stay true to my style while striving for the kind of quality and innovation that these icons deliver. Ultimately, their recognition has reinforced my drive and commitment to my journey and reminds me that hard work and authenticity will always shine through.
What has been the most memorable gig of your career so far, and what made it stand out?
Hands down, playing with Danny Tenaglia at his Be Yourself party at Vinyl in New York City. I was heavily influenced along the way by Danny, especially in the earlier days of my career. I met him at Backdoor Bambi which was a Monday night industry party at Crowbar in Miami. We got to talking and then headed back to my house afterwards and talked until sunrise. The next day we met up and talked it up some more. In the middle of a conversation, he asked how my career was going, to which I replied “it’s going, but it’s tough”. He then offered a guest appearance with him in NYC. The rest was history. We are still friends to this day. I can’t say enough about Danny’s kindness and generosity. A true Icon and Legend!
If someone were exploring your music for the first time, which track would you suggest as the perfect introduction to your sound, and what makes it a standout piece in your catalogue?
That’s a great question. I would have to say “So Real” featuring c:helsie. It’s a bit of a Melodic House track that is uplifting yet chill and c:helsie’s vocals will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s such a beautiful record. I’m grateful to have gotten to work with her. We have a follow up song in the works called Day Dream that may be released as part of my first album in late spring/early summer.
When you are starting a new track, what is the spark? Is it a melody, a groove, or something else entirely?
That spark can come from anywhere, but it often starts with a feeling or a moment of inspiration from music. Sometimes it’s a melody that gets into my head, something emotive that sets the tone for the entire track. Other times, it’s a groove like a driving bassline or percussion loop—that immediately makes me want to move or it comes from an external source, like a sound or texture I’ve heard in nature, a conversation, or even while listening to Depeche Mode or Coldplay. It could even be a single sound or chord progression that triggers a cascade of ideas.
Once it hits, I build around it, layering and experimenting until the track starts to tell its own story. It’s an organic process, but the goal is always the same: to create something that connects emotionally and makes people want to move, whether they’re on a dancefloor or listening at home.
What’s on the horizon for Jody Vukas? Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming releases or performances that have you most excited right now?
There’s so much exciting energy around what’s coming next for me! On the release front, I’ve been working on some new tracks that really push my sound further while gaining traction with labels like Loudkult, Future House Cloud, and Lithuania. One of the upcoming releases I’m most excited about is a collaboration with Luca Testa, which captures a lot of the vibes that inspired me in my early days while still feeling fresh and forward-thinking.
I have been contemplating an album which would be my first to release early summer. I have a couple projects that fit the album profile and are very close to completion. The album will pull the curtain back a bit more and reveal a more intimate side of my creativity.
DJ-wise I’ve got some amazing shows lined up that I can’t wait to share with everyone. I’ll be hitting a few key spots like Ministry of Sound, where I’ll be dropping a fair amount of unreleased tracks. Connecting with the crowd and seeing their reaction to new music is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey for me.
I have also been preparing to start syndicating the Distant Drum Radio Show globally which is happening sooner than later. I could keep going here! Ha! I will leave it at that!
Jody Vukas is an artist whose journey is defined by passion, authenticity, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries. Whether it’s crafting emotive tracks that capture listeners both on and off the dancefloor or receiving recognition from industry icons, his work speaks to a dedication that goes beyond just the music, it’s about connection and storytelling. With plans for a debut album and exciting performances on the horizon, it’s evident that Jody is on a trajectory that fans and newcomers alike won’t want to miss.
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