Posted by Mikey Rodge on March 02 2016

Derek VanScoten has been a touring musician for several years, playing in various bands and eventually graduating into his own solo endeavor known as D.V.S*, merging his live guitar playing with downtempo electronica. Recently, he announced that his solo project would now be known as Cloudchord, and he would be focusing on dreamy nu-disco flavors. So far, the transition appears to be going smoothly, with his latest remix reaching #1 on the Hype Machine charts! I recently got to chat with Cloudchord about his history, his inspirations, and his new outlook on the future.

//Get to Know Cloudchord: SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

How did the D.V.S* project come to be? When did you make the decision to change your name to Cloudchord?

Cloudchord: D.V.S* was a natural evolution from playing guitar in all kinds of bands for years. Everyone always called me by my initials so it felt like an inevitable moniker. The name change took place last November. Cloudchord came about in an effort to have a more colorful and unique name for my music, and also a commitment to house and disco related music.

How long have you lived in Texas? If you weren't born there how did you get there?

CC: I had been gigging in Texas for several years, but the move wasn’t until 2013. I really love it here. It’s always been very supportive, and the friends, fans, and promoters are really down to earth. I spent a lot of time in New York, Tennessee, and Colorado before that.

Whom do you consider a major influence in your life?

CC: Hendrix of course for changing the game. I also love acts like Bonobo, Odesza, Goldroom, and a lot of the deep house and disco cats that find success without having to go really hard all night long. I’ve always been more comfortable making the smooth stuff, and have a deep love for any great song, because good art is good art. As far as new people, I also dig Dreamers Delight. I think he’ll go far.

Briefly take us into your recording process - How do you go about making a song?

CC: It changes for every piece, but it’s usually a guitar riff or vocal idea first . Although, I’ve been playing a lot of piano lately too! Again, I really love good songs. I used to crank out instrumental funk beats for upcoming gigs left and right, making them in a few days or less. Now I’m much more patient. If I think I’m done, I’ll put it away for a week, and then revisit it with a new perspective. This level patience has really matured my sound. I have originals for Cloudchord that have been brewing since last June.

Are there any artists that you’d like to collaborate with?

CC: SNBRN, Prince Fox, Drake, Tycho, Taylor Swift, Future, Disclosure, Lorde, Frank Ocean, Sam Smith, Flume, Bon Iver, Hayden James, Oh Wonder, and Kanye. Dream big or go home. Ya know? Also how about an R&B meets afrobeat track with GRiZ?

If you had a favorite show to date, what would it be and why?

CC: I’m grateful for every performance I’ve had, and everyone that will arrive in the future. Sometimes it’s fun to roll up to a bass music festival and play more poppy disco stuff. Nobody expects it and they’re like, “Whoa this is refreshing!". It was kind of like that at Symbiosis last year. Super fun.

What do you do to unwind?

CC: Psytrance. Just kidding. I listen to folk or ambient music, and chill with my daughter and wife outside somewhere. Turn off the career mind for a bit.

Any hobbies outside of music?

CC: I’m pretty killer at the pogo stick. I can pretty much go all day. Being a dad feels kind of like a hobby too. It’s a totally different mindset that has really nourished my creativity. Simple stuff.

Any favorite memories or horror stories from the road / a show?

CC: My first touring gig was with a 10 piece latin band called Cabaret Diosa. We were in Key West, and the lead singer dove into the crowd at the beginning of my guitar solo. There was a circle bar in the middle of the venue, and the crowd carried him all the way around it and back to the stage. He arrived at the exact moment where he needed to start singing again. It was a small miracle.

What are your favorite movies or TV shows?

CC: Usually comedy based stuff because I LOVE to laugh. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is great. I love Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, Steve Harvey, Bill Maher. All great stuff. That being said, playing in the Roots on Fallon would be a dream gig for me.

Anything else you'd like to plug / promote? What's next?

CC: Well I just dropped a new remix of Jamie xx’s “Loud Places”. Before that I flipped Of Monsters and Men, which went to #1 on Hype Machine and also won the band judged contest. I was pretty honored to have such wild success that one. I plan on releasing something about once a month for a while.