Over two EPs and a string of future-proofed contributions to our album projects, Tapolsky & VovKING have demonstrated a quirky individuality that makes their music simultaneously fascinating and hard to categorise. We thought it was about time you got to know them a bit better so we linked for a chat…
How did the Tapolsky & VovKING team-up begin?
We started to work together in 2011 after getting to know each other on the internet. Dubstep was big at the time and we collaborated with a lot of Ukrainian pop, rock, and hip-hop artists. We started to get some good feedback from people.
We made a bunch of interesting, and maybe even strange, things in Ukraine. Then, in 2016 we decided to make some stuff that would appeal to a worldwide audience. That year we managed to get our tunes signed to some top DnB labels, like Technique.
Our friendship is not only based on drum ‘n’ bass, or even music in general. We have a lot of common interests and our world-views are very similar. It helps us in our creation, because it’s easier to find a compromise if it’s needed.
It could be said that your music doesn’t fit neatly into one sub-genre of drum ‘n’ bass. Do you agree with that?
Yup, you’re right. We’re trying to do something new. Its cool to make something new & create your own style. People might not be used to it yet, but we hope that this melodic weird new stuff will be seen as a breath of fresh air.
Apart from drum ‘n’ bass, what other music do you listen to?
We like all different styles of music. It may be pop, hip-hop, mainstream music… One of the best styles for us is that UK bassline or garage with stupid wobble basses. We listen to some future bass, tropical house, trap… The last new music that hooked us was leftfield bass. We don’t restrict ourselves by genre at all. We think it’s important to stay innovative all the time and not be scared to experiment.
What’s your proudest achievement in drum ‘n’ bass so far?
You know, we don’t pay attention to achievements. We just do our thing. We feel very lucky to have worked with top labels. Technique have done a lot for us and we’re happy about that. The main goal for us is just making music!
What have you got planned for 2019?
We didn’t have as much time for production as we would have liked in 2018. So, we want to make much more music in 2019. We already have some hybrid-neuro bangers almost finished, so we will try to surprise you with the sound. Also, we played a lot of cool DnB events in different unpredictable places and we’d like that to continue! 2019 will be cool!
Tapolsky & VovKING’s The 2nd EP is out now to stream or download
