Snails has been non-stop over the past year and shows no signs of slowing down as he heads into 2020 with a bang. With his World of Slime tour underway, new music on the horizon and the ever-present dance floor pressure from his SLUGZ Music label, the Canadian-native producer is at the top of his game.
With his epic holographic Shell 2.0 stage due to touch down at The Hollywood Palladium on Saturday, November 16th with Rusko, Kompany, & Al Ross, & Jayceeoh, we thought we’d touch base with the vomitstep king himself so check this exclusive interview as he goes into detail about his World Of Slime tour and upcoming projects below.
When it comes to bass music, a lot of producers look up to you as one of their favorite dubstep producers. Before getting to where you are now, who were some of your favorite producers that you looked up to?
Skrillex is definitely the producer I’ve always looked up to – my musical hero for sure. I also have mad respect for artists like Svdden Death and Kompany. I’ve been listening to them for a minute now and feel like they’ve contributed so much to the bass community.
Explain to us where the term “vomitstep” came from and how it developed into your own genre? Vomitstep started about five years ago, in Montreal. I had eight months to make the music thing work. I remember shutting myself off from everyone and experimenting with sound production in my tiny apartment. The music that came out of that was the weirdest, grossest sounding ever, so I called it the weirdest, grossest sounding name I could think of: Vomitstep. Weirdness is a big part of the genre in general. It’s a strange sound, created by a strange guy, listened to by strange people, making up a community of acceptance and positivity. It’s all bigger than I could have ever imagined. I’m so grateful.
Last year, on your Shell 2.0 tour, you brought such a unique display of characters from your comic book series, “THE SHELL: SLUGGERNAUT.” On this tour, you’re bringing back your epic holographic Shell 2.0 stage. How will it be different this time from last year?
It’s important to me that all parts of the Snails project combine to tell an epic story. The World of Slime show uses the holographic stage to tell the next chapter in SLUGZ’s journey. POV visuals, lazers, fire and props elevate the experience as a whole. We’ve also incorporated key moments for crowd interaction.
Can we expect to hear any new music during your tour?
YES. This set really traces my while musical journey up to this point. Fans can expect the return of old school bangers, some Snails classics, plus sick new collars off the upcoming EP. I’m really excited about that!
You recently signed your first artist, Jayceeoh, who is also joining you on tour. What is your vision for the label and where do you see it going over the next few years?
I’m so thrilled to have Jayceeoh as the first artist on SLUGZ. In many ways he represents what I want the label to be. SLUGZ MUSIC is really about creating a safe place for artists to explore and push musical boundaries. I want the label to be a family of badass, talented artists who inspire each other. It’s about trusting your gut and taking risks. I also know how scary it could be getting into this business. Making that whole process easier for someone else would be a dream come true.
When working in the studio, how do you overcome writers block (or “producers block”)?
I’ve found that the best way to deal with a creative block is to work through it. I’ll revisit an older project, listen to some voice notes [laughs], or chill to see of my favorite music. Of course, I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by the best network of creative people. Inspiration is often a text, chat or phone call away.
Tell us about any other projects that you’re currently working on that fans can look out for soon.
I’ve had the privilege of working on so many amazing projects this year! There’s obviously the World of Slime tour, which I’m super stoked about. Then there’s my newest comic book, MISSION: SLUGTOPIA, music videos, cool merch … a new EP. Fans can also expect some dope new tracks and artists coming out of SLUGZ MUSIC. I’m excited for the Vomitsquad to explore every aspect of my universe. I believe there are no limits if you work hard enough, and I’ve been working hard for them!
Tell us 3 unique things that we don’t know about you (hobbies, fun facts, weird habits…etc…)
- Oh, boy. I’m a Canadian who doesn’t skate. Pretty unique, right?
- I love brunch – it’s by far my favorite meal of the day.
- I’m also a graphic artist by trade.
- Last, I am always down for a horror movie. Wait, that’s four!