About David Vangel
a story contains but few words....
Born. Walked. Kept walking…
David Vangel, aka „Vangel“, is a Toronto based producer & live performer. He first turned heads in 2000 with his production work in the Canadian hip hop scene, with his work being described as “beats so gloriously fucked, they make EL-P sound like a more accessible Moby” (Now Magazine). Since embarking on his own musical journey in 2005, Vangel has released a string of instrumental EPs that have confused and amazed music lovers and muddled the boundaries between such genres as electronic, hip hop, jazz, rock, and folk.
Vangel’s first musical steps began with his formal music studies as a member of his school band, strings ensemble, and symphony orchestra. “I hated playing. I just wanted to put it together”. His fascination with ‚putting together‘ eventually led to an obsession with ‚taking apart‘; dissecting songs, time signatures, and melody. Needing a more contextual knowledge base, Vangel spent his days digging through flea markets and garage sales in search of diverse vinyl records with new sounds and ideas. Eventually, vinyl led to djing. Working with 2 records opened Vangel’s eyes to the possibilities of manipulating and creating new sound relationships. “I wanted to make beats so bad. I had so many ideas I wanted to try out. I bought a computer, quit my job, and started making music”.
In 2005, he began releasing music that drew comparisons across the musical spectrum, and caught the attention of 5&1/4 Records/Media, a local Canadian Indie Label. With their support he released his peterdeadpan side-project, his debut ep: "PostModern Eros", and select remixes. His work garnered international acclaim and he was later signed to Berlin‘s premier instrumental hip hop and electronic label: Equinox Records. Since 2007, he has been featured on a multitude of Equinox releases, and in 2009 released „Biblio“; a neo classic electronic jazz inspired ep, which was dubbed „a very accomplished affair, blurring the lines between disparate genres and sound sources“ (Cyclic Defrost Magazine). Having taken his live improvisational PA across Canada, the US, and Europe, David Vangel continues to make strong impressions on those he meets and take in his music.
All his talents are unleashed with his newest release and debut lp: „Breadth Control“. A mind altering affair loaded with emotive melodies, explosive dynamics, and savage gauntlets of fierce drum programming, „Breadth Control“ moves listeners with orchestral string arrangements and an overall cinematic quality that creates abstract visions ranging from optimism to melancholy. „Breadth Control“ demands attention, and is poised to leave its stamp on the future of electronic fusion music.
With a multitude of diverse theme-based musical projects on deck, Vangel is taking humble steps towards a unique synthesis of sound.
Born. Walked. Kept walking…
- PULSE MAG
"...Vangel’s sounds are so difficult to classify because they seem to come from everywhere and mingle in the ether; beats are so crooked yet flow effortlessly through orchestral soundscapes like the ambiance in a futuristic elevator ride.."
- THE SKINNY MAG
"... he splinters the palettes of DJ Shadow and Mr Scruff with jazz-rap beats that are reminiscent of the early '90s sampling aesthetic, the tunes are delivered with such an urgency that the music is drawn away from any notions of laid back hip-hop.."
- TURNTABLE RADIO
"...Well worth your time, trust us. .."
- HEROHILL
"...If you're looking for some interesting, hip hop flavoured, jazz and everything else-influenced instrumental music, Vangel just might be fors you.."
- SOULMATTERS MAGAZINE
"... more than just beats, this guy’s got an ear for instrumentation.."
- EARSHOTS MAGAZINE
"...A masterful attack on so many musical genres.."
- EXCLAIM! MAGAZINE
"...A beautiful, flowing soundscape: perfect for your intense listening pleasure.
A true work of art.."
- VERSUS SF MAGAZINE
"...A unique version of organic instrumental electronic music
for the new beat generation.."
- AMPLIFIER MAGAZINE
"...complex and original; unified by a unique musical vision."
- CYCLIC DEFROST MAGAZINE
"...a very accomplished affair, blurring the lines between disparate genres and sound sources."
- SOUND PROOF MAGAZINE
"...Vangel is an amazing and original producer."
vangelmusic.com
myspace.com/vangelmusic