DJ Vadim

There exist musicians and bands who create a single album and then fade into obscurity. However, there are others who maintain an unwavering presence in the studio and on the road, akin to the likes of Tupac, J Dilla, or BB King. These artists transcend mere prolificacy and seem to exude music through their very pores. DJ Vadim, also known as Daddy Vad, has undoubtedly established himself within this latter category.

Over the past two decades, few individuals have dedicated as much time and energy to the culture they cherish as DJ Vadim. As the founder of Jazz Fudge in early 1995, and now of King Dada Sounds, he has donned multiple hats, including those of an A&R, producer, promoter, record collector, award-winning radio presenter, writer, chef, and yogi. Vadim has undoubtedly kept himself occupied. And this is before even considering his DJ performances, which have seen him take the stage over 3,000 times across 88 countries, gracing some of the world's most prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and Fuji Rock. With over 250 million streams, numerous indie chart-topping mixtapes on platforms like Mixcloud, award winning production sample packs for companies like Loopmasters, teaching at SAE School of Music and a plethora of awards, describing the man as an internationalist seems like an understatement.

DJ Vadim's journey commenced in 1992 when the Russian ex-pat acquired a sampler and began working on the music that would become his debut, "Abstract Hallucinating Gasses and Headz Ain't Ready." Later that year, he signed with Ninja Tune, culminating in his debut LP, "USSR Repertoire." From these early recordings came 31 albums/ plus countless eps, singles and mixtapes not including the production for groups he was part of like 7n7c with whom he was nominated for the Latin Grammy’s in 2002

For an artist with such an extensive recording pedigree, it would be easy to coast on autopilot, churning out music by rote or rehashing earlier ideas, ultimately becoming irrelevant and past his prime. Similarly, it would be tempting to collaborate with the day's "stars" and "buy fame." However, this is not Vadim's approach. So what does he sound like?

Tracing the music's evolution, one can discern that musical progression, musical evolution is the key – a work in progress. Vadim didnt just try to regurgitate the 90s when he started but he has constantly tried to create his own sonic vision. Starting from a foundation in hip-hop music and the science of sampling, Vadim has evolved into more than just a beat maker or a rap nerd. He amalgamated Hip Hop, soul, jazz, bass culture, reggae House and worldly sounds, all infused with a touch of something quite special and unique.

There is an unmistakable quality to his musical style, a distinctive sonic signature that sets him apart from his contemporaries. Whether it's the raw emotion conveyed through raspy vocals or the intricate interplay of instruments, his artistry resonates with a profound authenticity. Each composition is a meticulously crafted tapestry, woven with threads of personal experience and profound introspection. His sound transcends mere melodies, evoking visceral reactions and forging an indelible connection with listeners who find solace and resonance in his poetic production. Beyond the confines of genre or trend, his artistry stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to touch the human soul.


‘Some men see things as they are and ask why others dream of things that never were and ask why not’
Bernard Shaw