Virtual State of mind: Jody Vukas on remixing, cannabis, and creativity

Jody Vukas is a dynamic Producer and DJ who has carved out a niche in the electronic music scene with his distinct blend of melodic, tech, and progressive house elements. His ability to bridge different genres has earned him acclaim from both fans and industry peers alike.

Photo credit: Jody Vukas – Official

In this exclusive interview with EG, Jody opens up about his recent chart-topping releases, his approach to remixing, and the exciting developments at his label, Distant Drum Recordings.

From discussing his summer highlights, including a heartwarming moment with his children at Fenway Park, to delving into his dual career as a commercial cannabis specialist, Jody provides a candid glimpse into his multifaceted life.

EG: Hi, Jody! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?

Jody Vukas: It’s an honor to be here. Thank you for having me! I am doing great! It has been a very busy and productive year thus far with a lot of wins and there are no signs of it slowing down. Right now I am at my studio in the Northeast of the US.

EG: How is your summer going so far? Any particular highlights?

Jody Vukas: It’s been pretty awesome, to say the least. Very low-key with lots of time with my kids. I think the highlight was when my boys got to walk around the baseball field at Fenway Park, which is the Boston Red Sox’s home stadium. Such a cool experience for them! They were super excited and it was awesome to watch their little minds melt.

Additionally, I have been very fortunate that several releases have charted this summer on Beatport’s Top Progressive and Melodic House & Techno charts alongside artists like Dave Seaman, Quiver, and Hernan Cattaneo, and for that I am grateful. You can say that I am super stoked!

EG: By the way, congratulations on the release of your recent remix for Oscar Cordero’s ‘Virtual State’. What has the initial reception been like so far?

Jody Vukas: Thank you! It has been well received and getting some great support across the board from Beatport to Spotify. It has generated new collaborative opportunities and remixes that I am grateful for.

EG: So, how did you approach this one? What do you usually look out for when considering a remix proposal?

Jody Vukas: When Mario over at Melodio Music sent an inquiry with the original, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to meet his deadline due to my stacked production schedule but, after listening to the original, I really liked the vibe, and energy that Carlos created and I started having ideas immediately. I wanted to make sure that I kept the essence of the original and stuck to the melody.

The original track needs to have something that grabs me, whether it’s a captivating melody, a unique rhythm, or a catchy hook. My creative side then conspires with my imagination to see how I can recreate the track with my own style while maintaining the integrity of the original. There are some instances where the original may not check some of the typical boxes. An example would be my remix of the Imagine Dragons song ‘Bad Liar’. At its original BPM, most wouldn’t consider doing it for a melodic house remix at 120 BPM.

“‘I love to work with and release unknown producers! Their hunger and passion are truly inspiring”

EG: Not only that, but you’re also behind the drop of your latest single, ‘Sweet Joy’, which is already available via your own Distant Drum Recordings. What can your fans expect to find on this one?

Jody Vukas: ‘Sweet Joy’ is an uplifting melodic experience that is a little different for me in the sense of the vibe and feeling. I am known for my love and use of percussion and drums and ‘Sweet Joy’ got the same attention. The vocals were passed along to me by a colleague in Bulgaria who started to work with them but had to step away for a big opportunity so I ran with it.

EG: Speaking of your Distant Drum Recordings… How’s the label at the moment? What can we expect from it in the near future?

Jody Vukas: The label is getting a lot of attention at the moment. Beatport has been showing us some love by placing our releases in the new releases and hype picks banners. Additionally, we are getting more and more demos from some great producers looking to get their productions out to the world. I love to work with and release unknown producers! Their hunger and passion are truly inspiring.

The label has gone through a bit of a remodel. We have always released a fair amount of Tech House, Tribal, and Techno-edged tracks getting support from guys like Danny Tenaglia, Steve Lawler, Victor Calderone, and Chus to name a few. We have added Progressive House, more Melodic House & Techno as well as Afro House and Organic. There is so much good music being made and I want DDR to be a platform to get that music to the masses.

EG: By the way, you’re also a commercial cannabis specialist, right? In which ways do marijuana and music intersect in your life?

Jody Vukas: Yes, I am. I have been working in the commercial cannabis industry for well over a decade now. Cannabis has so many great qualities that not only can heal but is great for sleep, stress, PTSD, and other challenges. For me, it helps me quiet my mind in conjunction with meditation, and get into a flow state rather quickly, and stay there for extended periods of time. This is where I am in the zone and I am able to create freely.

EG: If the listening experience is “heightened” by the use of marijuana, would you say it “distorts” said experience? How do you feel about making “critical” music-related decisions during the production process when “under the influence”?

Jody Vukas: I don’t agree with that sentiment. Heightened and distorted are two different experiences that are not exclusive to each other through the use of cannabis. In my experience, I feel that it enhances said experience and allows for expansion of mind, body, and soul.

I’m not sure what you would label as a “critical” decision; however, I have never experienced any forms of belligerence or debilitating effects from the use of cannabis that clouded my judgment other than maybe eating one too many pieces of pizza or cookies! Let’s be real here, if you have any critical decisions to make, having a clear mind is always key. You have to be responsible and know when to and when not to consume cannabis or anything else that can alter your state.

“You have to be responsible and know when to and when not to consume cannabis or anything else that can alter your state”

EG: Finally, what can we expect from Jody Vukas in the next months? Where can your fans catch you playing live next?

Jody Vukas: I have a lot more releases dropping through the rest of the year on various labels going into 2025. I have not taken on any gigs for the next few months to focus on a new podcast show ‘Behind The Music’, producing and the label. It’s a show where I interview people from all over the world that work behind the scenes of the dance music industry and help bring shows and events to fruition.

From promoters to mix and mastering engineers, ghost producers, as well as artist development agencies, and bartenders. I thought it would be a great way to give these unknown people a chance to tell their stories and how they came to want to work in this industry that we all love.

EG: Thank you so much for your time, Jody! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!

Jody Vukas: It was a pleasure! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! Until next time!

Jody Vuka’s ‘Virtual State (Remix)’ is out now on Melodiös Music. Stream and download here.

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