Chapter & Verse is helping redefine dance music’s boundaries, and we caught up with him to chat about his recent releases and more!
In the fast-paced world of dance music, few artists have risen as rapidly and impressively as British DJ and producer Chapter & Verse. Bursting onto the scene with his debut track “Dreams” in 2020, he has since carved a unique niche, blending the euphoric energy of late ’90s rave culture with a fresh, forward-thinking approach to house music.
Chapter & Verse’s tracks, characterized by their soaring melodics, syrupy vocals, and compelling basslines, pay homage to the halcyon days of the rave and Balearic era while propelling the genre forward. Though it took nearly two decades for him to pursue a full-fledged music career, his connection to the dance floor remained unwavering. Frequent visits to Ibiza and a vibrant club life in the UK kept the fires of his passion burning. These days, Chapter & Verse gears up for an exciting tour with stops in Montreal, Washington DC, New York, and major European festivals like Tomorrowland and Creamfields.
As he continues to evolve and push boundaries, Chapter & Verse is not just a name to watch but a compelling force shaping the future of house music. His recent work, including the dynamic collaboration with Dimitri Vegas and Goodboys on “Good For You” and the release of his new single “Automatic,” showcases his versatility, innovative thinking, and ability to create hits that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Diving into the heart of his creative process, we caught up with him to discuss his unique approach to music and his vision for the future of dance music.
Stream Chapter & Verse – Good For You on Spotify
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat today. Can you share what it was like working with Dimitri Vegas and Goodboys on “Good For You”? How did the collaboration and concept of the song come about?
I had the idea to use the 50 Cent riff in a track and made a demo with a different vocal from what you hear now. I sent it to Dimitri, and it was pretty rough at that time, but he added some wicked bits and switched up the production. Then, we hit up John and Ethan to see if they could come up with a cool top line and further enhance the production. Both Dimitri and Goodboys are proven hits writers, so I was confident this would be a great collaboration.
How do you ensure the song reflects your distinctive style and sound when working on tracks with big names like Dimitri Vegas?
With Chapter & Verse, I always work in the same way in terms of production, how I add samples, and the way I arrange stuff. The little noises I use as ear candy are all pretty much consistent with my other tunes. Dimitri and CV work very well; I feel we’ve got respect for each other style so that complements the tracks rather than work against it.
What inspires you the most when creating new music, and how do you approach keeping your sound fresh and exciting?
I’m always looking for new, innovative things to make. It’s a tough one because you’re always stuck in the middle of keeping to your style but being fresh at the same time. I think all artists have the same problem with that.
How do you see the current landscape of the electronic music industry, and where do you think it’s heading in the next few years?
The scene at the moment is crazy in terms of genres, literally, there are so many cross-over styles now that I kind of see genres in a few years going all together. We’re talking about electronic music now rather than specific tech house or electro-tuned for sure.
Do you have plans to tour in the USA soon, and are there any specific cities or venues you’re particularly excited to perform at?
I’m heading there in March and May to Montreal, Washington DC, and New York, but I’m also seeing some good stuff coming in from Europe with Ushuaïa, Tomorrowland, and Creamfields. So, I’m kinda mixing it up a bit this year.
What has been the biggest evolution in house music since you first entered the scene, and how has it influenced your work?
Well to be honest it’s not long since I’ve been in music but I’ve seen a massive tilt towards social media. I’m seeing influencers get booked in place of DJs/Producers, for the fanbases I guess. But that’s how it is now, and you gotta get with the times or get left behind.
If you were to organize your dream show, what three essential elements would you include to ensure it’s an unforgettable experience?
I’d have it on a beach; I’d charge for tickets but use all the money to put on amazing entertainment and free drinks, free merch, just all around giving back to the fans. That’s my plan when I get big enough.
Finally, what’s next for Chapter and Verse in terms of upcoming projects or milestones?
So I got “5 On It” coming on Tiesto’s Musical Freedom soon, and then I’ve got a mega collab with Steve Aoki called “2 x 2.” I’m working with some cool artists at the moment, so watch this space for some exciting announcements
