All Day I Dream, a label renowned for its focus on organic and melody-driven club music is starting 2024 off on the right foot. Its latest compilation, A Winter Sampler VI, was released on January 26th ( with vinyl coming on Feb 16th). It continues the label’s focus on supporting new and established artists alike while putting quality at the forefront of its long-running seasonal compilation series.
In this exclusive interview, Sinca, featured on the Winter Sampler VI with her track ‘Printemps’, discusses the unique advantages and misconceptions surrounding VA (Various Artists) releases. Sinca discusses the collaborative nature of VAs, how they differ from single or solo EP releases, and their impact on an artist’s career.
With candid insights and experiences, Sinca illuminates the strategy behind releasing music on VAs, the promotional differences compared to singles, and dispels common myths about VAs.
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What do you think releasing on a VA brings to the table different from a single or solo EP?
Releasing on a VA (which stands for Various Artists) has some perks.
First off, it’s like a magnet. It helps your music reach more people, because fans of other artists on the same release, and fans of the label might check out your music. From a consumer standpoint, some people appreciate the accessibility of a VA. For instance, someone who doesn’t necessarily follow an artist religiously might overlook a single or solo EP. However, a VA stands out, almost like an album for the label. It’s really more than just individual tracks, it’s about the label’s support of different artists, the evolving direction of the label’s music, and the discovery of new talents.
Plus, being on a VA also lets you discover new artists. Every time I’ve done it, I’ve been blown away by how talented the other musicians are. Being part of such a talented group is always a great feeling.
And lastly (let’s be real), sometimes you don’t have many choices. Releasing on a VA is better than not releasing anything, especially when some big labels have more say in the music scene. It’s a way to ensure your music gets out there and heard. It’s all about getting your music to as many ears as possible!
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How do you decide if a track you’ve produced would be best released on a VA or as a single/EP?
In my case, when I’m making a track, I don’t even have a specific label in mind, so not a release format. It’s more about the creative process; I’m not planning if it will be on a VA or a single/EP!
But I see my producing style as pretty eclectic. I like to mix things up when I produce because I have many different inspirations and influences. So, for me, a VA release makes a lot of sense. My tracks don’t always fit perfectly together for a themed EP. At least, it hasn’t happened a lot yet. It’s more about the vibe and energy of each track rather than fitting a specific mold.
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Can you share a story where signing a track as part of a compilation or VA substantially furthered your career?
Being featured on VA releases has been instrumental in advancing my music career. Releasing high-quality tracks is always a good idea, and the association with big labels such as Anjunadeep, All Day I Dream, and Days Like Nights has significantly contributed to my growth. It’s not just about the music, the reputation of these labels play an important role as well, and being part of their compilations has opened lots of doors.
Once the track is released, is the promotion strategy any different for a VA than for a single?
The promotion strategy is somewhat similar in the sense that, at the end of the day, you’re putting out ONE single track. However, when it comes to a VA, there’s an additional layer of collaboration with other artists that shapes the messaging differently.
It’s not just about MY track… It’s about the collective effort of a group of talented artists. So, the promotion involves highlighting not just my work but also emphasizing the collaborative and diverse nature of the entire compilation. It adds a unique twist to the messaging in my opinion.
What’s a myth or assumption about VAs that you think is bogus or off base?
I’d say a common misconception about VA releases is the idea that they’re just a collection of random tracks without any cohesion. In reality, a well-curated VA involves thoughtful selection and sequencing of the tracks by the label, to create a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience for listeners. So, dismissing VA releases as a random assortment is a bit off base.
Another myth is that a release on a VA holds less value for an artist than other releases. From my perspective, and considering all the reasons mentioned earlier, I don’t find this to be true. The exposure to diverse fan bases and association with reputable labels make VA releases just as valuable and impactful for an artist’s career.
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What are your top three labels consistently releasing the best VAs or Comps?
I’m a little biased, but I would say: Anjunadeep, All Day I Dream, Days Like Nights. Their commitment to curating top-notch VAs showcases a diverse range of talent and consistently results in great musical discoveries and experiences.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
