Vindata - ...With Opened Eyes (Album) + 10 Questions

LA-based electronic R&B duo Vindata today unveiled their highly-anticipated debut album, ‘...With Opened Eyes’ on Monstercat. The 12-track package features tastemakers like Grammy-winning songwriter Kaydence, vocalists MACKandgold and Maurice Moore, rapper Leon St. Heron, and more. The versatile project arrives with a beautifully intimate visualizer for the standout single, “Skin (I Give In To You)”, directed and produced by Simon Hutchins. Following a brief hiatus to reflect and grow, Vindata have returned to the scene in a big way this year. ‘...With Opened Eyes’ reflects on the pivotal moments that have shaped who they are today, shedding light on the power of the human experience while bringing groove and diversity back to the dancefloor.

Vindata sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music? And how did that eventually lead to making this album?

Branden: We started this project back in 2010, but our love for music was discovered in our early childhood. I was a performer at an early age, doing hip-hop gigs in the '90s at colleges and talent shows.

Jared: I come from a family of musicians, so music was always a big part of my life. When Branden and I met, we really connected on our musical background and upbringing. So when we decided to do this album, we wanted to highlight and reflect that same inspiration that got us into production in the first place.

2. Who are some artists that have influenced you and that you want to work with in the future?

Branden: We're big fans of The Neptunes (Pharrell and Chad Hugo), Timbaland, Daft Punk, Kanye's early work, Just Blaze, and Dr. Dre.

Jared: We'd love to work with Toro y Moi, Little Dragon, Channel Tres, Kaytranada, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Missy Elliot.

3. What were some of the problems (if any) that you faced while making music during the coronavirus pandemic? Did that affect the album at all?

Branden: I think the biggest challenge we had was getting everyone on the same page for the project. This album has a good amount of features and a bunch of moving parts. Trying to manage that and keep things pushing along during the pandemic was stressful. But it was understandable. Everyone was in this unknown space, and the future seemed unclear.

4. How would you describe your sound? How has it evolved over time?

Jared: Soulful electronic music. All of our music is made from the soul and comes from a genuine place.

Branden: Genreless, feel-good music. Since the beginning, we've always tried to live outside the box with our sound. The genre people might label our music can be whatever, but the emotion and feeling it gives you is always consistent.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as artists?

Branden: This moment right now is our proudest to date. We've had really dope accomplishments in the past (touring with Skrillex, Zedd, Tchami, signing to OWSLA, production placements with Fat Joe and Bingo Players), but this album was something we did ourselves. The crazy twists and turns this project took helped us grow as musicians and as men in general.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Jared: Always aim to be unique, but respect and learn from the artists that came before you.

Branden: Stay humble. Be careful of the company that surrounds you. The music industry is a tough place, and not everyone will understand your vision.

7. Are there any emerging artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Branden: Not The Father, Choice, Shima, Robot Love, Madi, KingJet.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Jared: Kanye West 'Graduation', and Koffee 'Rapture'

Branden: Salute 'Condition', Kllo 'Backwater', and J Cole 'The Off-Season'

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Branden: I like exercising, reading & watching something philosophical or sociological, and spending time with my family.

Jared: I'm into gaming. I love hopping on the sticks and playing Rocket League, GTA-V, and APEX Legends. I'm also a big movie guy.

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Jared: 4k street walking videos in the background and a place to put my shoes, cause I always work in my socks.

Branden: Coffee or tea