LYMA + Marcel Vogel - Keep On Stepping (Single) + 10 Questions

Fresh off their debut Boogie Angst single ‘Head Back In The Game’, Marcel Vogel & LYMA are coming in like a sugar rush with their follow-up tune, ‘Keep On Stepping’ out now.

DJ’ing across the globe, remixing the likes of Hot Chip, Phenomenal Handclap Band and Flamingo Pier, and A&R’ing releases on his own record label Lumberjacks In Hell, Marcel Vogel is the good vibe guru. Fueled by the dance floor connection, Marcel offers an eclectic blend of Disco, Soul, House and Gospel. Amsterdam-based LYMA is an RnB and Soul powerhouse. Also, part of the LIKEMINDS ensemble, LYMA skirts the genre borders with his eclectic mix of groovy goodness.

A swanky, yet luxurious syncopated and heavily saturated bassline lays underneath a washed out vocal cut. After which, a guitar riff reminiscent of early Prince makes friends with a rather ambiguous synth stab. All whilst the hypnotic analog hi-hat pattern fills in the blanks. The song's second part introduces Acid House inspired elements, firmly planting them in their own world.

The broader theme of their upcoming Boogie Angst EP’s is about the wonders of childbirth, and the direct consequences thereof. Beautifully extended, yet concise at the same time, ‘Keep On Stepping’ serves as an appropriate follow-up to their stellar Boogie Angst debut, late last year.

LYMA 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?

I guess there are a few things that sparked it. My dad used to play music very loud on the weekends and some of his records really resonated with me. Records like Graceland by Paul Simon for instance really moved me as a kid and actually stuck with me till this day. But probably the main reason I’m still doing music now was born out of pure boredom. Growing up in a tiny little town, I actually gravitated to music because it was a joyish way to pass the time. Either to pass the time on the bike to school which was a very long ride, or when I wasn’t allowed to watch tv back home. Listening to music, singing along or trying to make up songs became a way for me to make the daily routine more interesting.

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

My head starts spinning when I try to answer this question because there are so many artists that have influenced me and that I would love to work with. So I’ll name a few that come to mind (in no particular order): Andre 3000, Thundercat, Sault, BADBADNOTGOOD, Peven Everett, Ravyn Lanae and Doug Shorts.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’ve got a few things cooking at the moment. A special project that I won’t mention just now and then an EP after that. It’s mostly mid tempo grooves with lots of soulful danceable stuff on there that might be perfect for the summer. We’re both really excited to release these puppies because these songs mean a lot to us.

I’ve also just finished a mixtape with my LIKEMINDS project. We’ve put together all the demo’s of the tracks that got stolen from us when we were working on our debut album. The stuff is pretty raw but I think as a whole it comes together really well.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Probably something that changes all the time and that I should leave up to the critics but I think today I’ll call it raw groove driven eclectic soul-drenched pop music.

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

I haven’t had one particular moment that stands out (yet). To be honest my proudest moments so far have been after writing songs that I would have never thought I’d be able to write. Things that exceeded my imagination. This ever growing process is actually one of the main reasons I keep going at this music thing. Going through the struggle of trying to keep motivating yourself despite the self doubt and then getting to a point that you are actually proud of what you have done.

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

Not sure if I am in a position to give other people advice, but what seems to work for me is getting shit done, saying yes to things and keeping things moving. Not waiting for that one shot, but attempting all of them.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Sessa, Liv-e, DijahSB.

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

BRWN - B. Cool-aid
Girl In The Half Pearl - Liv.e
Vincent Ahehehinnou- Best Woman

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

Going to the zoo close to our house with my little 2 year old boy. I love to see how he discovers new things every time.

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

Plants, my Moog and my slippers.