Vagrant Real Estate explores Holy Places
Aberdeen producer Vagrant Real Estate has teamed up with Edinburgh-based singer Misty Galactic for a new track. Released on 23 July, Holy Places is a dark late-night pop single which explores the intense feelings of lust and obsession.
Both musicians have enjoyed tremendous praise in the infancy of their careers. Misty Galactic’s previous releases received a wide range of support, including from the Scottish Alternative Music Awards. She ended 2020 on a high with her inclusion on The Herald’s Top 100 tunes of the year. Recently Misty Galactic also landed the coveted Artist of the Week feature in The Scotsman.
Vagrant Real Estate has also received notable coverage. Specifically from the likes of Ministry of Sound, DJ Mag and i-D Magazine. In addition he was also named as one of Vic Galloway’s Top 25 Artists To Watch in 2021.
The new track marks the first time that Vagrant Real Estate has worked worked with a singer. As a producer he normally works with rappers. His signature production style combining warm melodies with soap bass and drums is still very much present, though. Holy Places highlights Misty Galactic’s sonic ambition. Her voice commands presence over walls of guitar and synths. The result is a cavernous and carnal anthem to obsession, evoking artists such as BANKS, The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey.
What the artists say about Holy Places
We asked Vagrant Real Estate how he and Misty got together for the track. Speaking to POST, he told us, “I originally came across Misty’s music through blogs as she was picking up press for her first few singles, and really liked her sound and aesthetic. I always want to try and push myself and work on different sounds and styles, so I reached out and she was happy to collaborate.
“Misty Galactic is a great talent, and I couldn’t be happier with how the track came out. From the initial demo I sent through, her songwriting and vocal performance took the whole sound to the next level.”
Misty Galactic told us, “It was awesome to get to work with Vagrant Real Estate on this release. The lyrics are all about being so obsessed with someone and having such intense feelings, it all starts to feel like a religious experience. I’d been playing around with them for quite a while, and when he sent me the initial idea for a track, everything just seemed to fit together perfectly. I’m super proud of what we’ve created.”
The effect of COVID on recording music
We wondered whether remote the move to recording has been liberating for artists. Some say it’s levelling the playing field, while others tell us it’s more difficult for new acts. Vagrant Real Estate thinks it is a bit of both. “I think it’s definitely benefited those who have been able to adapt and work effectively with it. I’ve seen a number of people grow their brand massively. Artists tapping into that new captive audience who were stuck at home, looking for things to watch on social media.
If the quality is there and you have the right push/marketing behind it, people will start to notice.
Vagrant Real Estate
“There’s definitely an argument that it’s difficult for new acts due to the sheer amount of new music now. You can self-produce and release tracks from your bedroom, but equally the tools are all available and mostly free to network and get your sound out there via social media, websites and the like. If the quality is there and you have the right push/marketing behind it, people will start to notice.”
Aberdeen’s music scene
Aberdeen’s music scene is dominated by rock bands, but other genres are starting to push their way through. We asked about the city’s music scene and he sees it. He said, “I think locally and for Scotland in general, there’s an abundance of bands. That’s what we’re typically known for. When I started out producing, pretty much the only other person working in hip-hop in the city was Ransom FA.
“I definitely think now though that hip-hop is coming through. There’s a lot of talent in the next generation of artists. I think that ties in with the global shift towards hip-hop as the most popular genre. The main thing Aberdeen needs to compete with the central belt is just infrastructure. In terms of venues, studios and practise spaces we’re definitely lacking. Especially when compared to what’s available to the artists in Glasgow and Edinburgh.”
The future
Wondering what’s on the horizon for the Aberdeen producer, he told us, “I’ve been working on some really exciting collaborations with MCs in London. I’ve been building those relationships and expanding my sound to incorporate more live instrumentation. Gatson and I are writing the follow-up album to our Holding On EP from Spring this year. I’m also finishing up my next instrumental project – just keeping as busy as possible.
“Once we get a bit closer to normality I’m also keen to put on some events in the city with DJs and performers, providing a platform to showcase the talent we have here.”
Our view
Holy Places is a great example of the wealth of talent coming out of Scotland’s next generation of stars. Highlighting both artist’s level of musicianship and versatility, Misty Galactic and Vagrant Real Estate have bright futures ahead of them.
We are extremely keen to support Aberdeen singers, songwriters, bands and producers. Check out The Lounge, a playlists with shines a spotlight on our finest musicians. We update it every Monday so check in regularly.
Holy Places is released on 23 July. You can find Holy Places on your favourite streaming site. You can also keep up to date with the latest on the Aberdeen DJ and producer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
