Denver based producers Vinja and Sortof Vague are notorious for their textured phrase-based scratching styles, expressive melodies, and their unique drum patterns. This swagger-laden energy comes from years of experience on the stage and deep in their respective creative lairs. Together, they play as Navigatorz, a rowdy and energetic DJ duo with an ear for timeless dance vibes and satisfyingly melodic tracks. The group last week released a new EP, Character, a four track EP that features a Mystic State and DJ MADD remix of their title track. The jazzy and soulful vocal track, “Character”, has an explorative dubstep backbone and a covid inspired background. For those of us catching a glimpse of its creation throughout the summer, this is a much anticipated release. Not only was the track played at multiple shows and festivals this year but was featured at the end of Navigatorz Observatory Mixtape in 2020. 

Featuring vocalist Maya Elise, an exciting choice for her unique style, control, and stunning tone, the track has a perfect combination of cadence and texture with modern accents of electronica. Reminiscent of jazz singers like Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald, her notes travel and change with passion and at times angst. Maya creates a painted image of sound for her audience to decipher. 

Played at only the most propitious times this summer, eager fans have unknowingly bared witness to bits and pieces of sound creation. Characters opens with lasers cascading through open air with a simple cymbal. Within moments the track quickly accelerates, filling the space with an uplifting-soulful pace and bouncing drum patterns. Accompanied by Maya's angelic echoing lyrics, the sensuous melody and intoxicating vocals brings us into a place both sexy and mysterious. 

Inquisitive and excited, we spoke briefly with Sam and Maya about their time working on this track and their inspirations. 

Alyssa Barnhill: I swear I have heard this track at one of your shows this year. When did this project start and how did you find yourself here?

Sortof Vague: “We wrote Character a couple of years ago for a live set that we were working on at the time. It only took us a few hours to flesh out the idea, which was inspired but a pair of classic tunes that are around the same tempo. After playing out the instrumental live and receiving good feedback, Vince (Vinja) suggested that we find a vocalist to take the song to the next level. We approached Maya with the offer and she quickly delivered a wonderful vocal performance featuring lyrics that match the overall vibe of the tune perfectly. We knew right then that we wanted to give the track a proper release.

Alyssa : Maya wrote the lyrics? The passion is palpable. What was the inspiration?

Maya: "When Navigatorz contacted me about sending over my vocals to them, I had been isolating myself heavily due to the pandemic. The lyrics I wrote to Character are about making time to dig deeper and to face what we maybe ignore or deny. I think that acknowledging the darker parts of ourselves is crucial to our overall growth. Sam and Vince have not only been so encouraging to me during this process but they have also been clear with their direction and communication and I respect that so much."

Featured at Kings Theatre this last weekend in Brooklyn NY, at the Mishawaka Amphitheater  over the summer, Junetember Jam in Flagstaff AZ, and at Infrasound music festival in Minnesota, this dynamic duo has no signs of letting up. Whether you are interested in DnB tempos that are fun and racey,  140 vibes, or jazzy textures, this EP has something for you. 

FOLLOW Navigatorz: Soundcloud / Bandcamp / Spotify / Facebook

FOLLOW Maya Elise: Facebook