Vela Vada - Borrowed Ladders (2022)

Vela Vada is a new project from electronic musician and producer Brian Danos. Heavily influenced by the rhythms and spirit of his native New Orleans, his tracks veer from indie electronica to chilled-out downtempo grooves. Fusing lush, lo-fi horns with synthesized textures, his songs are distinctly melodic and accessible.

Growing up in New Orleans he was always surrounded by music. From the sounds of street performers to Second Line parades, he absorbed everything. Initially listening mostly to jazz he picked up multiple instruments but was eventually drawn into the world of electronic music where he could fuse these raw sounds with a modern flair. He takes audio from a flurry of different sources before dripping them with timeless effects to create something new.

While he intended Vela Vada to be a completely solo effort, it ended up becoming a collaboration with the musicians he invited into these sessions. Danos let them open their own doors and follow new paths without clinging to any preconceptions. This free-handed approach resulted in tracks that are vital, original, and able to stand tall artistically in the world of electronic music.

Danos has produced tracks for several acts, including the Mardi Gras Indian group “79rs Gang” on their release “Expect the Unexpected.” He’s due to release his first album in 2022 which includes a diverse selection of New Orleans legends including Nicholas Payton, Tiff Lamson, Maggie Koerner, Alvin Ford Jr. and many others.