Few things bridge the gap between past and present quite like a well-executed remix, and Roy LaCroix’s reimagining of Culture Beat’s “Mr. Vain” does exactly that. Released on Rock Bottom Recs, this tech house edit brings a fresh perspective to a 90s dance classic while staying true to its original energy. As part of LaCroix’s ongoing exploration of nostalgic sounds, the track is available as a free download, ensuring it finds its way to DJs and fans eager to revisit this iconic anthem with a modern twist.
The remix captures the signature supersaw synth riff that made the original unforgettable, but LaCroix adds his distinctive production style with a modernized supersaw drop and carefully crafted layers. It’s this thoughtful approach that continues to set LaCroix apart in the overcrowded dance music space.
In this exclusive interview, Roy LaCroix reflects on the inspiration behind his “Mr. Vain” remix, the techniques that define his signature style, and his commitment to fostering community within the music industry. From his early influences like Vince Clarke and Kraftwerk to his focus on helping new producers navigate the challenges of the industry, LaCroix shares insights into the creativity and resilience that fuel his work.
Who are the artists or sounds that most shaped your style early on?
I grew up listening to my Mom’s custom 1980s synth-pop mixtapes on cassette back in St. Louis, Missouri. Somehow this sound made its way over to suburban Midwest haha. Some of my first core memories were shaped by these European bands. I’m talking groups like Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Yaz, and Alphaville. Later, I discovered that a lot of the tracks I liked actually tied back to one songwriter: Vince Clarke. Living through the 90s also opened me up to an entirely new world of dance music from Vengaboys to Moby. I think since I didn’t listen to country music, people found that a bit unusual in Missouri.
The 80s and the 90s are just incredible decades for dance music and the synths of the time really shaped the culture and thus, my childhood, which is why even 25 years later, I still find myself wanting to share that nostalgia. For example, the lead synth on Culture Beat’s Mr. Vain, like how can you not want to groove to that?!
What’s the one sound or technique that you think defines your signature style?
I’d say my signature style is more of a place – almost like a roller-disco arcade.
I write house music and synthwave (under the alias Driver405) both with their own sort of unique vibe. Sometimes it’s clubbier and sometimes it’s more emo. In terms of techniques, as long as the track has a touch of tape wobble, detune, gated reverb, Linndrum, and nostalgia, that’s about what you can expect
How do you know when a track is finished?
It’s never finished, it’s just old enough to release it from the nest!
What do you think is missing in the music industry right now?
People helping each other. Dance music can only be built on community and we can only achieve that by helping each other.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from another artist or producer?
Learn gain staging! Also, you don’t need more synths, unless you do.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about the challenges of being a producer today?
Ghosting is no joke.
Every producer, entrepreneur, and creator deal with a ton of rejection. If someone tells you “no”, you just pick yourself up and keep going. But when someone tells you “yes” and then goes completely ghost malone, that is something that you have to learn to deal with.
Look, the industry is filled with people who will lie to you or try to take advantage of you. But there are also tons of good people too. Focus on making good music every day, aligning yourself with good people, and most importantly, don’t ever stop believing in yourself, even if it takes you 50+ years.
Talk to me about the inspiration behind your new Mr. Vain release?
Culture Beat is one of my top groups of all time, shared with my girlfriend, Julia. Back in like 2022, Jules said that she wanted a remix/edit of their track Mr. Vain that could be played out on bigger stages. Coming off hot from my Creed – Higher and Smash Mouth – All Star edits, I thought, let’s take a break from the divorced dad rock edits for a minute and focus on 90s dance. I love seeing the crowd react positively to a track that was stored somewhere deep in their subconscious haha.
When Rock Bottom Records said they wanted to do a release, I was stoked. It’s been really rad seeing this tune played out in the wild!
What techniques did you use to make the release?
Since this is an edit/remix, it’s not an official release. If Culture Beat hit me up, 100% I’d love to make this an official release. I thought first, well, that supersaw synth riff is partially what makes this track so iconic, so let’s use that. I added a sequenced gate to the lead synth for the drop. I also created a couple synths on Serum that sounded pretty close and complimentary to the original synth to sprinkle throughout. The groove with the rap section is using an old Roland rompler. My drums are usually 909 or Linndrum and my synths are a mix of modern VSTs with Moog, Roland, Korg, and Yamaha virtual analog emulators. Also, Korg Minilogue is definitely a secret weapon
The post Exclusive Interview: Roy LaCroix on Reviving 90s Classics with Modern Energy appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.