Tenor Love aka VRSNST
Tenor Youthman, now known as Tenor Love, also goes by the name VRSNST (The Versionist). He’s a fascinating artist with a unique approach to the Reggae and Rub-A-Dub scene. His ability to blend authentic Rub-A-Dub with a modern twist has earned him international recognition. This interview aims to dive into his journey, his evolution as an artist and the passion behind his music.
Your new artist name, VRSNST (The Versionist), reflects a shift in your journey. What’s the story behind it, and how does it represent your evolution as an artist?
It reflects my love of music in all its possible forms. The world of sound is infinite and it could lead you to any unexpected path. In my case it leads me to the territory of bass riff built by the creators of reggae and funk. VRSNST represents “Versionist” and it just means that I create versions. Then I sing on it, give it to other people to voice, dub it and you know.
You’re known for your authentic Rub-A-Dub style. How do you manage to keep the classic tradition alive while adding your own modern twist?
Well, basically I’ve started my journey by adopting someone else’s ideas. Tenor Youthman was indeed the combination of Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty and other Youthman Promotion artists, that’s why the name came up. I was learning deeply and listening non-stop. Then while making more songs, my own ideas and inspirations started to appear. So whether it’s R’n’B, Soul, Trap or Salsa, every music that I’ve heard inspired me a lot.
Reggae is deeply rooted in culture. As a Russian-born artist, how did you connect with Jamaican music and culture, and how does it shape your work?
Yes of course, a love of Jamaican culture leads me from loving Ska to Dancehall, learning patois, translating the tunes, researching and then watching Jamaican comedians on Instagram =) Sadly I have never been to Jamaica, a bit too expensive trip.
Your transition from Tenor Youthman to Tenor Love marks a new chapter. What inspired you to take this path, and how has it influenced your music?
Well Tenor Youthman was the great start for me, I’ve met many beautiful people and worked with many talented musicians. As well as vice versa experiences. We had a nice soundsystem movement and cool artists, so I was inspired by these times, recorded many tunes, and tried many styles. I said a lot in my tunes and the time came when I could not be a “youthman” anymore and needed to move into a more deep understanding of music itself if you want. I wanted to make a bit of different music and sing different songs, even sound different. Youthman style was hurting my throat a bit to be honest, I did a lot of mistakes, so I’ve started learning my voice and vocals in general. Ideas then started to transfer into something I really want to put on a record.
Then I wrote more songs, more riddims. And with all that I’ve already said I thought, why not record some of my friends and different artists from all over the world I could contact!?
You’ve recently stepped into the role of a producer. How does your creative process as a producer differ from your work as a singer and deejay?
I’ve slapped to the role of the singer sometime in 2014, but I was doing music long before. My first “official” release was the riddim the Solo Banton & Steppa Style “Digital” tune in 2011. I was learning music and searching for my style, so not many releases came out that time, mostly it was played as a dubplates for our Lion Posse Soundsystem.
Live performances are the heart of Reggae. What does it mean to you to be on stage, and how do you craft your shows to connect with your audience?
Even though I’m more a studio artist, my favorite format will always be a live show with a band. Music played by real people is a unique and special experience. Plus living in a time of freestyle I still love prepared and thoughtful art combined with natural perception.
Your fans love your versions and dubs. Is there a particular project that holds a special place in your heart or represents your work perfectly?
Haha not yet, but if you listen to the last releases featured Tenor Youthman like “Whitney”, “Fire Just A Shot” created with Frenk Dublin and our EP with Adam Prescott. Also you can check the Gwari production Lovers Rock-tune “Serenade”. You will find there that transformation into Tenor Love. It is calm music, Dub Techno, Lovers.. Honestly I’d like to make music that people want to listen at home, not only party bangers =)
What can fans expect from Tenor Love and VRSNST in the future? Are there any exciting projects or ideas you’re working on right now?
Yes, for sure, I still have some collabs to come. It’s at least Dada I, Dubdadda, Fyahchief aka Ngmatik plus some more. And I hope to start releasing Tenor Love’s tunes which I’ve been preparing these years, a new sound and a new approach. But first I’m going to present an instrumental project by VRSNST and it’s the so called “Dub Disco” style I’ve created while experimenting with sounds. Basically I’m just using Dub Techno and Deep House techniques as much as I understand it (and I came from live music, still learning all them computer thing) and other styles, planting them on the solid dub foundation. The first release will be called “Gully & Gaza” and it must be released digitally in March 2025.
When you think about the artists who’ve inspired you or those you’ve worked with – who or what has had the biggest influence on your music?
It’s hard for me to talk about it, it may take time, you know. I’m trying to learn from everyone I’ve worked with and I respect all the work we did. At my age I have no role models, but I still listen to Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott, Dennis Brown, Alton and Sugar and all those guys a lot. From the student years I was heavily inspired by Soul music and singing, always dreaming to be able to sing like that. Then I found the “quiet storm” style which opened a way for me to find my voice and style by singing Smokey Robinson and Billy Paul. Recently I found a voice that touched my heart so deep, it is Frankie Beverly who sings with the band Maze. I also love R’n’B and Modern Soul plus I recently found my interest in electronic music like Deep House, Dub Techno and things like that.
Dear Tenor Love, thank you for this Interview and all the best for your ongoing musical journey.
Interview: Christian (03/2025)
