VTO Records – Chapter III and Interview with Lee UHF

Yoooo!  Strex back with another fire release which you can get your hands on now!

This week we have the pleasure of hearing VTO Records Chapter III various artist compilation! This release is packed full of Neurofunk goodness from the likes of Bad Ace, Stonx, The Fi5th, L3MMY DUBZ, TRCD, Jane Doe, MV & Bobby, CPTL PNSHMNT & Qwake, Profuze and Akuma & Basys.  What a ride 2024 was with some outstanding releases from VTO Records and now we have a brilliant compilation to celebrate some of the best ones!

And also as a special treat, we have an interview with one of the head honchos of the label, Lee UHF!

So this is a jam packed album, full of absolute bangers. How proud of your artists are you?

Hello, Simon! Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the album. Saying I’m proud of these guys feels like an understatement—I feel truly privileged to work with such talented artists who have entrusted us with their music. They are VTO Records, and they are the heart of what this album has become. The past 12 months have been our most successful yet, and we continue to reach new heights each year.  

Which of the tunes gets the best crowd reaction in your opinion? 

Are you seriously asking me to pick just one? Haha, that’s impossible, mate. I haven’t had the chance to play a few of them out yet, but ‘Beast VIP’ has been a crowd favorite over the past couple of years, so I’m thrilled it’s finally out now. A personal favorite of mine is the TRCD remix of L3MMY DUBZ’s track ‘Raid,’ and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that all three tracks from Stonx’s EP last summer absolutely destroy every dance floor.

But then I’d be leaving out key releases like MV & Bobby, who kicked off 2024 for us. It’s such a tough question, but this album has it all for me. It’s pure, no gimmicks, just Grade A prime Neurofunk from start to finish.

Are you allowed to have a favourite tune off the compilation? If so, can you reveal it to us at Best Drum & Bass?

I know this might sound diplomatic, but I just can’t choose—that’s like asking me to pick a favorite between my two kids, haha. That said, my preferences go through phases depending on what I’m enjoying most at the moment. Sometimes I’m all about high-energy tracks like Profuze’s ‘Don’t Stop,’ but other days I wake up craving something unique and experimental, like L3MMY DUBZ’s ‘Time to Panic.’

The new TRCD tracks are perfect for driving, but I think the Cells release has been my most-played release on VTO this past year. It tells a cohesive story from start to finish and does so seamlessly, which is impressive when you’ve got five different artists on one release.

I’d also have to mention the Bad Ace release—it’s been a fantastic source of inspiration. It feels so raw, with just the right balance of musicality to give me that creative push and really get my day going.”

What has 2025 in store for VTO? 

After this massive album, we’re diving straight back into monthly releases. I don’t want to reveal too much just yet, but I can say we’ve already got 12 months of releases finished and ready to go—it’s absolutely insane. Expect a mix of fresh talent joining the label alongside some returning favorites.

You can definitely look forward to a HUGE name in Neurofunk history dropping a release in February. Plus, Cells Interlinked is back with its second release in March, and it’s even bigger than last year. Later in the year, we’ve got a remix release in the works featuring more massive names.

This year will also highlight four incredible female Neurofunk producers, and let me tell you, their tracks are absolutely next-level. They’re seriously giving the guys a run for their money when it comes to delivering badass Neurofunk slappers—and that’s not even the big stuff!

I’m going to stop talking now before I spill too much, haha.

We didn’t think it would be possible to step up our game as a label but we have managed to do it. and I’m very proud of what these artists have done for us.

How many new artists can we expect from the label this year? 

There’s at least 15 new names who have not appeared on VTO yet. half of them on cells Interlinked 2, Its fucking Stacked mate.

Wow, that sounds awesome! Have you got any events planned either for the label or for yourself? 

We had planned to start something in December, but a few things got in the way. It’s still on the table, though—as someone who’s been a promoter for 20 years, I’ve definitely got the itch again. but it’s got to be right Im not gonna half arse it.

Lastly, can we expect to see any music from Lee UHF on VTO in 2025?

I get asked this a lot, and I honestly hope I can say yes at some point, but right now, it’s uncertain. I have an EP coming out on Dirtbox this summer, and I’m involved in a massive project with another label that will hopefully be released in Q4 which is very very special and something I don’t believe has been done in drum and bass. That said, I have a real love-hate relationship with making music. I absolutely despise the mixdown stage and struggle to start from a blank slate. I love the arranging and idea development stage, so if someone could start and finish tracks for me, I’d be totally fine with that, haha.

The truth is, I want there to be more, but I just don’t know. Between DJing, managing the label, potentially running events again, and being a full-time dad, my time is pretty stretched. That said, I’ve set aside time in February to hit the studio with my brother-from-another-mother, Impex, so hopefully, he’ll give me the kick I need to finish some Neurofunk tracks.

Still, having two projects out this year is a big deal for me—it’s been a long time since I’ve done that! Even if they’re not Neurofunk monsters on VTO Records, I hope you feel a bit spoiled, haha.”

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