The Vigil Experience
It was only a few months ago that the mysterious Vigil added me on Instagram. I didn't know who he was, despite some common friends, but I liked what he was doing from the start. It was a slow build up, piquing my curiosity with the first post. It showed him creating, not music just yet, but the things he needed to do so. My partner is a music producer and it was a familiar scene - taking apart an old desk, spray painting it and putting it back together in a way that is more functional for you. After that was the unveiling and hooking up of his brand new equipment (so many pretty lights!), followed by "a day in the life" of a producer.
Soon after he really began showing his personality with talking videos, funny reels and producing tips - my intrigue expanded. We finally met in person when he and his wife came out to a party we put on for the community. Thanks to our IG connection, I was able to personally invite him out and they showed up half an hour later (this is the part of social media I love). It is always a special, and frankly kind of odd moment, meeting someone in person that you feel like you already know.
During all of this, VIGIL (also known as Martin) presented "Saturday night drops", where every Saturday night at midnight he would release a new track. 7 new tracks dropped on 7 consecutive Saturdays, with s surprise 8th track to be unveiled in a very meaningful way - an Album Release Party. I deeply resonate with his commitment to community by offering a free download as his "contribution to a music scene that has been nothing but welcoming and loving" and I am honoured that I got to take part in something so monumental for any artist - sharing a piece of themselves. That kind of experience fast tracks a connection like nothing else can.
This was my first album release party and it set the bar. When Underground Signal Archive was presented, it was obvious the passion and care that went into it. From the ambient lighting in the room, the tripped out futuristic video as a backdrop, the atmospheric mist created by the fog machine and the best friend's enthusiastic announcements - this party was a vibe that matched the music. There was even a movie theatre popcorn maker!
As a brand new producer and partaker in the electronic music genre, VIGIL has had very little outside influence in his creations, producing a unique and unexpected sound. It starts with a calming intro before quickly escalating to a high energy, driving yet melodic collection of tracks. You will hear an array of synth sounds, from haunting to cheeky to head spinning, plus robotic and stunning vocals. The last track brings it down a notch, allowing you to unwind and leave you feeling light and hopeful. This album truly is a story without words and I can't recommend it enough!
Underground Signal Archive - Vigil, 2026
I wanted to know more about VIGIL, and he was open and kind enough to share some of his story. These are just a few of the many questions I would like to ask.
How long have you been in the music industry?
I’ve been performing, producing, and recording music for more than twenty years, working across a range of genres from hip-hop to heavy metal. Over the past year, I’ve focused that experience more intentionally on electronic dance music, using it as both a creative outlet and a way of processing some of life’s more difficult experiences. That journey ultimately led to the creation of VIGIL.
What or who inspired you to start VIGIL, and what inspires you to create?
VIGIL began with the encouragement of a few close friends who have supported me and believed in the music I’ve been making for a long time. Their encouragement gave me the push to take this project seriously and share it with a wider audience.
Musically, I’ve been inspired by artists such as deadmau5 and Zeds Dead, particularly their ability to create music that feels emotional, atmospheric, and immersive. I wanted to take that inspiration and build something that was distinctly my own—music that could tell a story without necessarily needing words.
What is the story behind the name VIGIL?
The name VIGIL comes from the word itself: remaining awake during the night, often in support of a person, purpose, or cause.
That idea resonated with me on a personal level. When I found my way into the EDM community, I discovered a sense of connection and belonging that I hadn’t expected. VIGIL became a reflection of that experience—the idea of staying present, staying connected, and being there for something that matters to you.
Is there a specific inspiration or theme behind this album?
There is always a story behind the music I create, even when that story isn’t immediately obvious.
Underground Signal Archive is built around themes of exploration, discovery, and overcoming obstacles. Because the album is entirely instrumental, I wanted to leave enough space for listeners to create their own interpretations and experiences.
At the same time, the track titles provide clues to a more literal journey through technology. Titles such as Lost Sector, Motherboard, Code Injection, and Firewall suggest different stages of that journey—almost like discovering a forgotten digital world and finding a way through it.
What feeling or message do you want to convey through your music?
My goal has always been to take the listener on an emotional journey, and I approach that journey in a cinematic way. I want the music to create an atmosphere that feels bigger than any individual track.
Underground Signal Archive was written as a complete album rather than simply a collection of individual tracks. Each piece is intended to contribute to the larger journey, so that the experience evolves as the album progresses.
Ultimately, I hope listeners come away from it feeling inspired—maybe even reminded that there is always a way forward. Beneath all of the technology and atmosphere, the underlying message is one of hope, resilience, and continuing to move forward even when the path isn’t always clear.
Underground Signal Archives is a piece of indescribable music with a beautiful intensity. It comes from a music producer with less than one year experience in electronic music production, but over 20 years of music experience otherwise. This suggests that music is universal across genres, and the proof is in this album. For me, the album did precisely what VIGIL hoped it would do - it left me feeling inspired. It emboldened me to do what is most important to me in this timeline, which is to celebrate and support the musicians and producers in my local scene. It is an act of courage to create and share, and that deserves our attention. This is my act of appreciation for the work our artists are doing, and my encouragement for them to continue to do so.
Love, Rachel
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