Derek VanScoten, known professionally as Cloudchord, is an American music producer, multi-instrumentalist and electronic musician. Based in Austin, Texas, he has been actively releasing solo material since 2009. In 2011, under the moniker D.V.S*, he released an official remix of Break Science featuring Talib Kweli,[1] and in 2012 he was a featured guitarist and co-producer on Michal Menert's album Even If It Isn't Right.[2]
VanScoten started his music career as a producer and guitarist. He began releasing music as a solo artist in early 2009, melding live guitar with electronic music.[3] His debut solo album Before i sing... was self-released on October 20, 2009.[8] His tracks and albums have since been released by labels and publications including Electronic Musician Magazine, Soulection, Loci Records, 1320 Records, Pretty Lights Music, Cantora, and Dub Lab.[3] VanScoten's songs have also been included on compilation albums such as Emancipator Remixes in 2011.[9]
VanScoten self-released a 30-song solo LP Coming Up for Air in 2011.[10]Coming Up For Air was released as a double-album with two volumes. According to a review in Earmilk, "Volume 1 (DUSK) showcases 15 dancefloor oriented jams in styles of hip hop, dubstep, electrofunk, and moombaton. Volume 2 (dawn) illuminates the more relaxed side of D.V.S*, with several guest musicians spread out over 15 introspective downtempo tracks."[10]
In December 2011 he released an official remix of Break Science. Titled "The Alliance," it featured Talib Kweli.[1] In April 2012, he was a featured guitarist and co-producer on Michal Menert's album Even If It Isn't Right via the Pretty Lights Music Label.[2]
In 2012 a 5-song solo EP titled The Code was released on Daly City Records.[9]Relix Magazine published an interview with VanScoten in June, 2012.[11] He spent much of 2012 teaching classes on Ableton throughout the United States.[12]
His solo album Hit the Clouds Running was released in April 2013, on Gravitas Recordings.[6] According to DubEra, "Hit The Clouds Running is quite possibly one of the best releases [of 2013]. That’s a bold statement, but the song-by-song switch up of genres that producer Derek VanScoten has put in to this album is noteworthy."[6]