Tell us a little about yourself?
My name Is Codes VanDamn, a father, husband, and lover of learning by trial and error.
How did you come up with your artist name?
While working as a CNA at an Assisted Living facility the front office staff and girls on the floor started calling me Codes, as for VanDamn my last name is Vangheem. It was better than the rap generator names.
How long have you been in the music industry?
About a year and a half? Actually learning more about the music and industry itself (closer to around 6 months)
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
It started as a challenge from my wife. I use to sing random things, try to keep the residents and staff cheerful and in a positive mood. One of the leads jokingly said I should make music. I brought it up to my wife as a joke and she said “No one would listen to your music” So I took that as a firestarter to prove her wrong.
How would you describe your latest single?
My latest single “Bird City” was a beat I bought from a great guy Bjrrrd. He is an awesome guy, and overall my go to producer for asking questions.
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
It’ll be the first music video released.
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
Back in high school I listened to a lot of Odd Future, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, Mac Miller, i honestly love any genre. I found peace in music that I was unable to ever find without abusing drugs or alcohol.
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
Depends. My first album was an album of freestyles recorded in my garage, and in my car on break when I was a CNA at a Nursing Home at the beginning of COVID. I usually listen to the beat a few dozen times, maybe freestyle a little to find a flow. I usually try to take the title of the beat and use that in connection to my life.
What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one?
I just finished a 4 track EP S****** B******* with Atom Made Music.
Track names: CarKey, Atzoo, BangKnee, MoneyTree.
Using the titles of the beats, and incorporating into my life with my wife, kids, and humour
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
Maybe. With a daughter due in September we shall see.
What did you buy with your first check off music?
I donated it to random charities that did work with addiction and depression.
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
My Birkenstocks, a bottle of Aldi sparkling water, and some skittles.
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
Be yourself, don’t strive to be what you think others want you to be.
Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?
Definitely, Young Hawk IA has a dad friends EP in the works with a bunch of beats I produced, as well as a lot of other songs in the works with other artists.
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
Chloe Rain. Getting to see how someone records their music, puts their passion and heart into it, and seeing how they create magic.
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
Deante’ Hitchcock and Tyler The Creator.
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)
My biggest improvement right now is my lyrical flow. I kind of sound like a monotone robot singing on top of beats.
What was the last album you listened to?
Wolf by Tyler The Creator.
Your favourite artist of all time and why?
Mac Miller. The vibes, no misses just constant hits.
Whose your favourite five artists right now?
Chloe Rain, Deante’ Hitchcock, Scottie the Reaper, Tyler The Creator, Tai Verdes, 7imoncello
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
To me, Deante Hitchcock’. I’m not going to pretend I was a long time ride or die fan. Sadly I stumbled upon his music recently, but I have loved listening to his older stuff, newer stuff. The heart and the feelings he puts into his music. Not to mention that damn versatility.
Who have been some of your favourite artists that you’ve been able to work with?
Chloe Rain. I’ve had the pleasure of getting placements prior to even knowing what they were with her, mixing vocals, picking her mind.
How do you feel about the current state of music?
People are getting too greedy.
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
Grammys!
What is your main goal as far as music?
I want to work with as much diverse artists and producers as possible.
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
Not sure, I wouldn’t want to offend anyone.
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)
I’ve overcame a lot of shit in my life, finances being one of them. Never having money, constantly working just to be broke the day after payday. I like donate to those less fortunate. Yes I’d love to be able to be a stay at home dad and do music full time. But at the end of the day, I believe everyone deserves to eat and shelter.
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
Hang out with my daughter Eleanore, our puppies, and work.
If you could work with any producer who would it be?
I’d love to work with Brandon Phillips Taylor.
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
First year I had no idea what I was doing, I made about $1100 off of streams and a show so I donated most of it. I didn’t realize until I joined producer twitter that it was actually a huge feat to bring money in off music.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
Milwaukee Rave.
What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?
Couldn’t even tell you. Music theory was in the title.
What’s your favourite sports team and why?
Green Bay Packers. Born and raised in Green Bay!
Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?
Emma Watson. Harry potter 1-8. She was my love growing up.
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
Tyler The Creator. He’s not liked but all, but he’s his fucking self.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’ll be announcing more of the artists I am managing, along with plans for my music business now that I have an LLC.
Where can the fans check out for your music?
‘Codes Vandamn’ is out on every streaming platform.
Support this artist by using the links below:
Is My Music Fire 🔥 