Versal is the professional name of composer and producer Javier Velez. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, the multidisciplinary Houston, Texas-based artist creates genre-bending chill-out instrumental music. This musician began composing original pieces when he was just 13 years old. He has also worked in the film industry as a director, director of photography, editor, composer, sound design, CGI artist, colorist, and dialogue editor.
In 2019, Velez made his professional recording debut as Versal with a 6-song self-titled EP. That record introduced a multi-talented musician with a taste for cinematic, theatrical instrumental songs that mix live instrumentation with classic synths and samplers. Javier paints with broad theatrical strokes to create musical pieces driven by high drama and emotion.
“Versel Volume 2” is the new 8-song album from Versal, released worldwide to all major streaming services on December 16, 2021. With the sound, style, and pacing of a theatrical score, the record feels like the soundtrack to some great movie you’ve never seen. The opening credits roll on the beautiful solo piano of “Simply.” From there, the story moves through the scenes of joy, drama, and quiet contemplation. From the 3/4 waltz dancing sequence of “Your Eyes” to the emotional climax of “Vivi Aquas Montserrate,” we follow our unnamed heroes and heroines through their melodic tale.
Setting his scenes with classic analog synths, Moog moods, and orchestral arrangements, Versal paints a timeless portrait. Percussive arpeggios, ambient synths, and strings ride a chill lo-fi beat on “Pencil Strokes.” The pulsing bass and synthwave vibes of “Stages” provide a laid-back interlude. The Jazz-hop groove of “Kind of Pink” is a real high point. With a mix of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, it creates a cool retro-future Pink Panther vibe.
“The Guardians of Montserrat” is one of the record’s most cinematic moments as staccato orchestral strings ride a powerful tympanic rhythm. We imagine our film’s protagonist in a moment of reflection as the ambient tones of “Vivi Aquas Montserrate” float on the horizon. Then, as the credits roll, we end where we started with the solo classical of “Departed.”
Check out “Versal Volume 2” in its entirety below, or listen to your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the tracks “Kind of Pink” and “Vivi Aquas Montserrate” on the Deep Indie Chill playlist. Follow the links below to connect with Javier Velez. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the creative projects from this multifaceted artist.
