Pursuit Grooves

Pursuit Grooves serves as the creative moniker for Vanese Smith, a multifaceted Toronto resident active as a producer, vocalist, graphic designer, and video artist whose eclectic output continually probes unexpected sonic textures and rhythmic patterns. Her trajectory moved beyond the abstract hip-hop foundations of her initial work, with the 2011 album Frantically Hopeful highlighting an idiosyncratic method of constructing beats alongside introspective songwriting.

Originating from the Washington, D.C. region before settling in Brooklyn, Smith launched her own What Rules imprint in 2006 to issue instrumental hip-hop CD-Rs as Pursuit Grooves—an extension of her earlier MC identity, Pursuit. These irregular rhythms soon drew notice abroad, landing tracks on various compilations from Rush Hour and Brownswood. Dubstep DJ and producer Pinch brought her aboard his Tectonic roster, issuing the Fox Trot Mannerisms EP in 2010 and the subsequent full-length Frantically Hopeful the following year. Both projects demonstrated her innovative studio techniques plus her combination of rapped and melodic vocals, which addressed technology, awareness, and consciousness while occupying an in-between zone linking abstract hip-hop, post-dubstep, neo-soul, and left-field house. Critical outlets including FACT Magazine and Resident Advisor responded positively, and the material earned endorsement from Hyperdub founder Kode9. During 2012 Smith put out a pair of EPs featuring cinematic ambient dub under the experimental guise 91 Fellows as a homage to her recently departed grandfather.

After moving to Toronto she began instructing music production workshops aimed specifically at women. She persisted in self-releasing digital EPs and albums while supplying 2013 remixes for the Knife and Planningtorock. Following the 2015 release Mythico she stepped away from music to concentrate on graphic design. She reemerged in 2018 via Felt Armour, then delivered 2019’s Bess, an album honoring the life and achievements of Bessie Coleman, the first Black American female pilot.