theaussieword.com catches up with
Vandaveer for a special interview.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
Not sure I know how it all began, but for my part Michael Jackson and Madonna were significant early influences. Weird Al, too. I don’t think I gave much thought about picking up a guitar a writing a song until my early high school years, when Nirvana, Pearl Jam and that ‘90s alternative tidal wave struck. There was certainly an “I could do that with a bit of work” naiveté and excitement to it all.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
The initial spark or motivation is the easy part, and it can come from anywhere. Staying focused and maintaining the proper level of enthusiasm 12 hours into a recording session, or 12 months into an album cycle, or 12 years into a career, that’s the tricky part. My peers and collaborators inspire me to work harder. My fear of stagnation has always been a chief motivator too, I suppose. The list of influences is a long one. Too much to type out, I’m afraid.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
If my kids grow up to appreciate art and objectively like their dad’s music then I will feel like I did my job on both ends of the spectrum.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Plans to tour Australia? We’d love to do just that. Who can we talk to to make that happen? Seriously, I’m all ears.
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
Well, it’s all pop music, isn’t it? I suppose ours is folk- or Americana-tinged pop music, but it’s pop all the same. The new album is exciting for us precisely because it’s new. We’re more keen on hearing what other folks think about it to be totally honest. Our part is more or less done.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I’ll share that nugget of wisdom just as soon I as find it.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
Traveling all over the US and Europe singing songs to folks near and far is a pretty special thing. It’s hard to extract just one event or one night from the whole and focus too much on it. The fact that we’re releasing our 5th record — that’s incredibly special to us.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
David Bowie. He exited as mysteriously as he entered and was enigmatic to the very last moment. That man was a brilliant human being.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
Always. Many projects in the pipeline. Keeping busy is a good thing.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I haven’t a clue. And I think that’s exciting.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
AC/DC. Tame Impala. I like Courtney Barnett quite a bit, too.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I am as flummoxed and excited by the industry now as I’ve ever been. The entertainment world, like the greater world in general, is a vast network of information and innovation. We are pummeled by new experiences and new information every day. I’m glad to be a part of it, however large or small. I’m also comforted by my own insignificance.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Finality is daunting, isn’t it? Let’s go with something more open ended… A hearty “good day, sir!” seems appropriate.
Website: www.vandaveer.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vndvr
Twitter: www.twitter.com/vandaveer
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