Our latest artist feature is with Van Hechter – we’ve been playing his recent track Love Elastic here on Phoenix FM, so we caught up to have a chat about his music.
Hi Van Hetcher! Tell us a little bit about your yourself?
Well, I am an ex-punk singer – I dropped out of opera school much to my father’s dismay! I turned to pop, funky disco and anything dancey, out of love for these genres.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
At the age of 3. My mother played Motown, funk, lots of good underground disco, punk, new wave and Sinatra! All records were interesting to me. I’d stand in front of the stereo system, fascinated. We shared a true bond – and since I was so passionate, she pushed it; explained trends, and so on.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
Moroder, Bowie, The Marvelettes, The Supremes, Nina Hagen, Larry Levan’s selections. Then I switched to anything people “vogued” to …
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
It’s pop one can dance to, with always either a positive message or some sort of self-deprecation. I like humour!
What music have you recorded and released to date?
I’ll skip the bands … I was signed to a record label in Amsterdam for about 10 years. I don’t regret that time but I really feel my life has changed considerably since the launch of my 2017 EP “Van Unlikely”.
My new work, “Love Elastic”, is a true labuor of happiness; my team is beyond wonderful, always willing to give more. I am blessed these days; wasn’t always this extraordinary. I appreciate each second.
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
This week (LOL), I am obsessed with Katy Perry’s Poty Jams (Small Talk on a loop for 5 days now). I love love Calvin Harris and Halsey.
Also, because I am working on an ultra-disco project, I’ve been pulling out my good old Hot Chocolate, Two Tons O’ Fun and Sylvester albums; always fun to rediscover tracks!
Last but not least – French band Bleu Jeans Bleu ravishes my heart and ears as they are just so damn funny! I am sure I am influenced!
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
I am making one dream come true right now – producing a duet album with an underground NYC DJ named Chaucey Dandridge, who has somewhat of a cult following. I’d been “courting” him for a year. And here we are; it’s happening!
I’d give you 3 people – Todrick Hall because his spirit is so punk, so rebellious; Nick Adams because I’d love to hear his “Broadway” voice go all the way rock’n’roll and raspy; and Calvin Harris because I’ve come to think of him as a genius.
What are your plans for the future?
Being happy, making music for years and years until the day I die on a beach with still a tune on my mind.
Shorter-term: I launch a song entitled “Fuck The Disco” in November, and on 31 December I release a duet celebrating the infamous “Stonewall Inn” with Chauncey. Then on Valentine’s DAy 2020 I drop “Back In Vogue”, an anti-Tinder, anti-Grindr song that goes like so – “Before you know it romance’ll be back in vogue”.
In the Spring of 2020 I launch a full EP of duets, which I’m working on at the moment and having a LOT of fun!
You can keep up to date with Van Hechter’s latest work by keeping an eye on his Facebook page.
