Many a music fan would argue that the difference between a band and a DJ is gigantic, but synth-pop quartet Van She prove you can be both, and kick ass while doing so.
“Sometimes DJs are musicians too,” reasons Matt Van Schie, the group’s vocalist and bassist.
While usually the foursome is seen on stage accompanied by guitars, bass, and other instruments alike, the birth of their side project Van She Tech has seen them intermittently transform into DJs, and back again.
But rather than having to chose in which direction to go, Van She have blended the two together, through their latest album Idea Of Happiness.
More electro-pop than their previous psychedelic soft rock, the sophomore album from the Sydney group presents a completely new sound, abounding with tracks for the dance floor rather than the band room.
But it was an organic progression Van Schie assures, “we wouldn’t have put it out if it didn’t come about naturally.”
He continues, “we’re not the kind of band that pushes the same kind of style out, we’ve all got so many likes and interests, so we switch around what kind of direction we go. But I’m definitely thinking the dance side of the world will take over, that’s what we’re listening to at the moment.”
Dance synth styles are certainly flooding their inspiration canals, the vocalist highlighting a fondness for Flume’s indie electronics and the dance sounds of English DJ, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.“We’ve got that backbeat that’s dance elements, so we fit in with all the DJs at Stereosonic, but we can still fit on a lineup like Pyramid’s.”
However despite their new electro stylings, it’s Van She’s diversity that’s landed them spots on both the Pyramid Rock Festival and Stereosonic lineups.
“We’re lucky because even though we’ve got a dancier edge now we still sit in the middle, we can score both of these kinds of spots,” explains the bassist. “We’ve got that backbeat that’s dance elements, so we fit in with all the DJs at Stereosonic, but we can still fit on a lineup like Pyramid’s.”
Speaking of Pyramid Rock’s diverse roster this coming New Years, one that includes a huge range of hip-hop, indie, rock, and even hardcore; Van Schie comments on the remarkable nature of Australian festivals.
“In terms of genres, our festivals are usually quite diverse. I think it’s good, I think it shows a kind of open mindedness that other countries might not have when it comes to festivals,” he explains.
While the singer admires diversity, he upholds if you’ve already got something good, roll with it.
“Stereosonic, on the other hand, they’re not diverse, if you look at the lineup, it’s dominated by DJs. But they’ve got their trick, and it works for them, so it still definitely serves its purpose,” he clarifies.
Van She will indeed be spending their time alongside punters at Pyramid Rock, with the bassist happily recalling he doesn’t remember partying on a New Years Eve ever, without playing a set first.
“It’s been so many years now, where I just know I’m playing New Years. But it’s a pretty awesome way to spend [it]. Doing the thing that you love, getting paid, and once you’re finished playing you can hang out and get wild, so it’s actually – I reckon – one of the coolest things,” he enthuses.
And his weapon of choice? Margaritas. “We always watch out for that, if someone orders margaritas we know it’s going to be a wild night,” laughs the singer.
If you see the foursome wandering around the festival’s Phillip Island grounds, feel free to say hello. But drunken fans take note, outstay your ‘hi’ time and Van Schie is sure to throw some awkwardness your way.
“We always have some funny fans that want an autograph and then stick around. The time has passed when they should have left, and you’re trying to be friendly, and you’re like, ‘awkward pause, yeah, gotta pack up now’,” he laughs.
“I think when people are drunk they always forget those kinds of things, those social cues, and they don’t realise that actually they should probably go do their own thing now,” reasons Van Schie.
“In saying that, we’ve got some awesome fans around Australia, some have even become good friends, so we’re pretty lucky actually,” he adds.
Mostly, the Sydney synth outfit just want to have a bit of fun, which is actually one of the reasons Idea Of Happiness ended up how it did.
“Working in our own studio meant we could work at our own pace, and enjoy it.“It’s been so many years now, where I just know I’m playing New Years…”
We ended up with sort of a tropical holiday theme, because we were so relaxed and having fun, like that holiday kind of vibe,” describes Van Schie.
Those same fun vibes certainly made their way into the video of the first single to be lifted from the album, title track ‘Idea Of Happiness.’ The outrageous clip documents the daily life of an old hippy man… in a G-string. To say it’s different is an understatement.
“He’s bit of a nutjob actually,” Van Schie confesses. “He’s a real guy, it’s not a joke, that’s actually him. He’s got a weird blog and it’s got him in G-strings and he drives these 80s cars and goes over to all the places. He’s an exhibitionist. But it’s his idea of happiness and that’s what we wanted to portray,” he explains.
“I think it pushed a few people’s expectations but we were happy to do that because it’s quirky and fun and shows that we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” something they’ve fallen slightly victim to in the past, “we wanted to show people that we like to have a bit of fun too,” concurs the bassist.
It took four years since their debut album V for fans’ ears to be graced with the fresh sounds of Idea Of Happiness, so there’s no telling how long we’ll have to wait until we’re greeted with Van She’s next offering.
But if it’s anything like what we’ve already been given, the wait will well be worth it; and in the mean time, you can always grab yourself a festival ticket and see them in the flesh – just don’t hang around too long and make it awkward.
Idea Of Happiness is out now through Modular Recordings, read the Tone Deaf review here. Van She play Pyramid Rock at year’s end. Full details and playing times here.
