Who knew the break up of a metal band would have driven these four artists to form their own group? Van Damsel’s music is described as “ [Rich’s] guitar backed up with layers of synths, my [Sebastien’s] rhythm guitar work, and a backing section of drums and bass that we [Van Damsel] strive to have work in conjunction with one another.”

This electronic rock group from Kamloops, British Columbia, has plans of touring the eastern parts of Canada in May, and possibly visiting the United States later in the year, or the year following.

Q&A

First, please give a background on your interaction and work or experience with music before you began producing your music.

All of us a varying musical backgrounds before this project began. Our drummer, Matt, is actually an accomplished guitar player. He had been playing guitar for years before moving to the drums. In short, all of us have years of experience playing music before we decided to become Van Damsel. Interestingly, our band formed out of the breakup of a metal band called Martagan. The other three actually played metal with Renny (our bassist) on guitar, Matt (drums) on guitar, and Rich (our lead guitar player) on bass. They all switched instruments from that project to this one. Rich has also taken on a lead role in terms of songwriting with Van Damsel.

How did you come up with your name as an artist?

We get this question a lot. Van Damsel is actually the name of a song by a metal band called The Dillinger Escape Plan.

Where did you get your start in music (who helped you get started in learning instruments, singing, etc.)

Matt was put into guitar lessons by his dad. Renny was also inspired in a similar way by his dad as his dad is also a musician. Rich and I just love music and naturally wanted to do more than listen to it–we wanted to make it. It started with simple experimenting to working hard on truly mastering our instruments. I have taken vocal lessons at varying times over the last 2 years to improve my vocals. Rich and Matt have also taken some vocal lessons.

Who or what are some of your inspirations to make music?

To make people happy and to experience that joy with them. The thing about music is it’s so powerful and so enjoyable and to be able to put people in that positive state with something you’ve made is truly rewarding. Essentially, we wanna create love and share it.

How do you reach out to fans?

SOCIAL MEDIA! Social media is amazingly powerful–you can connect with people all over the world instantly. I love it! We have really been working with twitter to connect with people. Of course, playing shows in other cities helps. Making music and music videos and putting them on various online outlets is also a way to connect with people.

How would you describe your music?

(More than the genre, more your opinion, how you want to sound)

We want a sophisticated sound that is thick with multiple layers that aren’t all necessarily doing the same thing. We want nuances– small parts in the background that truly gives character to music. We want to make music that makes people dance– we want them to feel it in their chests. We are very guitar driven, so we like to let Rich’s guitar in particular really stand out at parts. While this happens, we have his guitar backed up with layers of synths, my rhythm guitar work, and a backing section of drums and bass that we strive to have work in conjunction with one another. Matt and Renny work hard to make sure their parts work together by both being in unison and playing off each other. It’s fun when a rhythm section is playful together and we wanna create that playfulness ourselves.

REVIEW

“Sunshine Girl- EP”, Van Damsel

“Sunshine Girl- EP” is an original blend of bass and guitar tabs that build up to create a layered sound. Each of the five songs on this EP have different levels and separate combinations and proportions of electronics rhythm to instrumental tracks. Van Damsel can be as classified as more than an electronic rock group, but more of a psychedelic rock with hints of funk and smooth synth.

To find Van Damsel

Youtube

Soundcloud

Twitter

To get a shirt like the one to the left

Photo credits

http://vandamselmusic.bandcamp.com