February 21st 2025, 11am: Van picks up the phone. I detect a morning voice, deeper than the one I’m used to. As usual, his first sentence is ”How’ve you been, my darling?” and our interview turns into a conversation between friends within seconds… Here’s how it went.
Music Authentic: NYC loves you, you’ve had 3 hit singles on Chicago radio stations, you’ve performed in Paris more than once and typically you run around Florida this time of the year- where some of your songs get airplay. Yet in 2025 you’ve decided to stay on your land of citizenship…
Van Hechter: Well, I have dual citizenship: French and Canadian. But yes I’ve decided to stay in Canada, more precisely Montreal which is in the province of Quebec (a culture in itself, very different from Canadian).
The world is not in a great state, extremes are on the rise, I’m not all that optimistic about human rights and planet protection, not to mention wars! Canada/Quebec/Montreal seems like a really great place to be at the moment!
I mean: we’re so cool, here- so laid back! I guess I may have taken this for granted in the past. I surely appreciate it now!
Music Authentic: What do you like about Montreal?
Van Hechter: The first appeal to me is speaking French and English. I was raised in both and it’s natural to oscillate between the 2 languages. Then I have to say: Quebec humor is inimitable! I always tell stubborn ”strictly anglo” friends that they are missing out on so much laughter! If you live here, it’s silly to not learn French! Last, since this is my hometown I keep bumping into so many people I’ve known for decades: getting to the gym is a production! Always someone to greet and catch up with. I absolutely love that.
This is your first ”Nordic” winter in about 10 years, how does it feel?
Van Hechter: It’s a hell of a year to be back! 72 cm of snow in 4 days: woahhh! I am quite enjoying it, actually. As a young man I used to fight winter, I hated it! I refused the slow, dark, quietness of it. Now I am realizing that the key is embracing the whole thing- which means YES less excitement, more sleep, more hiding under blankets and eating slightly richer foods to keep warm. But Spring will arrive at some point: we’ll literally forget about snow like it’s not a reality, open up our swimming pools and party. Last week, during our huge snow storm I had two very dear friends from Florida visiting: I may never see them again, hahahah. Perhaps our climate traumatized them for life.
Music Authentic: Tell me about your monthly shows…
Van Hechter: Last week was the first of 12 ”Funk-à-Folies”, a monthly supper club I host and use as a platform to showcase unusual artists I feel either don’t get enough visibility or are seen in only one light while they are way more polyvalent than people know. My 2 guests for February were Lemaycontent and Manuel Skye who (this exactly what I mean) isn’t only sexy – he is also a fantastic acrobat and an accomplished author. Next dates: March 22nd, April 19th, May 17th. I am already working on March. That’s a burger/comfort food vibe party at Brasserie Rebel.
Then there’s ”Neo-Disco Cabaret”: 2025 launch is scheduled for April 1st at a wonderful restaurant I’ve loved for decades called Maestro SVP, on St-Laurent Boulevard: oysters, seafood, tapas, fresh fish an to die for pasta. This is a more elegant affaire, intended for foodies. It celebrates glamour and disco in all its forms.
Other than that, I am working on a few more ideas. I love releasing albums but I don’t want to do ”basic” shows anymore: I like creating events that generate hilarity and end in the form of a family party. I always tell my team: ”Our product isn’t music, it isn’t even a show – our merchandise is joy!” In dark times: resisting obscurity, laughing obstinately is a victory in itself!
Music Authentic: You and adult film stars… You have a ”thing”, don’t you?
Van Hechter: I guess I do. I’ve known and liked many. I love a few. It’s the rebellious quality I appreciate. If a man chooses to become an adult film star (and I am stressing the word CHOOSES), then they have to be free thinkers who walk to their own drum, who don’t give a darn about what people say. This is very punk, if you think about it. In my own way I am a punk too. It’s a natural connivance.
Music Authentic: Is there something you dislike about Montreal?
Van Hechter: Our darn mayor but she’ll be out soon. I’ve never seen the city as dirty as it is. And when she films bits about how well her administration is doing on Sainte-Catherine Street, a team cleans up beforehand. Absolute hypocrisy! Before installing stupid disco balls and rediculous green spaces that get ruined within 3 days, how about hosing the damn streets and sidewalks down come springtime!
Music Authentic: You live smack-dab downtown, right?
Van Hechter: Yes and they’ll have to drag me out of here screaming! I love my place. I could be old and die here. It’s a small condo, nothing luxurious. But I am within walking distance of what matters and there’s a pool, a gym, a sauna. It’s exactly what I wanted. I never aspired to opulence- that’s a good thing because I couldn’t afford it hahahah! I’ve just been so happy here. Plus, I’ve made great friends in the building! Isn’t it fun to have neighbors with whom to be silly at the end of the day???
Music Authentic: This is interesting to me, the idea of not aspiring to opulence…
Van Hechter: Even if I were super rich, I’d live simply. I need my environment to be beautiful but I really don’t desire to exist in luxury. Also, wanting more more more is so last Century! I mean, come on: this is downsizing era! Consume less, use less space, less energy. I’m no saint but I try to keep to essentials. You know, eating daily is already a tremendous privilege- we need to remember that.
Music Authentic: Last question: if we visit Montreal, what’s there to do?
Van Hechter: If you visit in the winter just expect a lot of ”wonderland”: bring ice skates, snow suits. In the Summer we are festival central, so it’s always a gazillion things going on. If you have the budget, try our fantastic restaurants: don’t go to dumb chains you could find all over the world– we have fabulous chefs who pour their hearts into creating dishes that are original and interesting! Last not least: come to my events! I’ll have more to announce shortly, btw.
Music Authentic: Van, always a pleasure to talk to you. Do you think we can resume our monthly talks for 2025?
Van Hechter: Yes, but sometimes we’ll need to do interviews in French. Deal?
Van links:
@vanhechter