I am a huge Van Hechter fan: his music, his stylized image and smart tongue twisters caught my attention from the first time I played his debut solo EP, back in 2017. More recently I’ve discovered yet another talent: his MC-ing skills… I interview him regularly because our readers (as I) keep wanting more.
This time around, our appointment is set to happen in his downtown Montreal flat… He greets me and the first thing I notice is how lovely it smells (Ylang Ylang or something exotic). As I penetrate his small modern condo, I look around: black and white basics to anchor pops of vivid color (blues, greens, oranges, reds). Styles are mixed yet all fits perfectly. On his walls: numerous stunning modern paintings by unknown artists. In the backdrop, ”Kind Of Blue” by Miles Davis plays… This is indeed the condo of an artist whose tastes are absolutely impeccable. I sit on his couch, he hands me a glass of green tea with ginger and off we go.
Music Authentic: So, a few months back your last comment (almost) shocked me. I simply must pick-up where we left off… You were with a woman for 4 years?
Van Hechter: Yes, and I purposely threw this at you just a few seconds before the end of the interview, to make sure I’d see you again, hah.
I was with a girl for 4 years. I had a boyfriend at the time but she was in all my classes, she went out at the same clubs, she seemed to always be around. Something clicked: we laughed to the point of stomach cramps. It was an incredible bond. So, I left the boyfriend and went with her (much much much to my father’s relief). We had four fantastic years: not a day without a chuckle! The moments with her are totally positive in my mind. I wouldn’t exchang’em for anything. I remember thinking: ”Where else will I find this much hilarity???
MA: And then what?
Van: Well, then I went back to men. I’ve been a mess ever since, hahahah!
MA: And you’re single now but you’ve had your share of crazy loves. How do you feel about relationships at this stage?
Van: Lord! I highly doubt that I will ever remarry. Then again, for years I said I didn’t want tattoos and recently I’ve had many done because I found the right tattoo artist (Vincent- cheers). With me you never know! I am first surprised by my own whims! I did try many things: from ”great on paper” relationships that bored the hell out of me to crazy ”take a plane to meet you tonight because I simply must be with you” passions. I was very interested in experiences, as a young man. Now, as a ”maturish” single guy: I enjoy seeing the toilet seat down at all times and I love getting back to my place from a show, finding everything looking like I’ve left it! I’m obsessed with cleanliness and order. Not sure I could live with someone again. That doesn’t mean there isn’t space for love, mind you. When I love it ain’t halfway- it’s whole. Just I don’t need a conventional relationship, I don’t need to live with the person and monogamy certainly isn’t an ultimate proof of loyalty to me. I suppose what matters to me is: ”Who do you really want to kiss once the day is over? Who do you want to tell how you’re feeling when all the noise stops? Whose wheelchair could you push in 40 years?”
MA: Speaking of coming home from a gig… I have to say, as an MC who also sings: you do put your audience in a state. I was at your last album launch: I saw how enamored people were when they left. Do you feel like this is a relationship in itself?
Van: The relationship with an audience is something sacred: without it the artist doesn’t exist. I always say: big rooms, small rooms, on a float in front of thousands or on a slow night entertaining 20 people- same privilege. Only when I began to do regular shows did I truly start feeling alive. I was born onstage. One day it’ll be over and I’ll find other ways to be happy. However, the magical moments with crowds will remain engraved in me forever.
MA: Tell me about the Orage parties…
Van: I am so excited about those! L’Orage is a ”libertine club” in Montreal- an institution. It’s been open for decades. The bosses had the fantastic idea to diversify its ”clientele”: we are doing an LGBTQ/Queer/sexually flexible night every Thursday, with once a month a big party where I have a guest star and sing more than usual. Of course, I host and carouse about with the crowd. What’s most important to me is that all feel comfortable. I want straight people to come in and enjoy themselves. I don’t believe in segregation. In the end we are all human and we should get festive TOGETHER. Sometimes having a blast with a ”type” you’d never meet in your regular existence can change everything.
MA: And you do ”straight” Saturday nights, too…
Van: I love my straights! It takes two straight people to make a gay one let’s not forget! The 80’s party 2 weeks ago was a blast. I sang my version of ”Bizarre Love Triangle” then bounced all over the room, making many new friends.
MA: You have a lot of straight buddies?
Van: Most of my gym buddies are not only straight but also on the ”macho” side… Those friendships are the best: no flirting, no hidden agenda, just pure ”I really like talking to you for no other reason than the actual talk” moments. I have very little interest in people who are exactly like me. We learn so much more from those who think and live differently. We grow through blending and being confronted to foreign ideas, not through constant comfort.
MA: What’s the most important thing in life?
Van: Fanny Ardant quote: ”I faut aller à la rencontre de soi, envers et contre tout sans se préoccuper des avis, avec la sagesse des fous, quite à payer le prix fort”… If you don’t know her: brilliant French actress who has a new documentary out. Translation: ”One must meet oneself, against all odds, without paying attention to external opinions, with the wisdom of fools, even if it means paying the highest price”… I must believe in this very deeply because it’s how I’ve chosen to live. Second (equally important) thing: never loose humor, remain silly at all times!
MA: And what’s your motto?
Van: Beware of anyone who thinks they are too grown up or intelligent to hold a conversation with Alex, my grey flannel bear puppet who is not only my assistant but also my stylist and a bit of a dictator. If a person can’t handle this level of absurdity: walk away.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDocOJMkIfM
Instagram: @vanhechter