He’s had #1 hits in the underground of Chicago & NYC. He’s charted all over the USA: Florida, California, Arizona. His performances as a singer but also as an MC with a hell of a comedic instinct have led him to perform in Paris. This year, he made an irrevocable decision to stay in Montreal (his hometown) and I’m sure many miss him (his solar energy) as much as I do. Here’s a short phone interview I recently did with the delightful Van Hechter…
– By June you’re usually in New York City, getting involved in Pride… Do you miss it?
I don’t want to knock other Prides but I am biased: in my heart NYC Pride is the best. It always feels like the entire world is there. I remember one night at Stonewall Inn after the parade, speaking to people from 8 different countries! It was like a gay U.N.! Of course I miss it. But I want to record 3 new singles with Eryck Wyseman (my favorite producer ever) and our studios are here in Montreal. Plus, I’m resident host & performer at Orage Private Club, which changes things… I fell in love with the place, the bosses, staff & clients: that sort of ”Coup de foudre” doesn’t happen many times in one’s life.
– What do you do at Orage?
Of course I sing, but I also greet members, joke with them, do a bit of slapstick. I love silly contests so I make one up each week. It’s like a little play every night, a sexy play. What I love most: barmaids & hostesses all love theater! So we are like a full ”cabaret” cast. The fun we have!
– I know for fact that many Americans will visit Montreal this summer: what do you suggest in terms of fun/entertainment?
Your USD goes a long way in Canada these days! I’ve said it many times: Montreal is a foodie city, so enjoy local ”restaurateurs” and avoid chains. We really have fantastic restaurants: try a few out! For instance: third Friday of each month I do a supper-club named ”Neo-Disco Cabaret” at Casa Azul- a wonderful Mexican bistro owned by 2 fabulous ladies who serve authentic dishes. My show there is all about disco in all its forms (new and classic) and great food in a beautiful setting, located on St-Denis Street (iconic)… Then I’d say, enjoy festivals, outdoor activities, Pride in August. Last: don’t stay in one district. Use our metro: plateau has a vibe, downtown another, Outremont is fun & vey European, Mile-End is cool…
– Tell me about the songs you are about to record…
One of them is about a broken heart with some French in it. Another is about the joy of living and how important it is to cultivate it in darker times. Last has to do with clumsiness in love. I mean: I write about what I know. I tell you about my own reality: my victories, my failures…
– What’s your greatest victory? What’s your greatest failure?
My greatest victory is to have remained myself when a gazillion idiots were telling me to alter who I was as an artist and to start being realistic. Something else I think I can be proud of: I never ever stop believing magical moments are right around the corner, if I follow my heart.
Failures: I’ve had many- thousands, I’m sure! But the trick is to learn from failure! Therefore, in hindsight every miserable flop has brought me something positive.
– Will the U.S. ever see you again? (I personally miss your electrifying energy).
I don’t know when but of course I’ll return! You guys gave me my first radio slots, my first spots on charts, lots of press: I could never forget that! It’s on U.S. land that I was given a chance to perform on my own terms, and honked at by a bunch of screaming girls (Florida) walking to the beach bare chested. ”Van we love you” they yelled. I could never not love you. You gave me a career!
Our top Van Hechter singles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpAPyOzs-Nc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbMBKK-Dbw4
If you should be in Montreal on June 20th:
https://lepointdevente.com/billets/7ax250620001
