I could’ve written ”Duke” or ”Prince” but I went with ”Dandy” because I liked the title: ”Disco Dandy”! He is all of those things, though- and more: underground pop star, icon to kids who feel they don’t totally belong, prize winner for best short LGBTQ short film theme song… I have to admit was surprised to meet a very simple bloke in army shorts and baseball cap when I ran into him as he was taking his 2-hour walk by the ocean a few weeks ago, looking like a happy kid-with a smile in his eye like there’s always something amusing going on in his head… Because his next single ”Love In Miami” will be launched simultaneously on Miami Beach Radio, in NYC and Montreal and we discussed it more are buddies — I decided this time not to do an official interview-just to record our conversation and transcript it here- for our readers…
I: So this is you not as VAN but as Van- the real guy- right?
Van: Yeah I don’t make fashion statements nor do I groom for 2 hours when not working hahahaha! So, yes this is the ”me” my friends or anyone who lives with me get hahahahha! One has to relax sometimes. At home I essentially wear the same clothes day in and out- just washing’em and slapping them on again. I don’t care! For me the expensive suits, the exorbitant boots, blah blah, that’s all for showbusiness. I think if I had a regular job I’d probably be that guy with one outfit- like a uniform almost hahaha!
I: Tell me about ”Love In Miami”…
Van: It’s something I did with Villagomez. I think he’s among the top 5 most talented musician/producers I’ve been blessed to meet so far. I literally fell in love with the track instantly. I hope that the fans will too. It’s coming out on June 10th, with a video of course. We filmed that here- where else? Villagomez flew in for a few days and the very known Gio Spano filmed us. What I find wonderful about the track is: it’s what I’d like to dance to all summer long…
I: Is that title- like- from a true story?
Van: Yes. I fell in love. Love was reciprocated- or I was lied to- I don’t really care now. I wasn’t lying that’s all that matters… That love blew up in my face later in Cali. I was devastated – not for being dumped so much as by the way it was done. But I wouldn’t change a second of the whole experience because it revealed me to myself in ways I’d never imagined possible. And I love the ”me” I met through this whole fiasco! Plus- now in hindsight- the whole affair seems like a farce! I think of it as a comedy skit. Often times most ”tragic” situations are comedic when looked at from a certain angle… I’m not one to dwell on the dark side of things.
I: You know- you’re a lot deeper than you seem at first glance…
Van: That’s sweet to say… I think my new fans get me. Loving glamour and showing off a 6-pack doesn’t necessarily make one shallow… Practicing self-deprecation- always twisting things in a way that’s more entertaining than ”THIS IS MY SAD STORY” does take a certain amount of depth, actually. As misunderstood as I was 10 years ago- these kids now- see that I’m multi-leveled. You have no idea how happy that makes me.
I: What was the most tragic event in your life you turned into a joke?
Van: Surviving a very aggressive and sudden form of testicular cancer and then instead of coming out about it all ”Ohhhhh yes this was all so traumatic”, going ”Well you see- I was over-using my testicles… I think God just figured —- Alright- as of now only one functional one for you- this way your sex-drive may become normal and you can do a full day’s work for once. Blessing in disguise, really!”…
I: Ok that’s very funny…
Van: My job is to entertain. I’m in it to make people smile, not cry…
I: You’re fun…
Van: You are too! Are you single? Hahahahahhaha! See- I can’t NOT at least attempt to kid around.
I: You are are very quick… Last, could you tell us about the launch?
Van: The official party happens in Montreal- on a fabulous rooftop around sunset. Villagomez and I are thrilled to have local stars involved… We have Pullinsky and Montana spinning, performances by a divine woman named Briga Dajczer- and a cool live bass player named Julake. At the head of operations is promoter Jean Olivier Laguerre… These are all big names in our hometown. I will even add that a certain Tim, who is tremendously popular with girls will be at our main bar! Hahahahah! Of course during Villagomez’s super neo-disco set I will sing ”Love In Miami”… Meahwhile- NYC DJ extraordinaire Chauncey Dandridge will premiere the song and Miami Beach Radio will air it! 3 cities partying to the same groove! Love that!
I: Thank you for this chat!
Van: Anytime- you’re one of my favorites!
If any of you should be in Montreal on June 10th- here’s how you can buy tickets to Van and Villagomez’s bash!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/love-in-miami-rooftop-party-june-10th-2022-tickets-333373869217
Links to follow:
