Things have been a little bit quiet in the Von Stache world, but she’s back with a vengeance and a whole new sound. The synthesizer will no longer make an appearance at live sets and instead Von Stache has opted for a sparkly Gibson Flying V, killer.
Hi Von Stache, thanks for taking time to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
I am great – currently enjoying my morning coffee surrounded by dogs.
We understand it’s been about a year since you’ve performed a gig or done much with your music, why the break?
I think I was just in a bit of a rut. I decided that I didn’t want to play any of my old songs anymore, and I didn’t want to perform in the same way (playing synthesizer) so I started writing a new live set. I had some pretty gnarly writers block – it took a while.
Though you are coming back and launching an EP at the Boxing Day Slam at the Barwon Club (December 26), are you nervous at all performing after the break?
Surprisingly, no. I used to get so nervous about sucking or making mistakes, now I couldn’t care less. That’s what makes gigs awesome. I’m just excited to get back out there and start playing.
There are also a few changes, mainly that you’ve ditched synthesizer for a Gibson Flying V, what sparked the change?
I only started playing Synth when I started “Von Stache” because I thought it would fit the music better. I never really felt comfortable playing it – guitar has always been my main instrument. One day I jammed with guitar and everything just fell in to place. I find it so much more fun to play, and it makes the live show that much more different to my recordings, which is what I wanted.
We have seen a picture of the guitar as well and it is a beauty! Was it love at first sight or did you take a while to choose the right one?
I had no intentions of buying a new guitar at all. I was in the music shop buying a cable or something and when I was at the register the guy working was like, ‘Don’t wanna buy a flying V as well do you?” He pointed it out and I thought, ‘That would be so ridiculous and awesome at the same time’. I gave it a quick silver sparkly Von Stache custom make over, and now it is my pointy, string-faced baby. That music shop guy deserves a raise, that’s got to be the best up-sell ever.
As you’ve changed your style up a bit from what fans will be used to, how will the rest of the EP sound?
I couldn’t say just yet, I haven’t finished it. At the moment it looks to have more guitars and less programming.
For your set at Boxing Day Slam do you plan on pulling out any of the older tracks or will it be all newies?
All new, nothing from my first EP. Party times!
What are you most looking forward to about getting back on stage and performing your music?
Meeting new people, discovering new venues and having cider on the rider.
You did take a little break off, which everyone deserves, but what can we expect from you in the future?
I’m in the process of trying to book as many gigs as I can. So lots more gigs, more singles and more film clips.
Thanks again for chatting with Forte, is there anything you’d like to add before we finish up?
Come party at The Boxing Day Slam, grab a free six-track demo and see a gazillion bands for cheap. It will be awesome.
When & Where: Boxing Day Slam @ Barwon Club – December 26