Artists

Our Idea of Happiness is a Van She Interview

July 6, 2012 by Felicity Powell in Artists, Featured with 0 Comments

Van She dominated the indie dance scene a few years back, busting out chart toppers like ‘Kelly’ and riding the wave of success like they were made to be on top.

But the Sydney four-piece have been quiet of late, collaborating on side projects, DJing, and working away in the studio, creating the tropical masterpiece that is Idea Of Happiness. Now, the indie dance darlings are back with two new singles, a new album and a national tour to match. Ahead of their first show to launch their new album Idea of Happiness, Vulture spoke to percussionist Tomek Archer.

Giving fans a taste of what’s to come with the release of their second single “Jamaica” this month, Tomek says that “something good is happening between the music and us,” which can only be a sign of good times ahead, and the mark of a killer new album. This relaxed feeling comes from the band taking a laid-back approach to bringing all the elements of Idea of Happiness together over a year. “We took our time and chilled out. There was no ‘churn it out’ feeling this time,” says Tomek.

With their last long-player V released in 2008, the band took their time recording, engineering and producing the album themselves. They then jetted over to LA enlist the help of Tony Hoffer (who has worked with M83, Beck, and Air) to take over mixing duties. “We were really happy with his work,” says Tomek. “We had strong opinions on what we wanted and we’ll never do it any other way,” he says.

Vulture couldn’t help but ask Tomek about the band’s new video clip for lead single ‘Idea Of Happiness’. If you haven’t seen it, get ready to be visually assaulted:

The band sent out a brief for people to create a video that captured their own idea of happiness. They could not have even imagined what would be sent back to them. “Our directors sent back a picture of Emil. He’s a real guy, he’s not an actor!”

Emil – or better known as “String Emil” to his fans – collects vintage cars and runs his own exhibitionist website, where - if it floats your boat – you can check out a whole heap of pictures of a middle-aged man with flowing hair wearing g-strings and posing with old cars. Yep, this is not a joke. Check it out here, if you dare.

The clip was shot in Emil’s house “somewhere near Budapest.”

“We really have no idea where he came from,” says Tomek. “An idea of happiness is different for different people, we just happened to find Emil,” he laughs. As puzzling as the clip is, its fun and carefree attitude perfectly reflects the breezy sounds Van She have created for Idea of Happiness.

Vulture is already daydreaming of coconuts, mojitos and babes playing beach volleyball, escaping to a far off summer, and after listening to this new release you’re sure to be dreaming too. Just don’t let images of Emil’s shiny butt flossing outfit ruin it for you…