The third EP, titled “Undecided,” by the Amsterdam-based alternative rock band VON VEH has just been released. The EP’s five songs address unfiltered, everyday issues like unrequited love, watching someone else struggle with depression, and love in difficult times.
The debut single, Turmoil! Turmoil!, has already peaked at number one on the IndieXL Indie chart (The Netherlands).
The song also reached the third spot on DaMusic’s Thistle Chart (Belgium).
Mariska’s distinctive and potent voice is the perfect companion for Von Veh’s grinding guitars and watertight rhythm section. Heavy synthesized sounds, vocal effects, and hypnotic soundscapes round out the sound. Von Veh might be the offspring of PJ Harvey and The Pixies. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
VON VEH: We all live in or nearby Amsterdam, the Netherlands. From the nineties on each of us started their musical careers in their own individual bands. Our singer Mariska and guitarist Ivan where the first to gather in the same band. It took more than 20 years until bassist Ron hooked up when the two were up for again new band. After a couple of years of growing pains, drummers and band names, eventually drummer Dennis and guitarist Michiel joined to complete Von Veh in 2019.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
VON VEH:
All band members had some basic music lessons to get things started. However, we are all mainly self-taught. We learn a lot from each other. Not only on a technical level, but also on things like developing musical taste. And not being youngsters anymore, we learned experience simply comes with the years.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘VON VEH’?
VON VEH: The band name Von Veh derives from Mariska’s family name. There is no other band name like it, which is perfect!
Our strongest influences are nineties related. We love Sonic Youth, but Von Veh might just be the love baby of The Pixies and PJ Harvey.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
VON VEH: Von Veh’s grinding guitars and waterproof rhythm section are the ideal chaperones for the characteristic, sweet and powerful voice of singer Mariska. The sound is completed by heavy synth sounds, vocal effects and hypnotizing soundscapes. Its probably best categorized as Alternative Indie Rock.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as ROCK?
VON VEH: First of all, we never think of “writing a hit”. There seldom is a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge in our songs, is not very mainstream. We don’t do that on purpose. We always let the music speak for itself or let the lyrics flow. When Ivan (guitarist) sends a new song to the band to ask if they like the idea and the answer is “It cannot be more Von Veh than this” then we know it’s a great song. We stay true to ourselves. And knowing that music is not a competition. To be independent it gives us the freedom we need. Mariska is always looking for adventurous melody lines. It’s always rock, and always alternative.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
VON VEH:
Music is the best vehicle to express ourselves. It translates personal life events and adherent emotions in fine music. It’s the best way to deal with such life events. It’s the best therapy ever. Cheap and more effective than mental health services.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
VON VEH:
When we’ve created a song and we are very happy, it doesn’t matter how much effort and time we’ve put in to it. The satisfaction of having made a good song is limitless. Of course these songs need to be heard by as many ears as possible. So having airplay and being put on playlists is also hugely gratifying. The next step is to be more visible to the people that don’t know us yet, but should know us because of their impeccable taste :)
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
VON VEH: It varies, but typically it works something like this: Ivan wakes up in the middle of the night with a nice rhythm in his head. Then it starts with a bass and drum combination at home. If there is enough excitement it triggers the development of a rough diamond, the start of a new song! During the process Mariska tries to add an original melody line mostly with imaginary words. This will be further explored and development in the rehearal studio (which is in the middle of the famous Vondelpark) until we are all satisfied.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
VON VEH:
Corona was terrible. No gigs, no rehearsal, no recordings, not seeing each other. It was a disaster for the creative progress.
But the biggest disaster happened October ‘22 when we had to cancel our October tour because Ivan had a car accident. On top of that only a week later Mariska had an accident and broke her back.
Besides the pain, the gigs and interviews that had to be postponed, we are very
amazed by the swift recovery of Ivan and Mariska, and guess what? We’re more creative than we’ve have ever been, so a lot of new songs are coming up, with storylines of the accidents incorporated in some songs. To make something good out of something so bad proves to be a true gift. Our first gig is coming up soon, 25th of March in our hometown Amsterdam.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
VON VEH: We are very proud of our first two EPs (No Tremossos (2019) and Rubbing Makes It Worse (2021)) and the exposure we got from those. Both were received extremely well and it got us a lot of airplay. Our latest EP Undecided is however the most special. The first single Turmoil! Turmoil! hit the first position in the Indie Chart. The song is celebrating the relief from the disturbing Covid years. For us it meant we celebrated untill destiny struck us with the accidents of both Mariska and Ivan. Now both of them are up on their feet again, we are building up to a great finale with this one, making us forget the rough times.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
VON VEH: We wish we had more exposure through Spotify and such. It’s definitely an important way to spread our music. We use Bandcamp to sell our music, but the site is mostly unknown. About criticism: we know that not everybody loves our music. To be honest we are carefully picking our potential audience. That takes a lot of time but, it helps to really try and reach the right people. Only rock, indie and alternative related.
We know we have to handle criticism, maybe haters, but as long as we are happy with what we’re doing, this doesn’t affect us. We know we need reviews to get noticed.
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live
audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
VON VEH:
Depends on who you ask! Making songs at home and when it all comes together in the rehearsal room is like an orgasm. But if you ask Mariska she would say “Live interaction with the audience”!
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
VON VEH: Music can give so much support and comfort. It would be great if more people really listen to the lyrics, but we are realistic. In the end it’s the whole package that people will like, or not. Everyone is free to interpret anything, but when our song “Openly Remember” came out, we told the background story of the lyrics: Mariska’s nephew texted her the whole period his wife was terminally ill, and later when she died (he was only 45 years old) Mariska made lyrics of the words he texted. At the release and in interviews she told us what the song is about. We noticed that this was a reason people got very interested in the song and let us know they really felt it. Somebody even told us he was crying after he heard what the song was about. He plays it every week since, on his radio station.
That’s why since “Openly Remember” we always announce what the song is about when we release it.
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