(Jacq) Der E-Gitarrist “De Vansh” zupft sich in die Herzen deutscher Clubber. Inwiefern der junge Lette unsere Musikszene mit seinem neu definierten “rockstar lifestyle” erobert, schilderte er der :bsz.

bsz: How would you categorize the type of music you make?

De Vansh: I like experimenting with different sounds and styles. For example, one of my favorites is to combine rock guitar sounds with house music. Generally, I perform everything from funky house, techno house to commercial house. People enjoy listening to their favorite singles that include guitar solos, good examples are Seven Nation Army by White Stripes, Aerodynamic by Daft Punk etc.; however, I haven’t come up with a clear category for my style of music yet.

In which way do you enrich a club with your music?

I broke several of my guitars on stage just for the fun of it, and believe me, not many performers do that in clubs. Once I played my guitar with a shot glass (…) What I do on stage is really hard to describe with words, however, I heard people say that it’s as if I was having sex with the guitar. Sometimes, I stand next to the stage to have a glass of juice and I smile… It feels like what I have is a real relationship, built on extraordinary, interesting and always special communication. It`s just not with one particular person.

Who is your inspiration?

Joe Satriani and Tommy Morello have been influential sources of inspiration, my wish is to record something together with them one day.

Why are you called “De Vansh”?

The name was inspired by a person very dear to me. It translates as “part of God” or “part of the Light” from one of the ancient languages. Sadly, that particular person is not in my life anymore, but the memory continues to live through the name.

What is your big aim in life?

„Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone“.

Would you say that you’re living the “rockstar lifestyle”?

Yes, absolutely. Though I`m not sure if our definitions of the so called “rockstar lifestyle” match. If you mean “Sex, Drugs, Rock`n`Roll”, then I have to disappoint you as I am specifically against the second counterpart, same as having sex without love. I believe that everything you do should have a soul, whether it`s music, love or sex. Yes, I`m a bit old-fashioned in these things, and I would like to say “thank you for giving me these values” to my parents and the church. “Alcohol, drugs, tobacco”, this is a topic that is closed for me once and for all. For me the “rockstar lifestyle” is an opportunity to be myself. Here big thanks go to Slash, Nirvana, Metallica and RadioHead for opening this door for me. However, I do agree that nightlife has a lot of temptations, but I want to be viewed as a positive role model, and set an example that it`s possible to rock and stay “clean” at the same time.

What do you enjoy the most of living it?

Here I can definitely say that it`s the travels and the people who I meet along the way, and of course the fact that my chances of meeting the “one” are increasing. Here I’m talking about love again…I enjoy new cities, hotels and the feeling of wholeness that I get from my job. The adventures that come as a package with travels are a definite bonus, like the time when I was performing on a private party from one of the oligarchs in Moscow which turned out to be both shocking and pleasant, but I can`t discuss that here…

What is your attitude regarding charges of the Society for Musical Performing and Mechanical Reproduction Rights?

In my opinion, the artists who create something should be rewarded for their work. I know that the German government has an especially strict position with regards to copyright laws and as I live in this country I have to respects its jurisdiction. Before having moved to Germany, I lived in London and Moscow and the situation there is completely different. I will never forget a story that my law professor once told. He said that when US researchers made a study about copyright violations in Russia and Latvia (that`s where I`m from) they were appalled by the fact that 95% of all information is distributed illegally, but then they found out about the income level and they were surprised even more. But truth be told, I get really disappointed when I can’t find the original songs or videos on youtube in Germany. The “this content is blocked in your country” sign is starting to drive me insane. Even my videos can only be viewed on Vimeo these days.

Do you think you’re starting a new music movement?

If we are talking about my show and the way I perform, then definitely yes, that`s adding something new to the club scene. But with regards to music in general, it`s hard for me to judge. We can get back to this topic when my album comes out and I get the public`s feedback. I can tell you in advance I have huge plans and this is not the last time you hear about me. And by the way, I love Germany for many reasons, wonderful people and amazing food for example! Thank you for this experience!