All Photos: Alan Mercer
Van Darien is a hard-bitten lyricist with a flare for Americana Folklore. But Americana is not just an imagined theme for Van, but something she has been strongly rooted in since a young age. Hailing from Weatherford, TX, Van was raised in a home which also functioned as her father John's machine shop; it was in this shop Van would become well versed in some of the finest American Roots music. From a junkyard of rusted cars, and a cast of characters both eclectic and eccentric, this Southern upbringing would lay the foundation for Van's future in songwriting.
Van has spent the past several years playing across Texas, from dusty beer joints to theater venues and everywhere in-between. In her travels, she has shared the stage with many artists including Uncle Lucius, Mike McClure, John Fullbright, Ian Moore, Cody Canada & The Departed, and Johnathan Tyler.
Apart from solo writing and works, Vanessa has also established many musical friendships and collaborations, with writing partners Joey Green, Maren Morris, Steven Cooper, and Ryan Michael of The Roomsounds. With a tight-knit group of musicians, and the help of producer/musician Beau Patrick Bedford, Van completed a 6 song EP of new material entitled "Silent Sparrow."
Alan Mercer: Van, I discovered you on social media and then I heard your song’ ‘Low Road’ and fell in love with your artistry. I had to download ‘Silent Sparrow’ immediately.
Van Darien: Thank you.
AM: Can you start off by telling me about growing up in Weatherford, Texas?
VD: I grew up in Weatherford next to my dad’s machine shop. I’ve worked for him since I was a little girl.
AM: Are you mechanical?
VD: Only when it comes to taking things apart. Putting them back together is a different story. We used to take cars apart and we would scrap them. I helped him make furniture and he’s a blacksmith as well, so I’ve helped bend the iron and mend it together to make something functional.
AM: That is awesome to have those childhood experiences! Were you singing and writing as a child?
VD: I started singing when I was nine. I didn’t know that you could write your own songs until I was around seventeen. I had already written quite a bit of poetry. I started playing guitar around twenty-one and putting the poems into songs. It grew and developed from then.
AM: Don’t you live in Nashville now?
VD: I call myself a Nashville residing Texan.
AM: Your musical style is considered East Nashville isn’t it?
VD: I would put it in that category.
AM: What does that mean?
VD: It means my music is more alt-country and is a lot more lyrical and poetic based.
AM: I think it’s edgier.
VD: Yes, maybe a little bit grittier and more roots oriented. The record has a little more of an indie vibe to it as well, not just straight Americana.
AM: Your music reminds me of classic American Rock.
VD: Oh! Thank you.
AM: I love your big voice too.
VD: Sometimes I think I’m too loud.
AM: No! What a gift to have that much power when you open your mouth.
VD: I think my voice has always been my main vehicle for getting my songs out there.
AM: What were your three favorite records as a young girl?
VD: As a kid my three favorite records were ‘Rumors’ by Fleetwood Mac, the Highway Men album and Billy Falcon ‘Pretty Blue World.’ Billy lives in Nashville now. Not enough people know of him, but I am a huge fan of his 1991 album.
AM: I must look up that album now.
VD: He’s had that alt-country thing long before anyone else.
AM: You handle 100% of your career, don’t you?
VD: Yes, I have handled my booking. I think it’s fun to learn how to do all the different facets. I’m learning more than I ever thought I would have to learn about the music business. I only had one show booked in Texas as of last week but when I knew I was coming I wanted to do more than one show and now I have five booked.
AM: It’s a testament to your professionalism. These people know you will show up and deliver.
VD: I learned that early on from my dad. He taught me if you say you’re going to be somewhere, you better do it.
AM: Do you know when your first full album will be available?
VD: I’m aiming for May. I’m still in the process of getting everything in line. It’s all on my shoulders and I’ve learned so much from what I didn’t do with the EP. I know there will be other surprises that come along.
AM: Where do you find inspiration for your songwriting these days?
VD: I used to write a lot about the heartbreak of love, but now I’ve been in a happy relationship for six years so I’m finding inspiration almost anywhere. I’m on the road in new towns with new characters that I fall in love with. I put myself in their place so I can write from another perspective.
AM: I like that. It gives you a bigger perspective.
VD: There are so many more paths. You can get into character and write from that point of view.
AM: Is radio still relevant?
VD: Radio is still huge in my mind. I still listen to 95.9 the Ranch when I’m in town. Last time I was here, I was on my way to a gig and I heard me playing on the radio!
AM: How awesome!
VD: It was a nice ego boost before I walked into a weird gig. We did push a couple songs from the first record, and we got on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. I have a tiny bit of experience in that area.
AM: What is your favorite part of all that you do? Is it recording or performing?
VD: The performing is cool, but I think I like the traveling part the most.
AM: You like seeing new places?
VD: Seeing new places and writing in motel rooms. I wrote a lot of my first two records in motel rooms. I get a lot of solitude and that helps. I think about the surroundings and creating a time capsule. Then when we get in the studio and record all the songs, I think about this is where I was in my life and then to me, it becomes a complete piece of art.
AM: I completely get that on ‘Silent Sparrow.’ It works as a complete work of art from beginning to end. It’s a story I enjoy listening to.
VD: I miss records like that.
AM: Artists like you are saying they miss them and want to make them.
VD: I feel like the artists who are releasing vinyl records are the serious ones who want that. It’s not about a single. They want to tell stories and a string of stories.
AM: Since I have heard both your records, I can tell you the songs sound like they were written in motel rooms by a world traveling troubadour.
VD: Thank you. I intend to keep performing and making records for as long as I can.
To learn more about Van Darien visit her web site https://www.vandarien.com/