Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Van Sereno's self-produced debut is a mix of acoustic pop and R&B, with some jazzy overtones. But from the catchy acoustic riff of "It'll Be Alright" to the smooth R&B of "Make It Better", I can't help feeling that Sereno is singing every song to my girlfriend. There's even the Jamiroquai-inspired funky dance groove "Leave" for when she feels like dancing.
Sereno can play the guitar, but he seems more concerned with impressing the ladies, not fellow guitarists. But that's not always a bad thing. Sereno's most engaging track is "Early Days" with its rippling, acoustic riff and playful lyrics. It's nice to hear songwriters other than rappers having fun with the rythm and sound of words.
J.Adam Ovis - Australian Guitar
Discography
"another way"
Van Sereno
independently solo acoustic album 2007
not yet released
"persistence"
Van Sereno
independently released band album 2007
Foghorn/MGM Distribution - Australia
"i think i know"
Van Sereno
independently released Solo Debut album 2005
MGM Distribution - Australia
"Little Bonsai"
'Home Grown Roots Volume 1" compilation cd
Byron Bay Records
MGM Distribution
"You're Out"
'Home Grown Roots Volume 1" compilation cd
Byron Bay Records
MGM Distribution
"This Thing This Something"
VAMPit
EP independently released 2001
"You Don't Know Me"
VAMPit
EP independently released 1999
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Growing up in the innerwest suburbs of Sydney, Van has emerged as one of the most innovative songwriters today. He mentions Babyface, Stevie Wonder, Ronny Jordan, George Benson, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and Ani Defranco as heavy influences.
Joining his first covers band "Evail" as guitarist at 21 years of age, the late bloomer learned all he could in its 3year lifespan. In the meantime, he joined numerous other projects, both live and recorded works, amongst the small network of friends within the small Sydney scene. He formed his first vehicle for his songwriting "VAMPit" in mid 1999. As frontman and only songwriter of the four piece funk outfit, Van lead the group to two EP releases and countless liveshows that made agents and industry personnel alike stand up and take notice. After 4 and a half years, the group disbanded and Van took up the task of launching his solo career early 2004, continueing to work the sydney live circuit as a solo-acoustic performer, utilising his hand crafted Marand guitar.
In the past he's supported local australian acts as diverse as Vanessa Amarosi, Diesel, Martinez, Tiffani Wood, Marcia Hines and also high profile international acts such as Andrew Roachford (UK), John Hammond (Blues USA) and John Legend (RnB USA).
Van Sereno released his solo debut album "i think i know" to a capacity 250 crowd at Vbar, in the heart of the Sydney city on April 29, 2005. Nationally distributed on MGM, the album continues to gain momentum, on rotation on selected radio stations across Australia, Van is currently doing more live shows to promote the CD.
July 2005, the title track to the debut album "i think i know" made it to volume7 of "Sounds Like Cafe" compilation CD. December 2005 the dance track "Leave" made it to volume 9 of "Sounds Like Cafe" compilation CD. September 2006 "On the 3rd week" made it to volume 13.
"Suspicious" the first single lifted off the album has aired on Channel ABC's "Rage" music television program, and also on "NoiseTV" Channel SBS and "Pinoy TV" on Channel 31.
"Are You Ready", track one on the album has been selected as a download on the amo website and Oztracks website.
His debut album is on regular rotation on 2RDJ 88.1fm, 94.5 FBIfm, 2NSBF99.3 in NSW aswell as couple of rural community radio stations across Australia.
Van also appears in Home Grown Roots Volume 1. a compilation CD that features australian roots singer/songwriters. Both tracks "Little Bonsai" and a duet with itu "You're Out" have been received well by radio and industry critics.
A Van Sereno show is a very unique and special experience. His playing is fluid yet funky, and heavily in the groove making audiences bop and thump to the beat. and when those hooky chorus' kicks in there's no choice but to sing along the infectious melodies. His blend of roots, rnb and groove is a winner to suit any festival or tour.
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