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Descended from noblemen, paupers, tradesmen and sailors - many of them shrouded in mystery; the Reverend Van’s music tells the tale of this darkness and turmoil - the highs and lows of a bohemian life packed into his suitcase, his guitar and his voice. As an army of 1 VT embodies the myriad facets of his history in music: war refugees, poor migrants, violent, mysterious settlers; a deep, deep melancholy and an unmistakable energy that drives him to press on through all this adversity.
But dark days aren’t just distant memories for the Rev. Born into a troubled nomadic family, he clung to his art through domestic violence, and homelessness. After years of experimenting in groups from Church Bands to Post-Hardcore the Rev learned multiple instruments and found solace in his own musical voice.
Choosing a suitcase for a bass drum and his trusty resophonic guitar Van hit the road in 2017, busking and playing bars, clocking up in excess of 100 shows a year all over Europe from Edinburgh to New Zealand with appearances at such events as Kelburn Garden Party, Eden Festival, the BBC Scotland Live Fringe Stage and The Edinburgh Fringe, winning the regional Bulleit Bourbon Band battle for Utrecht where he is currently based. Van has been winning over fans since he started this bohemian touring life.
For his newest venture the reverend brings you a series of singles leading up to his debut album “Army of 1” where he bares himself openly addressing mental health issues, financial struggle, the loss of a loved one and separation. The leading single “Ain’t No Man With Money” will be out on all platforms this quarantine
Van Tastik was conceptualized in 2014 at a blues jam with a few colleagues. Where their response was so positive that Chris Fallen who had been performing under his birth name until then began to consider returning to what he loved most - music. After a series of early projects in his teenage years The Silent Moons, Cardiac, a short time with The Green River Burial Chris turned away from music for academic pursuits.
Inevitably always gravitating back towards creative disciplines Van Tastik is the culmination of years of ebb and flow towards a life mundane and a life creative.
Van went from riches to rags and so many other life changing events which give him a world-weary, old soul outlook and approach. His music is something he views as a catharsis for all of the soul-shattering experiences he’s been through which he’s seeking to mend and share so that others may turn to his voice for guidance in the dark.