If honesty is the best policy, then Van Sereno is your best choice when it comes to songs. Growing up in the inner western suburbs of Sydney has helped produce a talented solo acoustic artist with a diverse range of styles encompassing urban roots, rnb and organic pop with jazzy overtones.
Starting out in an originals funk outfit, as well as rhythm guitarist for numerous cover bands, Van was diligent with his craft and for years worked towards breaking out on his own. Many compare his music to Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Jason Mraz, only with an rnb twist a kind of 'storytelling with a groove'.
He's graced the stages of the metro, the basement, the vanguard, the hopetoun, the boatshed, the cat & fiddle, bar broadway, to name just a few venues. he's supported aussie acts martinez, christine anu, diesel, marcia hines, vanessa amorosi, aswell as supported touring international acts like (US blues artist) john hammond, andrew roachford (UK soul) and john legend (US rnb).
Van's debut album "i think i know" (distributed through MGM) is his coming of age, from the foot stomping "Suspicious" and the disco boogie of "Leave" to the radio-friendliness of "What Then" to the raw sincerity of "Early Days". Its a collection of songs that stands testament to a fresh and innovative approach to songwriting.
The second album "persistence" (distributed through Foghorn) sees him producing himself, writing lyrics driven songs, many of them sticking to his trademark stories of love and relationships. from the funky "theres something there" to the beautiful simplicity of "sit back relax", to the blues of "thank you for tonight", Van has shown he has gained much insight and has matured in his time on the live circuit. stand out tracks is the frollicking "little bonsai" and ofcourse the title track "persistence", two songs that though has a casual and rootsy presentation to it, both weigh heavy on its metaphor and double meanings that many may relate to.
His third album "another way" was recorded live at Damien Gerard Studios on June 2, 2007. a fully acoustic album, Van has left all twelve tracks very raw and gutsy, singing from the heart with percussionist and keyboardplayer Byron Mark thumping along in full support. stories are in abundance on this new CD, as we gain further insight into this singer/songwriters sensitive new age way of thinking. theres a patriotic australiana track called "just come here", a feel good song called "you", and even a christmas song "8 days". the title track best describes this project as a definite different approach to what we're normally used to hearing.
His fourth album "together" is a duets album working with a range of artists from all different styles of music. From the soulful "move on", the funky "understanding" to the hauntingly beautiful "colours askew", this 14 batch of new tracks is an exciting CD to hear the mix of genres brought together in a clever and truly "van sereno" way. Rosie Henshaw, Jessica Boudville, Byron Mark, Luke Koteras, Shane Barret, John Maddox, Cavante, Itu, Danielle Lamb, Renny Field, Kimberly Aviso, Penny Coco, Kristy Coote, Ayesha Mehta, Jade Lumbewe, Gerard Cole, Ross Ferraro, Jarrol Renaud, Mario Gordon and Byron Lutiers are among the talented singer/songwriters and musicians that gave their all to the recording project. Yet to be released on itunes (tracks "youre out" featuring itu can be found on home grown roots compilation volume 1 and "if i die" featuring danielle lamb on sounds like cafe volume 19, and "too good" featuring luke koteras on home grown roots compilation volume 3).
In his own words "you can't beat persistence", and as the old saying goes "if you can't beat them, join them", my guess is you will - joining him in sing along that is!
