Founder member of 80s pioneers Violent Femmes, Victor DeLorenzo, speaks to Jason Barnard about his career and new Tranceaphone EP.
Can you tell me about the Tranceaphone EP?
The TRANCEAPHONE Ep represents a return to pop and experimental music for me after not releasing a collection of my own music since 2013. The main theme of the Ep is how the folk art musical instrument that I created, the Tranceaphone, influences my everyday and creative life through story form and examination of the World we live in. Your soul is never alone with your friend the Tranceaphone.
Who did the artwork?
The drawing of me on the front cover was done by artist Carri Skoczek.
Where and how did you record it?
I produced and engineered this collection in the Fall&Winter of 2019 here at my recording studio, (The Past Office), located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
You have a very distinctive drum sound – what is your set up?
I guess my distinctive drum sound is a result of being schooled in Jazz drumming from an early age, and a love of playing with brushes in a variety of different musical contexts.
When did you start drumming? What attracted you to the drum kit?
I started playing the Drum Set in 1969 when I bought a set from a friend of my cousins who was going off to serve in Vietnam. I studied Jazz drumming privately with famed teacher Joe Pulice and I also took lessons in symphonic percussion with Tele Lesbines of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. My first instrument was the viola.
How are your favourite players?
My favorite Masters of Drumming are : Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Don Moye, Ringo Starr, Roy Haynes, and my friend Moe Tucker.
What are your highlights from your time in Violent Femmes?
I have many superb memories of playing with the Fems. Probably 2 of the biggest highlights are selling out both Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall.
Why did you start writing songs?
I started to write original lyric based music because of my eternal love for The Beatles. They led me to many different forms of creative endeavor during the course of my career in music and beyond!
What led you to form Nineteen Thirteen?
I was asked to join NINETEEN THIRTEEN by Janet Schiff. Janet is the other half of our Cello and Drum duo and her cello was born in Romania in 1913.
What inspires you?
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. I’m also inspired continually by the french artist and mentor I never met, Marcel Duchamp.
What songs that you’ve been involved with?
I treasure the first 2 Violent Femmes records and my recording of “Dictionary” which is a homage and celebration to/of Marcel Duchamp!
As playing live is currently on hold, what are your plans for the rest of the year?
My plans for the rest of the year are to rest for the rest of the year…Looking to jump back in at the dawn of 2021…!!!
For more information, please visit: victordelorenzo.weebly.com & vjd on Instagram
