French-Georgian artist Van Hechter lives in Montreal, where he co-owns Isotop Records with associate producer D.J. Eryck Wyseman. Known for his clever, multi-layered lyrics that expose human flaws, often his own, with humor and charm, Van has built a cult following in the underground scene. Stylish both in fashion and sound, his music now plays on radio stations in New York, Chicago, and California, and he’s set to perform regularly in Manhattan over the next year.
His latest single, “Boy Problems,” is a daring bilingual track blending French and English. Van refused to translate it entirely into English, believing the French lyrics added a romantic flair. Here’s what he had to say about it.
Is this your first really bilingual song?
“I have a few songs with a French sentence or two, but yes, ‘Boy Problems’ is my first fully bilingual song. It wasn’t calculated at all; it’s just how it came out when I wrote it. I thought, well, French is supposed to be the language of love, so why not talk about heartbreak in French?
Plus, I used a Montreal accent, meaning Quebec French, not France French, which was important to me. I wanted to represent and honor the city where I’ve spent most of my life.”
What’s the song about?
“It’s about self-respect and knowing your worth. If you feel you aren’t loved at your true value, exit even if the relationship has great moments. Never settle for crumbs. It’s better to be alone than around someone who makes you feel small.
And I remember dancing that breakup away after each show at Orage Club, where I entertain twice a week. A very disco cliché, really,” he laughs.
A disco cliché we love, though…
“Yes! From Barry White and Carrie Lucas to Dua Lipa, dancing away heartbreak while pretending everything’s fine works every time in a song. The idea never gets old, so I dove right in.”
Right before the break, you sing ‘Tout seul à Montréal,’ which means ‘All alone in Montreal.’ How does being alone in Montreal feel?
“Mehhh, that was the pain talking. I rarely feel lonely, especially not in Montreal. I live downtown, and I can’t walk 10 meters, about 32 feet, without running into someone I know. As soon as I step outside my flat, there’s always someone to say hello to.”
Any plans to visit California?
“God, I’d love to visit California again. Palm Springs was exquisite! People were so kind. I remember walking from my hotel to a café for breakfast while cars were honking at me. I didn’t even know why. Maybe the mustache?” he chuckles.
“I also remember confiding my troubles to a girl by a pool with a stunning mountain view. I was going through a setback, and she followed up with me for two years after that conversation. Can you believe it? How generous!”
Your stage presence is magnetic. When you walk on, there’s a real star aura. Where does that come from, do you think?
“If I do have that aura, I think it comes from letting go. I’m at my best when I don’t overthink. I rehearse a lot, but I let performances flow naturally and leave room for spontaneity.
It actually took years to loosen up on stage. When I first started out, I was petrified. Now, performing is my favorite part of the job.”
You can hear his new song HERE