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VASLAV's music has been described as a 'blend of old world folk, rock, blues, and experimentation', 'joyful…playful…and rousing.' It is constantly evolving - a result of the band's open-door policy.
VASLAV functions as a collective. Members come and go at will, with Vince Strnad providing both unforgettable vocals and continuity. The band currently consists of Vince Strnad (Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Harp) Danielle Strnad (Backup Vocals, precussion) Will Snodgrass (percussion, piano, Vocals).
WORKINGTOGETHER is available via Fading Ways Music's Online Store ( www.fwmusicstore.co.uk).
More information about VASLAV can be found at www.vaslav.com
Interview inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected].
Son of an immigrant family from Czechoslovakia, Vince Strnad found freedom of expression in early musical lessons of discovery, growth, loss, and universal love. The classical and folk genres were abundant in his home country, while the Beatles and Stones were only available via the black market. Canada made music more accessible, providing more space and range of expression. During his teens Vince learned to play guitar, clarinet and saxophone; he played guitar and bass in several cover bands, while composing and beginning to record original music. One such band was an early incarnation of VASLAV, with drummer Zack Levy (from the band August), bassist Simon Levy and first singer Adam August. The story is that Zack wanted Vince to join August, and put an ultimatum to August guitarist Alan Aicken, who chose to split up the band. He later played guitar for Amanda Marshall prior to her signing.
Meanwhile VASLAV secured a management deal and looked for a new frontman. Neil Leyton stepped in as vocalist and the band changed their name to "Henry Farm", recording a demo "groove machine", with some of Neil's songs and VASLAV songs. After a year of playing live there was major label interest, but the management company closed its doors and Neil tried other projects, leaving the vocal duties to Zack. Disappointed by not finding a lead singer, however, Henry Farm disbanded shortly afterwards.
Vince continued playing with various friends. During a Passion'd Flower sound-check, Vince stepped up to mic and sang an old blues number, "Spider and the Fly" and immediately Neil encouraged him to sing. At his next studio session, Neil asked Vince to record one of his original songs, "The Therapy Song". Vince's passionate, strong yet fragile vocals opened a new door to the dimension of his song-writing.
Today, Vince feels that he "was truly given a gift, that of being a musician and being able to express all the musical voices" that he had heard both externally and internally, over the years. After meeting members of the band "DIAL", songs were recorded for an aptly-titled collection: "reCORDING". A new musical collaboration was started with Dimitri Brunelle- Derome, who helped produce two full albums. Santino DeGasperis (of the band "Blue Orange") also played on the VASLAV recordings, and Vince also participated in another project, "Model Minstrels" with Louie George and Dimitri, who independently released the CD "rags & stomps".
The next VASLAV album is tentatively titled "Love Made", while the collection of earlier collaborations, "WORKINGTOGETHER" is available via the FW Music Store: www.fwmusicstore.co.uk
brVASLAV 2 album is for sale @ www.fwmusicstore.co.uk right now.
