https://www.facebook.com/vartinimusic
Sounds like: Experimental Rock
From: Australia
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound?
Music has always been part of our lives. Phil grew up with his dad, grandfather and uncles in a local band which inspired him to start playing the guitar when he was around the age of 11. Megan's love of music started when she got a keyboard for her 3rd Christmas and started dancing at the age of 3. When we first met, I heard Phil singing along to Milky Chance in the car on our way to a music festival and was excited to learn that he could sing. That's when we realised that we were both musos. From there we started playing and writing music together. We formed Vartini and did a few local gigs and hosted a house concert. Back then Megan played the keys, and Phil played the suitcase drum and guitar and we mostly did covers. Over time we started writing more of our own songs and realised we enjoyed creating something original more than covering other artists. We introduced more instruments (keytar, ukulele and bass), a drum machine and loopers and really started experimenting by layering our instruments and building a soundscape.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We hope people leave feeling a little happier than when they arrived. Whether it's dancing, laughing, relating to a lyric or just having a good night out, we want our music to be fun, genuine and memorable.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Vartini blends synths, guitar, live vocals and groove driven rhythms into a mix of indie electronic rock and funk pop. Think catchy hooks, quirky lyrics and plenty of energy.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
The B-52s, Scissor Sisters and Jack White. They've all influenced us in different ways and we'd learn a lot from sharing a stage with artists who aren't afraid to take creative risks.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
Like any tool, it has its place. It can help spark ideas and speed up some creative processes, but for us the most meaningful music comes from real human experiences, mistakes, emotions and stories. That's the part AI can't truly replicate.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Experimental Rock?
It feels healthier than ever. Artists are blending genres more freely and audiences seem more open to hearing something different. The barriers between rock, electronic, pop and alternative music are disappearing, which creates exciting opportunities for experimentation. We love the music coming from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (who we saw in Sydney in December) and Angine de Poitrine.
7. What’s the current local music scene like there in Australia?
There's incredible talent everywhere. The challenge is often finding venues and opportunities for original music as we live in a rural area at least 4 hours away from any major cities. We've met some amazing musicians through festivals, residencies and local gigs, and there's a strong sense of community when artists support each other.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Streaming has made music more accessible than ever, but it can be difficult for independent artists to earn meaningful income from streams alone. For many musicians, live performances, merchandise and direct fan support are still essential.
9. What’s next for Vartini?
We're focused on playing more original shows and connecting with new audiences. We have a few gigs lined up, but we're always looking for more opportunities to get our music out there. This year we're also excited to start recording. We have nine original songs ready to go and plan to head into a local studio in the coming weeks. Our biggest goal is to play music festivals, and we've already submitted a number of applications, so we're hoping this is the year we break into the festival scene!
10. Any shoutouts?
A huge thank you to everyone who comes to gigs, supports us on social media, buys merch or simply shares what we're doing with friends. We'd also like to thank the regional venues, festivals and arts organisations that continue to support original Australian music.
