Vince Chinaski is a one-man-band project, indie-folk at its core, cinematic on the fringe, alternative in between. It's a home where the stories unfold at their own pace. The lyrics are inspired by existential themes, filtered through personal experience and Vince's tragicomic vision of the world. Born and raised in Rome, now settled in Copenhagen, Vince spent several years in Berlin where he honed his chops recording, producing and touring extensively across Europe with The Innits (Sunday Service Records), The Man No. 9 (Haute Areal), the Zürich-based Division Kent (Sony BMG).
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey Vince Chinaski, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Thanks for having me. I grew up in a post-hippie home, where music was on 24/7. We literally had fights over which record should play. There would be instruments lying around the house and friends over playing guitar and my grandma's piano all the time. I guess I was lucky. I naturally soaked up all that passion for music and made it mine.
Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
A great deal of artist of all genres have influenced me over time. Some continue to inspire me and I think it has to do more with their integrity as an artist rather than the music itself. Authenticity is everything to me. It's hard to pick but definitely Ennio Morricone, Crosby Stills & Nash, the Beatles, The Band, Joe Strummer, The Stone Roses, Elliott Smith are among my heroes.
Your latest track is 'She Comes In Colours'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Some time ago, in Berlin, I was dealing with a wobbly long-distance relationship, sundry bands and projects and a temporary day job. I had song ideas flying by my head all the time but I couldn't find the time and space for writing them down so they would vanish leaving me with a sense of yearning. Eventually I quit the job, followed my love to Denmark and took all that tension and the longing and put them into a song.
Which skills have you gained that help you perform effectively as a musician?
I try to learn new skills and improve constantly, no matter what I do. I just love it. One day I'll take up violin or maybe cello. Do you know the story of the 90 years old violinist who, upon being asked why he's still practising, replies that it's because he feels he's improving.
What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
Indie-folk and classic rock probably, but I also love post-punk, new wave and madchester. I've never been into mainstream pop and rather go and find unique artists and songwriters that do their own thing and put theirselves into their music.
Describe your creative process when you write new music.
For me the journey of writing a song is a bit like a tempestuous romance. I start off totally infatuated and mesmerized; ideas flow smoothly and everything is rosy. Soon after the struggles come and it's all ups and downs, flushes of ecstasy and commiseration until, eventually, I see clearly and can surrender and settle.
What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make?
Do you mean in life? Maybe leaving my hometown with all the securities that go with that. Relocating is truly exciting, yet rather daunting at times.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Music is essential to me. It's the way it moves me, both emotionally and physically. I read somewhere that listening to music actually triggers the whole brain. Then I guess it's my substance of choice.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The Internet changed the game completely and I think it's amazing. I love how people can listen to and connect with artists they like no matter where they are or what budget the band had for pressing and distributing their records. I think though we all should watch that nobody restores some sort of Gatekeeper. And of course I'd like the platforms to pay more to the artists. I mean... c'mon, a little gratitude... without the music those platforms would be empty containers.
What are your plans for the future?
Writing, performing, recording... The plan for 2022 is to play as many gigs as I can and release a few more singles and the album. I'm also working on new material for the next one.