Vandaveer's Identity Crisis Stems From a Family Heirloom

Posted on Jul 16th 2009 3:30PM by Benjy Eisen
Comments

Mark Charles Heidinger plays bass for rising upstarts These United States but his primary band right now is Vandaveer, his alt-folk project. Vandaveer also happens to be a family name, even though its not actually part of his own moniker. And all this confusion starts with a pocket watch.

It's a watch that's been passed down through the men in his family for generations. It was first carried by a U.S. Congressman, then a gambler, then a preacher and now, a troubadour. The name engraved on the back of the watch? Vandaveer.

"The Vandaveer name has been in our family mix for many, many moons, perhaps most notably back to my great grandfather, where the watch originated," Heidinger tells Spinner. "It goes further back beyond that limb on the family tree, but that's where my knowledge of the matter weakens. My dad and brother also share the name, but that's where it stopped in the familial line. I figure songs are like children, too, in a way, and it'd be a shame not to pass the name on in some form or fashion. And so here we are, telling tales that may or may not be completely true, but that in some small way preserve a family tradition."

As for splitting his time between Vandaveer and These United States, Heidinger gives an equally complex explanation. "Well, the truth is both projects are many-sided. I happen to be completely and utterly inside every side of Vandaveer right now, making it quite difficult to do much more than stand outside These United States, which has many ever-growing sides of its own," he says. "I love those boys and I've spent many a night traveling highways, hopping planes and trains, making records, and storming stages with them. But for the time being, I have a whole lotta Vandaveering to tend to, and it just wouldn't do to pretend otherwise. Maybe one of these days all these sides will line up to make one giant side so big the very idea of sides will cease to be and the masses will just stare (and listen) in all-encompassed wonderment. Or, maybe we could just tour together again sometime. Either works for me."

Well, at least we know Heidinger will never have a case of self-mistaken identity. Vandaveer's second release, 'Divide & Conquer,' will make its way to store shelves this August.

25 Stage Name Stories