The singer-songwriter talks Bob Dylan, the mysterious art of songwriting and his latest album, Healing Descent.
If you’re familiar with the Melbourne music scene, you’ve likely heard of Van Walker. Whether it’s a poster in St Kilda, a conversation overheard in a Fitzroy coffee shop, or even a chat with the man himself on the streets, it’s clear that Van Walker has become something of a cult figure.
With the recent release of his latest album, Healing Descent, Walker expresses that he could “not be happier.” The album debuted at #6 on the Australian Independent Charts, and Mick Thomas of Weddings Parties Anything praised it as “Another effortless classic.” So, I ask of this local icon, how did it all come together.
Van Walker at Brunswick Ballroom
- Van Walker’s Album Launch – Healing Descent
- Date: Saturday, 26 October 2024
- Time: 12:30 PM
- Venue: Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne
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“It was recorded in Canada last year while I was on tour. I had four days off, so I teamed up with Chris Altmann, who has produced some of my solo albums.” Altmann will also join Walker for his album launch shows at the Brunswick Ballroom and George Lane in St Kilda.
Despite his success, music wasn’t always the path Walker envisioned.
In fact, he never expected to live in Victoria at all.
“I spent my youth immersed in all kinds of music—folk, country, urban blues, punk, and rock ‘n’ roll. But I was also a dedicated basketball player, and at sixteen, I was the youngest athlete in the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).”
Though he had physical aspirations, Walker felt a stronger connection to music, a bond largely inspired by Bob Dylan. “I saw him live when I was just 13. He has always been my North Star,” he shares.
With his North Star in sight, Walker left Tasmania at twenty, inspired by Melbourne’s vibrant music scene. He began busking on the streets of St Kilda and, over the years, honed his songwriting skills. He later formed a rock band called The Swedish Magazines before recording his solo debut, The Celestial Railroad.
After decades in the industry, Walker has explored various genres, including power pop, country, and folk. Yet, he remains unjaded, continually in awe of his craft, grounded by the power of songwriting and its emotional resonance.
“I love writing songs, opening up and letting my heart speak, while also patiently crafting these inner expressions. In my experience, the melody usually comes before the lyrics, but the words often lie buried in my mind. The tune allows them to surface. So, who knows what comes first? It’s a classic chicken-or-egg scenario—a mysterious art I can never fully grasp but never tire of.”
Van Walker is performing at the Brunswick Ballroom on October 26. Tickets are available here. The Healing Descent is out now and is available to purchase here.
