Brisbane’s homegrown emerging folk electronica artist Tim Bettinson, aka Vancouver Sleep Clinic, has already toured with big names London Grammar and Daughters.
Now it's his turn to headline his own tour. “We'll be playing through the tracks from our EP and also testing out some new material. We've got a few little surprises involving a few special people that we're really looking forward to as well. I think the rooms and spaces we're playing in are really nice and intimate so there should be some really special nights.”
In March VSC released the EP 'Winter', which Tim describes as “a mix between some kind of ambient electronica and traditional folk. It's kind a sound of its own at the moment. I'm basically just blending a lot of different influences.”
After the tour, Tim says there's no plans to slow down, rather he's looking at recording a full length record. “I am more excited about it than anything at the moment actually. I've already written a lot of it. I think the primary focus is going to be putting a ton of effort into it and making it everything that I've ever wanted a full length record to be.”
VSC's Soundcloud page has clocked up more than a million plays, and the 17-year-old says there are no plans to stop there. “It's so surreal. It's the weirdest thing. Seven or eight months ago I would have been doing laps around the house if I hit like 500. It's difficult to process sometimes. I still can't fully understand what has happened but I'm really thankful. I still feel like I'm in a dream.”
Like any normal teenager, Tim battles anxiety levels particularly prior to live performances. “I definitely get very anxious before releases and shows. I don’t fully understand the success of the stuff I've put out... it still blows me way. I want to keep producing the best material that I can. Being a massive perfectionist, I listen to my stuff way too much, making sure every little bit is perfect and that the songs are right.
"And the live shows... I want everybody to really enjoy it. When you put that much effort into your own work I guess there is a lot of pressure with that.” says Tim.
While he continues to settle into a career that's trending up, Tim admits his passion for music was only recently lit. “I've always loved music but very recently, about two years ago I found a love with music that I can't really describe. It's how I can best describe what I'm thinking and it's my language to connect with people. I've got to do everything I can to make it a full time thing.”
Written by Lexi McKee
Vancouver Sleep Clinic Tour Dates
Wed May 28 - Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane)Fri May 30 - GoodGod Club (Sydney)
Sat May 31 & Sun Jun 1 - Shebeen (Melbourne)
