“I don’t know if I’m being creative or revealing mystic truths,” confesses Vitamin Wig C musician, Robbie Hansen. “I suspect I’m just being creative.”

Well, yeah, but maybe there’s some mystic truth in there?

Artwork by Robbie Hansen.

Because inside the far-out zone that Vitamin Wig C operates, it gets mystical real fast. Physical—as well as musical—objects are fully mutable, and all the usual signposts and signifiers are slip slidin’ away.

When I first encountered Vitamin Wig C ten years ago, it was immediately evident that—even on an esoteric music-making scene—Robbie is a lone runner.

Morphing the night away with Vitamin Wig C in 2013 (click for more). Photo: Sean Carnage. 

We had Vitamin Wig C play Pehrspace. And Robbie played. And played. And played on his Wurlitzer organ. In fact, the dude wouldn’t stop jamming. Amazingly the crowd was way into it—they danced around Robbie for almost two hours!

That’s because every unreal auditory fantasy you can dream of lives inside Vitamin Wig C. This is a project with immense breadth and appeal despite only a tentative connection to conventional musics.

Artwork by Robbie Hansen.

Heres’s another way to think of Vitamin Wig C: Imagine telling a Magical Music-Making Machine, make me some Fela Kuti surfin’ safari music, and it gives you… Vitamin Wig C.

Or maybe you ask the Machine to whip up a dub reggae vaporwave 1800s hoedown and you get… Vitamin Wig C.

How about about: Lustmord toy samba Elephantitis of the Night ski bunny party at dawn… yeah, you guessed correctly—the Machine spits out Vitamin Wig C.

Artwork by Robbie Hansen.

That’s because Vitamin Wig C is inevitable. Surrender now.

Robbie Hansen was very kind to take time out to turn us on—please read this exclusive interview:

Icon to icon to icon: Vitamin Wig C’s Robbie Hansen, Warhol superstar Holly Woodlawn & Marilyn.

Where are you from and when did you start making music?
I was born in Mission Viejo, Ca. Although I’ve spent the majority of my life in L.A. I don’t know how old I was when I started making music, etc.

Do you see yourself as a musician or artist or something else?
I feel I’m a musician, yes. Whether or not I’m an artist, I don’t know.

What were your inspirations as a child to start making things?
Janet and Judy! I saw them perform live in 1992. Not sure if they’re still active. Oh and Bobby Darin’s “Splish Splash” song I recall hearing in preschool and absolutely loving it. Oh and Little Richard, a huge inspiration.

Are they the same inspirations you have today?
Little Richard, yes. Janet and Judy, no—though I do salute them.

Lately I’ve been feeling inspired by natural surroundings with time constraints. Like the other day I was in a sea cave recording and the duration of my session was dictated by the rising tide. I’ve recorded inside drainage tunnels during storms, etc. etc.. and, well, I enjoy adding all sorts of layers to my music, not just in sound but context too.

Is it real or… Vitamin Wig C?

We live in L.A.—Hollywood—where everyone always wants one of those elevator pitch lines that sum up what a project is about. How do you describe your music?
I find it difficult to describe my music, though if I were to select one album in particular, I could describe it, I think. I’m all over the place! Sometimes I experiment to make people laugh, other times to try and say something extra about the human experience. And often for myself—to help with sleep, focusing, etc.

Dawn Adults I’d describe as a collection of improvised room recordings made cartoonish with overdubs and cheap FX. People say the album is funny, dreamy, and therapeutic. That makes me happy.

What does the name ‘Vitamin Wig C’ mean? Is there a story behind it?
it’s intended to signify experimentation or, like, sticking something where it doesn’t belong, or is atypical. I thought of it in 2003 with my friend Aaron Spafford.

What do you make music with? What are your favorite instruments lately?
My favorite instrument today is a piano my grandma left to me and I play it often.

You’ve put out a lot of releases—what are the essential ones newbies should stream first?
To get a sense for where I am at today, listen to Sewer FX. And listen to Dawn Adults next, which is an all-out Vitamin Wig C pop album.

How would you describe a Vitamin Wig C performance? 
As an amplification of myself reading the room. All my performances end up being improvised, even if I try to prepare something.

Will you be bringing your organ?
I’ve been using lighter gear. That thing is HEAVY! Funny ’cause now if I can’t fit my gear into a backpack, I probably won’t bring it.

What’s your day job, if you don’t mind me asking?
Not at all. I’m a caregiver. I work mostly with elderly folks. I love it.

I’m really impressed by the altered photos you post on your Instagram—what’s the deal with those?
Most of the photographs are family photos I altered by hand and encircled in dense writing, which some people have referred to as hypergraphia—something I no longer struggle with, but looking back can appreciate. I spend a lot of time drawing, which I prefer first and foremost. Though out of curiosity I have been dabbling in AI image generation, because I like how it depicts liminal space. But already losing interest because movement in creation satisfies my nervous system more.

Artwork by Robbie Hansen.

Is there a particular approach or ethos behind them all?
Not in particular, no.

Is that the same one you apply to music?
I don’t always have an approach. Often I’m just trying to situate myself and see what comes out.

What do you think about the Uncanny Valley? What happens to the human brain when sights & sounds get a little… squishy?
Some people are open to squishy perspectives / sensations. Some not so much. But if one finds amusement in pareidolia, I imagine they’ll do fine in the Uncanny Valley.

Artwork by Robbie Hansen.

What are you working on now?
On a disco album honoring the Disco Duck!

Any plans for the future?
Hoping to save money for a trip to Thailand.

If Vitamin Wig C was a delicious dessert, which one would it be and why?
Blackberry Chai Ice Cream. I don’t know if that’s any good.

Definitely follow Robbie’s Instagram

Lose yourself in Vitamin Wig C & associated musics!

Don’t miss the show:

Image: L Coats. Color: Carnage.

Sean Carnage presents…

Friday, December 9th at Oracle Tavern:

Tricky Youth – Raw & loud, like Three 6 Mafia on a Nü Metal jag
Wryngwyrm – Sumptuous metallic vibes, atmospheric death noise
SAZA (formerly Sauber Zauber) – Black Metal / Prog experimentalism at it’s cutting-edge best
Vitamin Wig C – Monday Night superstar Robbie Hansen back with enthralling keyboard madness
Solar Wimp – Ascendant power trio rock—from a duo! Their final show!
DJ Kyle Mabson – Just added! Pro wrestling superstar & ’90s fanatic internet sensation

The doors open 8pm. Music starts at 8:30. It’s $10 at the door / 21+.

Stay up to date with the details on the Shows page

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