Alina Van Sant

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Alina Van Sant would undoubtedly be born into a world drenched in conflict. As the daughter of a well-known doctor turned anti-apartheid activist, the Van Sants went to favored family to social pariahs in their neighborhood. It wasn't until her father's arrest and string of threats toward the family that Alina's mother decided to use her US citizenship to flee the turmoil that was tainting the country.

It was an act that split the family. Alina's brother believed their mother abandoned their father, a man whose health severely declined while sitting in prison. It wasn't until 1994 that he would see his children again, a reunion that also came with an acerbic divorce. The Van Sants would be split into two with the kids deciding to reside with their father in Denver, Colorado.

For as much chaos Alina endured her first six years of life, it seemed as if fate decided to let her enjoy the rest of her childhood. She was a natural artist who enjoyed tying in her South African roots with religious imagery. While painting indeed blossomed into a passion, Alina also began dabbling into street art. Her affinity to leave artwork on abandoned buildings or walls of warehouses eventually got her into trouble. It was clear Alina was no criminal, but her edge and desire to speak out on social injustices through her art needed to be channeled the right way.

So, she worked hard and was accepted into Columbia. It was clear that her style of art was different, but Alina had the backdrop of New York City to express the value of her work. Stationed back home in Denver, Alina has the privilege of being a street artist whose work is accepted. She often says that she lives more out of her suitcase than posh downtown loft. There's always a new building to paint or gallery to open, and Alina is doing it all over the world.

► Walliam and his fiancee Gwen are expecting their first child, a girl, in early November.

► Walliam is the middle child of three. He comes from a very big, boisterous Irish family on his mother's side.

► In the band's early days, Wall was known for being shy. Although he remains somewhat reserved, he learned to develop his own stage presence (including his extremely expressive playing) during his touring with Kate James. Although he is much better humoured about them than he used to be, he does not particularly enjoy press attention or interviews, although he sometimes forgets this fact when he's with his boys. In their presence or with a guitar in his hands, Wally can be very chatty and extremely goofy.

► A true Englishman, Wally has an extremely self-deprecating, self-parodic and dry sense of humour. Despite his apparent claims to the contrary, he is generally happy with who he is in his quietness and occasional awkwardness.

► Wally is clueless about his interactions with women, constantly believing that they are not sincerely interested in him or that they'd be better off with his more personable bandmates. He often does not pick up on flirtation as flirtation.

► Wally started out playing the drums when his mother gifted him the instrument for his seventh birthday. Although the guitar is now his signature instrument, he did not begin to play it until later. He plays multiple instruments: guitar, drums, mandolin, ukulele, and banjo.

► Walliam is not an animal person. Although he is kind to animals, he never imagined himself having pets. He is now the adoptive father to his fiancee's two hairless cats, Jimi and Freddie.

► Walliam's father, Walliam Hunt Sr., is a successful investor and philanthropist. Wally rarely talks about the fact that he grew up with money. This has led some critics in the media to view the disconnect between this privileged upbringing and the band's image as evidence that their sound and look are manufactured.

► Has been a smoker since he was 15 years old. Knows it's bad for him and doesn't want to hear about it, although he recently decided to slow his intake as well as his drinking.

► Walliam grew up in a very religious household. His parents, who were involved in the Vineyard Church, immersed him in the Bible from a young age. He first began playing music and singing at church. He still considers himself to be a believer of sorts, although he doesn't practice in the way his parents wish.

PB: Kit Harington.
Vocal Claim: Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons. Formerly Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons, past entries reflect this.
Contact Post: Here.
Writing: Third person threads, adult scenes or FTB. OOC plotting is welcome.