You have such an amazing way of storytelling through your music! What was the inspiration for your new single, “One More Time”?
Joost: Thank you so much! I wrote “One More Time” last year when I went through some changes in my professional and personal life. I realised that I was constantly living towards future goals or romanticising past experiences, rather than appreciating the present. When writing this song, I applied this concept to a night that I kept looking back on which kept me from living in the moment. As bad as it can be for my mental health to romanticise past moments, it can also bring a lot of happiness and nostalgia. In the song I tell myself that I’ll think about it “just one more time”, sort of as an excuse to keep on repeating this behaviour.
Who would you say are your biggest inspirations when it comes to your songwriting and vibe of your music?
Joost: I get inspired by a lot of artists from different genres for various reasons. One big inspiration is LÉON. I love how her songs carry a lot of emotion and that her songwriting paints a picture that is very accessible. Other than that, I get a lot of inspiration from artists such as Oklou, BANKS and Gracie Abrams.
I love all the covers on your YouTube channel! Which one would you say are you most proud of?
Joost: Thank you! Probably “I miss you, I’m sorry” by Gracie Abrams. I first posted a small cover on my instagram story and someone asked whether there was a full version somewhere. So I took out my iPad and recorded the cover that’s now on my YouTube. I just love how it wasn’t really thought-through and there’s no “proper” microphone used.
Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled so far? I loved looking at all your travel pics on your Instagram :)
Joost: I have luckily seen a lot of the world! What really left a mark was when I travelled to Japan with my family a while ago. The country has such a different culture compared to the Dutch culture and I absolutely fell in love with it. I am actually planning to go back with a friend this year!
What would you say is your favorite album of all time? One that has no skips at all!
Joost: For sure LÉON’s self-titled album. It was released when I had just moved to Amsterdam from London and was discovering the city in springtime. Every time I listen to this album it brings me back to those days! Other than that I love the 80s vibe it holds.
Can you tell us a bit about this new chapter of your music you’re entering? I can’t wait to hear what else you have planned this year!
Joost: I am so excited about the projects that will come out this year. I have two more singles coming out soon and after I will start releasing songs of my debut EP. To release a couple of my songs as an EP has always been a dream of mine. It’s also a very personal project as I did a lot of the writing and production on this EP by myself. It is a mix of contemporary indie-/electro-pop songs with some dreamy ballads and I think it really captures my sound as an artist. I’m also working on some music videos to accompany some releases which will emphasise the meaning of my music. I have found it so much fun to find ways to symbolically express the lyrics.
Interviewed By Sarah Curry
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