Music has always been a huge part of my life. I started playing piano at the age of five, but switched to drums not long after that. My interest in piano and synths always remained and developed, but my main interest became drums. Lots of bands & projects, gigs & tours followed, and at the age of 22 I graduated cum laude from the conservatory.
Inspiration
Most of my playing has developed aurally. I have learned a great deal from listening to my favorite records, and studying the style and sound of certain players and bands. This started with rock drummers like Dave Grohl, Jon Theodore and John Bonham.
My interest in jazz, funk, breakbeat, and hip-hop also grew increasingly. Drummers such as Joseph Modeliste, Mark Guiliana, Dave King, Jojo Mayer and Brian Blade have significantly influenced my development as a musician, as have producers like J Dilla, Madlib and Q-Tip. My interest in session work also grew, with inspirations like Ash Soan, Aaron Sterling and Vinnie Colaiuta.
My Work as a Drummer
Playing together is and has always been an essential element of my development as a drummer. Over the years, I have toured with various bands and projects through Germany, Switzerland, England, Spain, Belgium, Albania, France, the Czech Republic, Wales, and of course, the Netherlands. These shows and tours have been with different bands within genres such as singer-songwriter, indie, pop, and rock.
Incorporating electronics into my drumming has become an increasingly significant part of my playing. I have delved deeply into synthesis and triggering. Over the years, I have become very familiar with using Ableton Live, both for production and live shows.
Nowadays, a large part of my work consists of session work, both live and in the studio. You can check out an overview of what I have done so far here, or contact me if you want to collaborate.
Sound
Sound has always been a huge part of my playing. A different snare completely changes the way I want to play, and the same goes for a drumkit, cymbal, or the addition of electronics. I love playing with sound, and can truly get lost in searching for the perfect sound.
I like to keep my selection of instruments diverse, but I do have a specific taste for dark & big cymbals, and dry & muddy snares. Of course the player always will be the defining factor, no one sounds the way they do because of their gear. Still, we musicians do love to look around for those sexy sounds. If you’d like to take a look in my drumstudio, see what sounds move me, you can do so here.
Are you interested in my story regarding the handpan? Check more information about my work as a handpan artist, or (in Dutch) my work as a handpan teacher.
