Werner, 42 from Amersfoort, Netherlands is an entertainment publicist and consultant for his own business Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.   Since 1987 he has been making radio programmes with currently hosting a weekly radio show Carte Blanche that’s being broadcasted on several local stations. He doesn’t have a particular genre of music, albums or artist he listens too, yet he is has little affection with R&B and hip hop.

What album are you playing a lot at the moment and why?

I mostly listen to songs instead of complete albums, usually in order to decide whether or not I will include them in my radio programme. Currently I’m listening to demo’s of a few bands, asking me for advice on how to make their songs more consumer and radio friendly. It may appear strange, but in doing so it really helps that I’m not a musician myself. It helps to cut the crap, most literally in some cases

What has been your favorite concert experience?

As many people will have said before me, it’s impossible to pick only one. I’ve got fond memories of Doornroosje in Nijmegen, where during my college years (1988-1994) I discovered many bands early in their carreers (Mano Negra, The Tragically Hip, An Emotional Fish, Radiohead). One of the most impressive concerts I’ve seen was probably Radiohead in Vredenburg, Utrecht (in June 1997), where they managed to reproduce the musical genius of their album OK Computer live. I was stunned. The Divine Comedy was their support act. I always make sure to see the support act too. That’s how I discovered New-Zealand band Frente! They supported Crowded House (also in Vredenburg Utrecht, December 1993). We were just too late for the announcement of who were on stage and they never mentioned their band name during the show or even when they were done. After the concert all posters (presumably with their name on them) were gone. It was before the internet days, so it cost me quite some time to figure out whom I had seen. After I discovered it was Frente! I instantly bought their import EP Labour Of Love and started playing it in my radio programme, shortly after it was even officially released in the Netherlands, but their shiny happy music never made it big, sadly…

If you would be able to see anyone (dead or alive) in a concert, who would that be?

I like discovering bands in smaller venues. That doesn’t mean I don’t like artists that have already broken through (I’m not a snob), but I don’t usually visit concerts of bigger bands. This probably only happens at festivals. For now, I look forward to attending a few (debut) album launch parties the coming months. Other than that I don’t have many concerts lined up yet.

What is your view on illegal downloading of music?

It’s out there and it is never going to go away. Face it and live with it. The music industry seems to have done just that. After years of only chasing the bad guys, they decided to step into the game. More and more great legal alternatives are being embraced, although a little bit too firmly from time to time. These initiatives should be given air to breathe and time to prove themselves. It’s still early days. Too early to say ‘digital music sales harm sales of physical product’ or ‘artists can’t make a living from streaming and downloadable music’. I’m a firm believer in the promotional power of digital media. Every day I discover new music through internet. Apart from streaming I also download music, paid or for free, and still buy albums. As long as it’s as easy as ‘click and buy’ I love to spend 1 euro for a great song. Thanks to internet nowadays I spend more money on music than ever before.

Which artist would you recommend to the readers of this blog?

Give me a break… People who say there is no more good music these days, have socks in their ears. Good music is all around us, but not necessarily in the media. The supply of good music – from the Netherlands and outside –  is so immense, radio and tv can impossibly play it all. Thank god for Spotify playlists! This is mine. Starting bands, famous artists, plain pop music and more ‘credible’ stuff if you like. With one thing in common: it’s all great new music. Subscribe, listen, discover, enjoy, share (and buy). It’s out there and it’s yours!

Do you want to be featured on 5 Questions for? Please send me an email, and I’ll make sure to send you one back!

Starring in the last season of ‘One Tree Hill’ as Chris Keller, actor and singer/songwriter Tyler Hilton knows how to balance both careers. Working upon the release of his new album “Forgot the Storm”, he released a free song of the album ‘Loaded Gun’ which was featured on the premier episode of the show.

Tyler started his career on a young age in 2000. Since the release of his self titled debut album Tyler ventured into acting guest starring in CW’s ‘One Tree Hill’. Since then Tyler has been building up his resume with movies such as ‘Walk The Line’  (2005) in the role of Elvis Presley,  ‘Charlie Bartlett’ (2007) and with a recurring role on VH1′s  ‘Single Ladies’.

Tyler came into ‘One Tree Hill’ in season 2 starring as the arrogant Chris Keller. Even though he is not a favorite character on the show, many fans where happy to see Chris Keller return in the 9th and final season of the show as the new manager of Red Bedroom Records. While the show is airing, Tyler is touring upon the release of his new album “Forgot the Storm” which is set to be released in April 2012. Earlier albums include “Tyler Hilton” (2000), “The Tracks Of” (2004) and the EP’s “Better on Beachwood” (2009) and “Ladies & Gentlemen” (2010).

To stay up to date on his music and/or acting roles please visit his official website www.tylerhilton.com

Every month I ask someone, whether it is an artist, someone who works in the music industry or just a music lover, to answer the same questions. This week: Inge ‘YIMA’ (Your Independent Music Agent)

Inge is 43 years old and lives in Amsterdam. She’s an independent music agent which means she books the artist gigs, does management, publicity (radio/press), arrange tours and more. Her link to the music industry is quite special:

I had a music career myself years ago being a professional singer and able to make a living from that. But shit happened and one day I literally collapsed on stage. I was ill and unfortunately never recovered enough to continue at the same level of professionalism so I had to quit singing. Most people don’t realize playing almost every night is TOPsport! This is 18 years ago already and I moved away from the music industry for many years. Until I got the chance 4 years ago to look for and arrange some new music talent for a TV station (Nox/Talpa= gone now) I got in touch with so many great new artists through that, that I just had to do something with this. So I started booking some of these acts gigs and that’s how it all started…

What album are you playing a lot at the moment and why?

At the moment I’m mostly playing new unmastered albums and demo’s from my own artists as they all going to release a new cd next year. The most surprising one will probably be Joanna Chapman-Smith’s new album. I’m very excited about her new cd and can’t wait to present that! Next to that I play whatever my mood asks for…

What has been your favorite concert experience?

I have several but the most recent one must be last week’s concert from Waylon in Paradiso! I’m not a real fan of his music but what a band he has! It must be the best band I have heard since ages in the Netherlands. Especially the drummer and percussion player rock. It’s incredible, they blew me away. The whole Waylon circus by the way is solid as a rock. They know what they’re doing. Respect for that. Next to that many other concerts like Rufus Wainwright in Paradiso, Gomez in Tivoli, Andrew Bird in de Melkweg but also years ago Miles Davis, Chic, Maceo Parker and many many more! I can’t visit that many unfortunately because of my health.

If you would be able to see anyone (death or alive) in a concert, who would that be?

My greatest hero is Bonnie Raitt (an American singer and slide guitarist who’s been here for ages) I never had the chance to see her live. And of course I would want to see a Beatles concert. But who doesn’t…

What is your view on illegal downloading of music?

It’s better to buy a real cd from the artist directly (and 2nd; in a shop or on iTunes) but if someone downloads music for free because they like it, it still creates new fans and people spreading the music and that’s what an artist wants! So it’s better than nothing. I also encourage new artist to give away tracks for free to create a fan base. It works! AND I always see free downloader’s as potential future buyers

Which artist would you recommend to the readers of this blog?

Of course one of my own artists: Jaimi Faulkner, a very talented young Australian singer-songwriter and brilliant guitar player. He toured Holland this year and last year and got incredible response everywhere. Above all; he is the nicest person to speak to and work with. Even Dutch DJ’s say so. I think it’s going to be his year in 2012 so don’t miss him when he comes back to tour in April/May 2012, this time not as a solo player but with some guest musicians!

Do you want to be featured on 5 Questions for? Please send me an email, and I’ll make sure to send you one back!

I wrote this song last week. It’s inspired by the heartbreaking story of “The Lost Boys” of South Sudan. This week it was picked up by a rather influential DJ in Holland called Eric Corton. Eric does a lot of humanitarian work in Africa with the Red Cross, I have a lot of respect for this man. He has since been getting it airplay on Dutch National Radio Station 3FM for a charity project called ‘Serious Request’.  As of today, “The Lost Boy” is the 4th most requested song in the campaign. I am truly blown away and honoured to be part of such an amazing project. Last year they raised over 7 million euros for Red Cross. 

For the special price of €1,29 you can buy the song on iTunes with proceedings going to this amazing cause.

Greg will be touring Europe next year, including 4 dates in the Netherlands in Zwolle, Nijmegen, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

For more tour dates and information please visit his official website.

Every month I ask someone, whether it is an artist, someone who works in the music industry or just a music lover, to answer the same questions. This week: Marlous Hoogendoorn

Marlous is 25 and lives in Amsterdam. She is currently working at the Dutch Theater Institute, working on the legal rights of photos and posters. Last February she started a company called Timeless Promotions together with Tim Kroesbergen to promote foreign artists in the Netherlands. She likes music (Indie), TV shows and (watching) tennis.

What album are you playing a lot at the moment and why?

Maria Mena – Victoria en Tyrone Wells last two albums. I’ve been to Maria her concert last Thursday and she really surprised me. She was really good! Just reliving the concert by listening to her songs. I don’t know where I found his music anymore  but Tyrone’s albums are really good.

What has been your favorite concert experience?

It took me a while to decide, it is a hard question. I go to concerts like every week so it is hard to choose which one is the best. I think I’ll name two. Wakey!Wakey! in Paradiso (second show), it was a really amazing experience. This is the band I promote and to see them play live at a sold out show in Paradiso (!!)… it means a lot.

Next to that I’ll say Phil Collins in the Amsterdam ArenA. This was one of the first concerts I have ever been to and somehow we ended up in the closed section in front of the stage. It was a nice atmosphere because our soccer team was playing a World Cup or Europe Cup match (I don’t even know anymore) and we were all checking our phones to see if anybody had scored yet, and when they did we all started clapping and screaming through Phil his songs. He didn’t know what was happening till someone threw an Orangehat his way and he finished his show wearing the hat.

It’s is hard to compare those two because they are totally different shows!

If you would be able to see anyone (death or alive) in a concert, who would that be?

Matt Nathanson, Greg Laswell,  and I would probably say Jackson Waters. They split up a couple of years ago unfortunately.

What is your view on illegal downloading of music?

I know it is stupid and unfair to the artist, but I do it anyways… Come on, I’m Dutch! Since I have been doing more work in the music business I know what it all means to artists and because I still want them to keep on making music and come to Holland to do shows I started to buy albums from artist I really really like. They kind of need to earn my ‘trust’ first.

Which artist would you recommend to the readers of this blog?

Since Wakey!Wakey! and Tyrone Wells are already featured on this blog by Claudia I’ll give you some different names. You should totally listen to Cary Brothers (start with the song called ‘Ride’) and For King & Country. Oh! And Everly. Go check out Everly. I’ll travel all around Europe if they’ll come tour here.

Do you want to be featured on 5 Questions for? Please send me an email, and I’ll make sure to send you one back!

Currently on tour with Adam Barnes, Lelia Broussard and Chris Ayer, I got the change to meet up with Matt Simons before their gig at the Tricky Theater in Amsterdam.

Originally from Palo Alto California, singer/songwriter Matt Simons moved to New York when he was 18 to study Jazz Saxophone at the SUNY Purchase Conservatorium of Music. “I’ve always written songs on the piano and I always thought I would be a jazz musician, but halfway through my education I realized I might wanted to be a singer/songwriter so I kept doing both.  After graduation I just gave it shot and started playing gigs around New York City. I always knew I wanted to make a living out of music, I just never knew specifically whether that would be with jazz or as a singer/songwriter. Hopefully maybe someday I can make a fusion of the two, combine them a little bit, that would be great. “

You currently live in Brooklyn, how do you distinguish yourself from all the other singer/songwriters in New York?

“ New York has so many talented people, to be able to distinguish yourself it is important to be yourself. By being honest, by being your own person, not trying to conform to what works. Write the songs you want to write, play the songs you want to play, that would be the real way to do it. “

In the last 3 years you have released three EP’s, ‘Fall In Line’ (2009), ‘Free Songs’ (2010) and ‘Living Proof’ (2010). One of them ‘Free Songs’ consists only out of covers. Why did you choose to release this EP?

“I released Free Songs after I did 16 weeks of one free song every week leading up to the release of Living Proof. Then about 6 months later having 16 cover songs available on the internet, I listened back to some of the tracks and I wasn’t really happy with them. There were 5 songs I was still happy with and as I wanted to have something for free to give to my listeners, but not being my own music I decided to release Free Songs. A great friend helped me out with the recording basically for free.”

Whereas ‘Free Songs’ consist out of covers, his latest EP ‘Living Proof’ consist out of original songs, with Sunlight in the Rain and I’ve Said Enough being one of his own favorites. “Every song is different, but I like the song I’ve Said Enough. I put it on both records because I think the version on Fall In Line is a full band upbeat version. But the way I wrote it was stripped down and acoustic, which is why I decided to do an acoustic version on Living Proof. But if I would have to pick a favorite tune it would be Sunlight in the Rain, I think that was the most unique song we did production wise. If I listen back to the record, that’s the song I like the most. “

Me and Matt before the show in Amsterdam

Matt’s goal for the future is to continue doing what he’s doing and hopefully play sold-out theaters. “This might not be possible for everyone but that’s really a goal. It’s been really fun so far and it’s great that I get to travel all over the world and play shows. I mean look at this, we are playing a show on a boat in Amsterdam. I’ts amazing! “

In January Matt will go to Nashville to work with producer Stefan Gross to record some new songs. “I’ve got 8 songs that I want to record so it’s going to be in between an EP and an album.”

For more information and to stay up to date please visit his official website.

Every month I ask someone, whether it is an artist, someone who works in the music industry or just a music lover, to answer the same questions. This week: Dana Mälzer

Dana, from Germany, is 21 and is currently studying International Music Management in Haarlem, Netherlands. Next to her study, Dana is a singer/songwriter playing the guitar and ukulele. She likes going to the gym, hanging out with friends and travelling. She listens to Alternative, Indie and Rock music.

What album are you playing a lot at the moment and why?

Right now I am playing Ed Sheeran’s Debut Album called “+”. He is such an inspiring musician. I love how he talks about the places he cares about as well as the influences certain people had on him. I got introduced to his music through YouTube and I have been listening to it ever since.

What has been your favorite concert experience?

I would have to say seeing John Mayer live in Dubai. That sort of concert experience was so unique, I felt as if I was floating for hours after the concert. Just seeing that pure professionalism up on stage got me captured. It was the third concert I have ever attended and I was blown away.

If you would be able to see anyone (death or alive) in a concert, who would that be?

I love this question! I would have to say probably Jim Morrison with The Doors. They have truly inspired me so much as musicians that I purely idolize them. Even now I still like to watch live footage of them on YouTube. However it does make me upset I won’t ever be able to see them perform all together.

What is your view on illegal downloading of music?

This is always a harsh matter to discuss. I think musicians have the right to be paid and credited for their songs. However, once an artist starts “booming” they already receive a great start-up regarding an upfront payment. I normally have nothing against downloading a song if it introduces a new artist to me of whom I may or may not buy a CD from later. As a singer songwriter I personally do not mind how you get my material as long as you hear and enjoy it.

Which artist would you recommend to the readers of this blog?

I would definitely recommend everyone to listen to Ed Sheeran’s Debut Album. The first song I listened to was called ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’. Hopefully you will be just as surprised as I was.

Do you want to be featured on 5 Questions for? Please send me an email, and I’ll make sure to send you one back!

She also did a cover of Ed Sheeran’s ‘A Team‘  and The XX’s ‘The Shelter‘.

Singer/Songwriter Tyrone Wells was born in Seattle and raised in Spokane, Washington. He begun songwriting when he moved to California launching his career in 2000, playing acoustic shows in Orange County. In 2006 Tyrone signed with Universal Records, who re-released his independent album ‘Hold On’.

For his album ‘Remain‘ released in 2009, Tyrone worked with well known songwriter and producer Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, James Morrison). The album includes a cover of ‘Patience’, originally by Take That. His songs where featured in many TV shows including One Tree Hill, Ghost Whisperer and Grey’s Anatomy.

Like many artist I discovered Tyrone Wells through the internet about 5 years ago. His song ‘Sea Breaze‘ was shared by some of my friends on their MySpace and I was instantly hooked. In 2008 I was lucky enough to see him at the Knitting Factory in New York with the great Jason Reeves opening, both giving a great live performance. I am the happy owner of the albums ‘Snapshot‘ (2003), ‘Hold On‘ (2007) and ‘Remain‘ (2009). Last year he released an acoustic album ‘Metal and Wood’ including a duet with forenamed Jason Reeves “Give Me One Reason”.

It is a shame that Tyrone hasn’t had a breakthrough yet in Europe, because I honestly feel that he deserves some recognition. What do you think of Tyrone Wells?

For more information please visit his official website.

Every month I ask someone, whether it is an artist, someone who works in the music industry or just a music lover, to answer the same questions. This week: Anne Kruijsen

Anne Kruijsen is 18 years old, and lives in Santpoort-Noord, Netherlands. He studies Journalism in Utrecht and plays the clarinet. Besides that he is a presenter for AB radio and writes for his own music blog Blogfluit.

What album are you playing a lot at the moment and why?

That would be an old album (2004) of Keane: Hopes And Fears. I love the music of Keane but for some reason I never heard all of the songs of this album before, like Bedshaped and She Has No Time. I think that these songs are the best songs that Keane has ever made in their career. The songs are full of emotion and profound.

What has been your favorite concert experience?

Absolutely James Morrison in the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam a view years ago. I won tickets on 3FM, a Dutch radio station, as a 15-year-old kid. I was so thrilled. I am still ashamed for the reaction I gave when the DJ said I had won. It was sort of a failed scream. It was my first pop concert and the best one!

If you would be able to see anyone (death or alive) in a concert, who would that be?

Beyond any doubts: Michael Jackson. When I see live footage on YouTube of Michael Jackson, I always feel a little jealous. Unfortunately I was too young to visit a concert of Michael when he toured a long time a go. And now it’s too late…

What is your view on illegal downloading of music?

Difficult issue.. for emerging and rising artists I think it’s very important that they get enough money, because they are unknown and not getting enough money to live from their music. Illegal downloading is killing for them, so buy their album if you like it! For a Rihanna or –cough- Justin Bieber it’s not necessary I think, because they’re getting enough money because the fans buy their album anyway.

Which artist would you recommend to the readers of this blog?

Aïrto Edmundo! He has a beautiful soul voice. Love it!

Do you want to be featured on 5 Questions for? Please send me an email, and I’ll make sure to send you one back!