Tell us about your early days with music and poetry
From a young age, I was in love with music. At eight, I started my first piano lessons, and by twelve, I had picked up the guitar. Soon after, I joined several bands and explored country and rock music. But what truly captivated me was songwriting—putting my emotions into words and melodies.
Growing up in an environment where I couldn’t freely express my feelings, writing became my safe space. It was my way of saying the things I wasn’t allowed to say out loud. At twelve, I won first place in a Dutch fantasy writing contest, and that’s when I realized that writing, just like music, had the power to transport me to a different world. I loved being inside my own mind, creating stories that felt like an escape.
Ironically, I never considered myself an avid reader. Studying at university required me to read so much that I lost interest in doing it for fun. But when I studied poetry and literary history, something shifted. I was mesmerized by how people could pour their emotions into words, painting pictures that felt like magic on paper. That’s when I discovered Lang Leav’s poetry—and before I knew it, my shelves were filled with poetry books.
Between music and literature, which would you say is your first love?
Technically, music was my first love, but through music, I discovered an even deeper passion—literature.
To what extent has your personal life experiences influenced your
Storytelling?
Life has taken me through difficult chapters—ones marked by pain, trauma, and experiences no one should have to endure. Growing up, I faced challenges that left deep emotional wounds, and for a long time, I felt like I had to carry them in silence. But writing became my refuge—a way to express the things I couldn’t say out loud. It was both an escape and a form of healing.
There were moments when the weight of my past made me lose touch with my creativity. Heartbreak, loss, and personal struggles pulled me away from music and writing, leaving me feeling disconnected from myself. But even in the darkest times, words remained a quiet comfort. Poetry became a space where I could process my emotions, where I could begin to reclaim my voice.
Eventually, I rediscovered my passion for music and literature, and with it, a renewed sense of purpose. Now, my storytelling is deeply shaped by the lessons I’ve learned—about resilience, love, and the power of finding light, even after the hardest storms.
As your writing has become a healing outlet for you, in what ways do you strive to make your literature and music also become a source of emotional and psychological healing for your readers and listeners?
For me, writing—whether in the form of literature or music—has always been about creating a space where emotions can exist freely. I strive to be as honest and vulnerable as possible in my work because I know that readers and listeners often see their own emotions reflected in art. By tackling difficult themes with sincerity, I hope to offer comfort, validation, and sometimes even catharsis. My goal is never to dictate how someone should feel, but rather to create something that meets them where they are and allows them to find their own meaning in it.
Would you say all songwriters are technically poets too? If not, do you think connecting with poetry is helpful for a songwriter to create better songs?
Not all songwriters are poets, but there is definitely an overlap. The biggest difference is that poetry exists without the structure of melody, whereas lyrics have to serve both the music and the rhythm of the song. That said, studying poetry can absolutely help a songwriter sharpen their craft. Poetry teaches precision—how to say the most with the fewest words, how to use imagery and metaphor effectively, and how to play with rhythm in ways that can elevate a song. Even if a songwriter doesn’t consider themselves a poet, understanding poetic techniques can deepen their lyrical storytelling.
Since winning the fantasy contest at twelve, have you attempted or would you ever consider getting back to writing fantasy novels or any fiction at some point?
Fantasy was my first love when it came to storytelling, and I still have a deep appreciation for it. While my focus has shifted over the years, I wouldn’t rule out returning to fiction at some point. There’s something powerful about world-building—creating entire universes where emotions, struggles, and triumphs take on new shapes. Right now, my creative energy is focused elsewhere, but if the right idea or inspiration struck, I’d absolutely be open to stepping back into that realm.
Unfortunately, poetry seems to be a dying or less celebrated form of storytelling and literature, do you think the recent addition of the Spoken Word Album category to the Grammy Awards would help revive the art?
Poetry is not a dying art—it’s just evolving. Just like some people prefer rap over classical music, poetry has different audiences. It’s actually thriving, with bestselling poets like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Gorman, the rise of spoken word, and its strong presence on social media and in music.
As an artist, what are the top 3 lessons you’ve learned both from creative music and literature that help you deal with life better?
Vulnerability is Strength – Both music and literature have taught me that being open about emotions, even the painful ones, is not a weakness but a source of connection and healing. My writing, especially poetry, allows me to transform personal struggles into something that resonates with others.
Art is a Reflection, Not Perfection – I’ve learned to embrace imperfection. Every word I write, every piece of art I create, is a snapshot of a moment, a feeling, a truth. It doesn’t have to be flawless—it just has to be real.
Healing is a Journey, Not a Destination – Through literature, I’ve discovered that healing isn’t linear. Stories, just like life, have highs and lows. Music has shown me that even in the most melancholic notes, beauty exists. This understanding helps me navigate my own path with more grace and patience.
A lot has been said about the disadvantages of AI to artists. But is there any aspect of it that is of value and benefit to you as an artist?
While AI has sparked many discussions in the creative world, I believe that, like any tool, its value depends on how it’s used. AI can assist in areas like organization, research, and accessibility, making certain aspects of the creative process more efficient. However, true artistry comes from human experience, emotion, and depth—something AI can never replicate. At best, it can serve as a tool to enhance certain workflows, but the heart of art will always remain deeply personal and uniquely human.
What project are you currently working on, and how is it coming along?
I’m currently preparing for the release of my upcoming poetry book, From Scars to Stars, which comes out on April 26. This collection is deeply personal, exploring themes of healing, and finding strenght in moving on. I’m extremely excited to share it with the world.
In addition to my book, I’m also working on a few new songs with some incredible producers!
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