Nina June:when We Fall
Interview Conducted April 24, 2018
by Dan Locke
Nina June is an Amsterdam based artist and songwriter who found inspiration for her songs during a 700-mile solitary walk through France and Spain. Here she would listen to the film music of Thomas Newman (American Beauty) and Michael Nyman (The Piano), as well as the ethereal pop of Rhye and Zero7. During this trip, Nina experienced life at its most pure and basic.
On March 23rd, 2018, she released her album Bon Voyage in a sold out Paradiso Amsterdam. The album is a display of Nina’s view of the world; ‘It’s about the hidden loneliness of our generation. We are all young, beautiful and talented. But also searching. For love, freedom, and our personal mission. We have never been so interconnected, yet we are alone on this journey. Bon Voyage is a greeting to everyone who faces this quest.’
Bon Voyage was mainly self produced by Nina and her musical companion Lieuwe Roonder. To finish the album, Nina worked with Tim Bran (London Grammar, Rae Morris, Birdy) in London. They combine both classical organic elements and modern electronic production. The result: a series of atmospheric, cinematic pop songs.
Dan Locke: You did the band Coldplay on 3FM Serious Talent Show. Did you try any other talent type shows at the start of your career?
Nina June: 3FM Serious Talent is not a talent show. 3FM is a Dutch Radio station and they pick a new “Serious Talent” now and then to support them with airplay, live performances and spots on festivals. I haven’t tried any type of talent shows because most of the time it’s not about music.
What was De minuut?
We have a TV show in Holland which is called “De Wereld Draait Door”. They pick an artist every day to perform a minute of one of their songs there. It’s a very well watched show. I performed there once too and that’s definitely some good promotion.
You started yours begin your 3-year voyage. Why did you decide to undertake this voyage?
Because I was ready for a big change. I wanted to start making music that I would listen to myself. I felt I was at a point I was able to make that music but only if I was willing to dig deep and work hard. It took me 3 years giving the absolute best of myself.
Do you have any music training?
Nina June
Yes, I went to the Rockacademy, which is a bit like a conservatory. I had music training there and learned a lot about the theory behind music and I met a lot of people there that I still work with.
What instrument do you play?
I play a little bit of piano, but I’m certainly not a pianist. I’m mainly a vocalist. Also, when my producer Lieuwe and I work on piano parts or guitar parts I always sing the melodies that are in my head. Lieuwe is a very good piano player. We invite musicians into the studio which we think can play certain instruments better than we can.
How did you meet up with Tim Bran?
I sent him a message through Facebook actually. I basically said: I love your work, this is mine, would you consider working with me? He sent me a message back that he really liked my songs and asked me to come over to his studio in London a week or 2 after our first email.
What inspired you?
Life inspires me. Love inspires me. My friends inspire me. I just suck up life, analyze everything and then write songs about it.
Your first song released was ‘For Love’, without the backing of a label or management. It was streamed more than 2 million times on Spotify and added by 25.000 people to their personal playlists. The other songs that you released were received in the same manner, international blogs loved them, and they were synced to national and international movies and tv-shows. Are you many a living from your art yet?
Yes đ
What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?
I just played the small hall in Paradiso, which was lovely. I would love to play clubs like that abroad too. The warm and intimate places. I would also love to play the big hall of Paradiso one day. And The Royal Albert Hall. I would like to play both small and big, but always intimate places. Yes, that’s it.
Any plans to tour?
Nina June
Yes, I’m doing a club tour right now! We started in Amsterdam, are going to play in Utrecht and The Hague too. But we’re also looking at playing abroad already… I once did a little UK tour and that was just awesome.
What music fests would you like to play in?
Lowlands, The Great Escape, Sziget… A lot!!!
Would you want to play SXSW?
YES.
How would you explain your live performance?
I’d like to think of a live show as if it’s a soundtrack, a movie, an exhibition or a book. You need a prologue, a first chapter, keep it moving in the middle part, have a stunning end and then maybe an epilogue. I want people to step into our world and get carried away. A show is a trip to fantasyland.
If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?
For Love, because I think it’s one of my best songs so far and it was the first I released of BON VOYAGE. It’s got a beautiful video starring an amazing dancer in a warehouse.
Out To Sea, because I really like the lyrics based on a myth called “Sealskin”, about returning to your true self.
We Watched It All Come Down, it’s a song that builds op towards a guitar solo which I think is pretty touching. It’s a story about a girl still waiting for her lost love to return.
Favorite Drink?
Dry white whine and Cola light with a slice of lemon.
Favorite thing you like to cook/eat?
Vegetarian meals and Thai food!
Who is your favorite singer and why?
Tracy Chapman and Annie Lennox. For me they embody purity, femininity and style. Both are very sincere women and true musicians. I listen to them since my childhood.
How is your favorite guitar player?
Ocker Gevaerts the guitar player in my band!
How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself creating and releasing music, playing shows in different countries, owning my own record label on which I also release music from other artists I love.
If you could jam with anyone who would it be?
Nina June
I think I’d do a little piece of impro with John Mayer đ
Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?
I don’t think my fans are surprised, but I love almost all 80’s hits. But I think guilty pleasures do not exist, only pleasures!
What is on your bucket list?
Just to love and to be loved in return.
What is on your phone for music now?
I listen to Bear’s Den, The Paper Kites and Father John Misty a lot lately.
Anything in closing you would like to say?
Yes. Check out my album BON VOYAGE! I put more than 3 years of my life and all my love and skills in it, I would love to hear what you think of it ;)!
You must be logged in to post a comment.