IN CONVERSATION WITH EEFJE DE VISSER
interview by AYA OPPENBERG
Dutch singer-songwriter Eefje de Visser, known for her distinctive fusion of alternative pop and folk music, opens up about the evolving process of her songwriting, the challenges of balancing fame with personal life, and her deep connection to music in her native Dutch. Reflecting on the journey from intimate performances to larger stages, she reveals how her creative spirit thrives through constant exploration and staying true to herself.
pants LOEWE
top ALAIA
necklace SAINT LAURENT
shoes GUCCI
What typically comes first during your songwriting process, the lyrics or the music?
Music always comes first. I am drawn to writing lyrics through singing melodies and needing words for that. Though I spend the most time on lyric writing, because I find it so difficult to write well in Dutch. Lyrics have to be good and honest, otherwise the whole song is meaningless. But music comes to me naturally, almost everyday, and feels easy for me.
You’ve expressed that with the more time you spend on a song, the quality of the song improves. At what point do you decide a song is finished?
That is hard to say, I work on songs and especially productions for a long time, but for some reason, suddenly it clicks and I am happy with it. It’s a mysterious process for me as well. I know people who have a hard time finishing songs, who can work on them forever. But I really love working towards a finished record. I need and love that feeling of satisfaction, putting a wrap around it.
pants and jacket ACNE STUDIOS
heels BOTTEGA VENETA
earrings SIMUERO
Your lyric “I was somebody before everybody knew me” really resonated with me. How has your growing popularity influenced how you see yourself?
I started releasing records when I was 25. Back then it was a huge shock to suddenly play at the big festivals and do sold out club tours. I was never very ambitious and I had low expectations of what would happen with my first release. My world was kind of small before that time. Touring opened up a new world for me and it helped me come out of my shell, but at the same time I could feel lost and lonely. At times that I didn’t have shows or a filled agenda I felt alienated from society. I was no longer a student, I didn’t have a normal daily job, not many people could really relate to what I did for a living, and I struggled with some personal issues.
I’ve gone through a whole process of acceptance, finding my own way in my profession and private life. It’s a job you strongly identify with, but we are/I am a lot more than a musician or artist. I used to have a very different life, a simple life. At this moment in time I feel very comfortable with what I do, and I also built a strong social life. I think family and friends are very important. Success in music shouldn’t become all too important. It could be a recipe for loneliness and huge disappointment when things don’t work out.
pants LOEWE
top ALAIA
necklace SAINT LAURENT
shoes GUCCI
Do you think the world is ready for a breakthrough from Dutch artists and Dutch language music?
I hope so, haha! I get great responses from listeners in Brazil, America, Scandinavia, England - we already tour in Germany and Switzerland and that is going well. People seem to love it even if they don’t understand the words. I got invited by COLOR Studios last year. It’s an international music platform where all the musical icons have played sessions, like Billy Eilish, Solange, Jorja Smith, etc. Besides that they feature artists singing in all languages, from all over the world, Korea, Georgia, Peru, Sudan, you name it. After all we are very used to listen to Italian, French, Portugese Music, all kinds of languages we don’t understand. I believe that the expression of a voice, the melody, harmony, overall sound, feel and energy of a song, touches the heart and body more than words can do. Words are more rational for me.
What does success mean to you?
It does mean a lot in the end. It is thanks to this success that I am able to make records, work with great filmmakers, photographers, give live concerts the way I do, be somewhat of an art director, as well. I can put all my creativity into my profession. The fact that other people are buying those records and concert tickets: it gives a lot of meaning to what I do. It starts with a song, a few words and melodies made in a living room, kitchen, or on the train, and it ends up in so many people's lives, being meaningful to them. That’s the biggest compliment I can get. It’s a comforting idea as well, that I am no longer alone with my thoughts and feelings. Through releasing music I’m able to connect in a way with lots of people.
pants and jacket ACNE STUDIOS
heels BOTTEGA VENETA
earrings SIMUERO
jacket CÉLINE
sunglasses CHRISTIAN DIOR
Your performances are known for their cinematic and hypnotic experience. How do you translate the atmosphere of Heimwee to the stage?
Now that I have more experience I don’t think about it that much anymore. I just make a lot of moodboards, collect some words to describe what I think should be the new direction. I have a strong preference for certain aesthetics, colors, grittiness or softness in images, and I always have a few important ideas on which the show is based visually. My taste is pretty nostalgic, but I am also looking for something fresh and unique. I don’t just want to copy paste Kate Bush or David Byrne’s style for example, though they are inspirations to me. So I make moodboards and then work with a light designer, a few choreographers, and someone who makes visuals, and I try to get everyone into the same direction. A lot of back and forward communication, talking and adjusting, trying out things, until we are tuned into each other and the collaboration starts flowing.
full look LOUIS VUITTON
With larger audiences, do you find it challenging to maintain the intimate connection that characterises your performances? How do you navigate this?
I do miss it sometimes to play in smaller venues. One of the things we did last year and will be doing this year, is play unplugged shows. That way we can be very intimate with the music and our audience. Also, I will always love playing a simple song on a guitar, and I do that too when I play bigger venues. It feels very intimate when a large audience is quiet and listens to the same song.
What is the most meaningful reaction you’ve received to your music?
I heard that people played my music during labour, so at the birth of their baby, and I also heard people say that it played an important role in the last stage of lives of their loved ones. I can be very touched when people tell me their stories.
Do you ever see yourself making an album in another language, or is Dutch the ultimate way for you to express yourself?
I could never write as honest and interesting, or be as original as I do in Dutch I think. And I believe there is more soul and depth in my music because it is written in my mother tongue. English is a huge limitation for me as a songwriter, I would be a very mediocre lyric writer I’m afraid.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through making this album?
I’m not sure actually, I think I am still figuring that out. I do feel that I am more in tune with my intuition, although I have also been very insecure while working on it. Insecurity might never go away, it’s part of what I do, and it exists alongside strength and inspiration. It might even be a good thing, it pushes me to better results.
After five albums and a successful tour, what feels like the next challenge for you?
More albums and tours! Haha. Sometimes I feel like I only just started. There is still so much inspiration and love for what I do. I hope I will keep loving it, and I hope I can keep on doing this for a long time.
full look ISABEL MARANT
TEAM CREDITS:
talent EEFJE DE VISSER
photography and art direction TIM WEERDENBURG
styling PHOEBE VOS
makeup MARLY VAN DEN BOSCH
hair INGRID VAN HEMERT
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview AYA OPPENBERG
