In conversation with Bredaas talent Jean Jacques
Slowly, less is more and jump into the deep
There is no filter between what Sebas feels and what he puts on paper. "The older I get, the more I dare to express what I really think and feel. I used to find that difficult, but now I care much less about what others think. This is how I see things, and if that doesn't suit you, then just don't listen."
His parents call him an old soul. "I have a penchant for things from before my birth year. Oldtimers, vintage furniture, classic films… there’s something romantic and wonderfully slow about them. Slow, less is more, and diving deep – I really enjoy that, and I also put that into my songs. I only make what suits me and feels right."
"I've wondered for a long time what makes me unique and authentic because sometimes I do feel like just an average guy. But maybe it’s as simple as that. Staying true to yourself. Not watering things down. And then it naturally becomes special."
Daring to turn right when everyone else is turning left
His focus is now entirely on completing his debut album 'Langzaam Maar Zeker'. And then there is also that meaningful date: 17 May, his album release show at the Chassé Theater. "The first time solo, really looking forward to it. I want to show what I can do, it's about time."
When asked why we should come and see him on the 17th, Sebas replies: "Because I think there's something in it for everyone that evening. What I make is quite accessible. It's hip-hop, but it also has pop. I don't fit the stereotype of that tough hip-hop artist with a background on the streets. I'm just a normal guy who raps and sings about what he feels and experiences.”
That is what I hope to convey. That people leave the concert thinking, maybe I should just do it too, follow my heart.
'Langzaam maar zeker' is about musical and personal growth. "Daring to go right when everyone else goes left. Because that is ultimately the reason I will be standing on that stage soon, that I made a different choice than the obvious one. I listened to my feelings, and not to what everyone told me. It's not always easy and often uncertain, but it brings me a lot. That is what I hope to convey. That people leave the concert thinking, maybe I should also just do it, follow my heart."
Trust in what emerges
He prefers to create far away from the everyday. Together with Anne, good friend and producer ("although he is actually so much more than that, Anne has heaps of experience and helps me with the things I’m less strong at") he immerses himself in a bungalow in Friesland. "Then I take a list with things I came across and that inspire me. A drum pattern, a sample, a picture, whatever. And then we get to work. Looking for the right sound, tinkering with tones. It’s really about finding the chemistry and trusting what emerges. The lyrics come later, at home, in my own space and time."
In preparation for the live concert, Casper also joins in. "He programmes at the Mezz and the Chassé Theatre and knows the scene well." And there’s also Wies, his regular guitarist/bassist. "They’re all friends of mine. It’s really cool how that’s all worked out."
This is what I want, this is what I can do — and I will do it too
"During Noorderslag last year, I really had an epiphany when I thought 'we are now truly doing what we aimed for years ago.' Everything came together that weekend. I met the right people, there was recognition and acknowledgment, the show went well, the atmosphere was top... everything was right. Then we looked at each other and thought, it's really happening now."
The dream: a sold-out tour through the larger venues of the Netherlands. Paradiso, Tivoli, that kind of thing. "That people buy tickets especially for me and I can show that my sound belongs there. Then I will have succeeded. And I truly believe it’s in me. There’s a kind of fire inside me. This is what I want, this is what I can do. And I will do it too."
@jeanjacquesnl
ZigZag through Cultural Breda
Cultural Breda is pleasantly diverse. There is truly everything to explore and do here. Check out what events are happening in the city over the coming months. Art, dance, film, music, history, theatre... big or small, but all significant: there's definitely something for you. And try something new too!
