PROJECTS
Firehouse Mama
One of my main projects was my former band since 9 years, Firehouse Mama. We played a variety of quirky, beautiful blues and rock songs. Just strong songs. A tight band with years of experience in the Dutch blues scene! Original songs, covers, with or without our own twist, and occasionally a foray into another music style. Old-school blues and newer blues, for young and old. The band had all the ingredients: a powerhouse singer, a fantastic keyboardist (Hammond and piano), an amazing guitarist, and a rhythm section as tight as a double knot. We took the audience on a musical journey; not just watching a band, but experiencing a performance. From pubs to theaters to festivals. Performances can range from one hour to three hours.
This was a very important musical period for me. But I quit the band last summer of '23 to work on different projects. But we agreed to play with each other agian when we'll be asked for a nice gig or when we just want to play together again.
Dutch Police Orchestra
In 2022, I joined a project where I sang a few songs as one of the vocalists during the show of the Dutch Police Orchestra. The show was centered around " Police for Everyone", a theme that is being highlighted in various ways within the Dutch police force. The orchestra is a very talented orchestra, led by conductor Peter Kleine Schaars, and it is a very educational experience. The Orchestra shifted conductors and ended in the spring of 2024. For me it was a very different and exciting musical experience altogether, which I enjoyed very much. I sang the songs "Creep" and "Whipping Post" in an orchestral arrangement.
Janet Q's Christmas
In the near future I will release a Christmas CD. For this, I have chosen several non-standard but beautiful Christmas songs, and the CD will feature 9 tracks. Additionally, you can also book me for a 1-hour Christmas show. For more information, please contact me through the contact form.
Workshop breathing and singing
I'm working on a workshop "Breathing and Singing" in a try-out. After processing the feedback, you can approach me for this. The workshop will take about one and a half hours and will cover the importance of breathing in general and how it can be used effectively for singing in particular. We will practice this by learning a song together. During singing, "you have to breathe from your belly," and we will emphasize this. Breathing comes naturally since birth, but during singing, one has to consciously think about it. This breathing can be practiced effectively. If this goes well, we will also explore what conscious breathing can do for your overall physical and mental health and how you can control your breathing.
Songwriting
"In 2022, I started writing song lyrics. These lyrics are completely autobiographical and written from my heart and feelings. This is actually a very therapeutic process. However, I am still looking for musicians who would like to set these lyrics on music with me. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact me.
Some titles include: "Burn Out Blues", "Mr. Niceguy", and "Buggle Up."
Special Events
I have also done some smaller projects for special occasions. For example, I sang Christmas songs in a restaurant during 1st and 2nd Christmas Day a few times. It was very enjoyable and atmospheric to do. It inspired me to record a Christmas CD.
I also sang a song at a colleague's farewell. I adapted the lyrics of one of her favorite artists to include facts and trivia about her personally. I did this for a wedding as well. I incorporated a poem from the wedding invitation into one of the couple's favorite songs and sang it during the ceremony. Both were successful and received great feedback from those involved. Ultimately, that's why you do it.
I once gave a singing workshop to a group of children at a care farm. I did this together with a friend. It was also a very grateful experience. Those children had so much fun.
I also sang a song at a family member's cremation ceremony, at the request of the family. Very special but also very difficult.
I have also played a set of music from the 60s/70s at a 50th birthday party, at a jubilee anniversary and at a 25th wedding anniversary. And very recently, I sang several songs at an event celebrating International Women's Day, which were intended as a tribute to women. I chose these songs myself, and they fit seamlessly into the program's themes. It was also a very special experience. I would like to do more of this, singing and writing lyrics for special events. If you're interested, please contact me through the contact form.
Recording
After a call on Facebook, I recorded a song through HK Songwriting. The song is called 'Completely' and was written about 50 years ago by Hans Kunst, the keyboardist of the band Thorsted. He intended to re-record it early in 2023, but unfortunately, that didn't happen because he passed away.
Henk Kruijthof, one of his fellow musicians, posted a request on Facebook for vocals on this song, and I was chosen to fulfill that role. It's a beautiful song, and I thoroughly enjoyed singing it. Listen to the final result.
Wishlist
I also have a musical wish list, of course. I'm looking for enthusiastic musicians to help me execute and record my projects properly. Additionally, I would like to play in a combo with some nice jazz and lounge music. I also personally want to work on backing vocals. As a frontwoman, this is not yet developed in me and I can improve myself more in that area.
I also would like to sing again in a 60/70's coverband. I still love that kind of music. Or perhaps another bluesrock band. I'm working on this one right now. At the moment, I’m making music with some amazing musicians in my hometown. It’s a blues-rock band called 'Meadow Bluesband'. We’re still in the 'exploratory phase' and have no idea where this will lead, but for now, we’re creating wonderful music together.
