Grammy Award winning producer and multi-instrumentalist Femke returns with her first solo release since 2008. Call This is out now via LV Music.
Written about that moment when you realise passion has developed into love, Call This is a shimmering pop delight. Flowing with Femke’s honey-sweet vocals alongside glitchy hooks and twinkling soundscapes, it’s a truly infectious ballad oozing a delicate, emotion-strewn charm.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Femke about influences, the latest project, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and the video for Call This below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I am a lover of pop music, I guess my melodies automatically go there. As a true Paul Simon fan, I hope my lyrics have a little bit more depth than any other regular pop song. As far as the genre, since I produce my music myself I kind of do what I feel like doing. Sometimes it leans a little bit more towards singer/songwriter, and sometimes it’s a little bit more pop.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I started making music by playing the accordion at the age of 10. I’ve made music ever since, first I wanted to be conductor, then composer, songwriter, film composer, arranger and then finally producer. I’ve been producing so many records in the last few years and for some reason this year I wanted to make my own sounds again. I wanted to make something that I would want to listen to with a message that mattered to me. I can only hope the public likes it.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Like I said, songwriting wise Paul Simon is a big example, but I also love to read poetry. Going through old poetry books in old book stores is one of my favorite things to do. I still love the music that I used to love, but I keep adding to that list so I guess it keeps growing and changing.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I really just wanted to write something that could leave a positive feelings, lyrically, melodically and also production wise. I feel good song with a message that can dig a little bit deeper.
What was the last song you listened to?
Actually, this week I was listening to a lot of Damien Rice, the solitude in the production is such an inspiration for me!!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl is beautiful, I have always loved it. Back when I lived in Holland I had a great vinyl collection, but after moving to the USA, not being able to bring my collection, I actually kind of started loving being able to share songs with my friends via email by sending MP3s. In all honestly, I can’t remember the last time I bought a CD.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify and Apple Music! Big fan, I love being able to find my favorite artists, but I also love listening to playlists and discovering new artists.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
It’s a pretty great thing to be able to connect with anyone in the world anywhere. I love to meet new fans, I think the challenge is more, how will they find me? I’m still trying to figure it out!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
I’m pretty active on Facebook and Instagram but for the little blurbs, I’m on Twitter.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Just that I hope we can all be nice to each other 🙂
