Ferry Corsten released Blueprint last year, but I heard it for the first time a few weeks ago. The other night I was running on the treadmill and “Waiting” came on. After listening to the album three or four times now, I think “Waiting” is my favorite song on the release. As I was listening I fell in love with the vocals. I looked down and saw the single features Niels Geusebroek. To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with the name. When I got home I did some digging and realized Niels was a big deal. He has produced some incredible songs including “All I Want,” “Born Again” and “Take Your Time.” I wanted to learn more about him, so I sent him a message on Facebook. We became quick friends and he agreed to do an interview. This interview was really fun for me. Guys, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Niels Geusebroek.
I’ve liked Ferry Corsten for years, but never listened to Blueprint. A few weeks ago I heard it and was blown away. SO good! While listening to “Waiting”, I looked at the vocals and found you. Unreal, man. Tell me more about that single and how you came to work with Ferry on that release.
Ha! Thanks for your kind words. I had not met Ferry before working together, but when he started working on his wonderful project Blueprint, Ferry had a clear vision on what he needed. He reached out to me and asked if I was interested in writing together. Off course I said yes and at first the main focus was to write a song that would apply to his wishes. We ended up writing a track which we both liked very much, and then Ferry asked me if I wanted to provide my vocals. I agreed and we recorded them in his studio. Because Blueprint is a scripted story, we wrote the lyrics specifically for a passage in the script.
Your voice reminds me of Richard Bedford. Are you familiar with his work?
Nice! I know his work with Above & Beyond, but apart from that I’m not really familiar.
Who wrote the lyrics for “Waiting”?
We kinda both did. At least we did a huge part in Ferry’s studio, before I took the lyrics home and worked on them a little more.
Tell me more about your theatre tour “Wildfire”.
Ah, that was beautiful. Wildfire is my second solo album and besides club shows and festivals, we played about sixty theatre shows in a very intimate setting. Just two other guys and me, acoustic, with a bit of storytelling about where I get my inspiration from. Such a sweet journey that was. The tour is over now.
You are currently based in Amsterdam. I love that city. What do you like most about living in Venice of the North?
I love the freedom of being able to bike anywhere I want. Yes, people, we Dutchies do everything by bike! I live in the old city centre, a little hidden gem, surrounded by the dynamics of tourists and locals.
I’m obsessed with Bose headphones. What sort of headphones are you using? Always curious what the guys at the top are using!
Hehe, I still use a Sennheiser HD 25 at my place, but whenever I’m in the studio for recording I just grab one. Whatever feels right for the occasion. I’m not really tight to a brand or anything.
Tell me more about “Niels Geusebroek sings Coldplay”. Several of those shows are sold out, which is awesome!
Indeed! It started off as a one-off at a big Dutch festival called Zwarte Cross. They have a stage there called “Rock ‘n Roll Circus.” That’s where professional musicians pay homage to their idols or influencers. After that show my booking agent asked if I was interested in doing a club tour. We set it up, and people seem to believe it’s gonna be a good idea. We haven’t started yet, but indeed, more than 80% of all tickets are sold already.
Do you ever get to tour with Ferry? Would love to see “Waiting” performed with live vocals.
I did the album launch party with him in L.A., but we haven’t shared the stage after that. I’m not sure if one has to do with the other, though! (Laughs.)
I saw Ferry a few weeks ago with Markus Schulz in London at Ministry of Sound. What are some of your favorite nightclubs worldwide?
Oh, I’m not so in to nightclubs. Never have been. I’m more of a pub kinda person. And when I play live, I prefer to play with band, or solo (me and my guitar) in smaller venues.
What can fans expect from a live performance?
Either some futurings with DJs on festivals (I do like that a lot!) or band shows in clubs or festivals. I’m a traditional songwriter and find it more important to get my songs across than to play big bombastic shows. So, it’s usually quite intimate, with an uptempo song now and then.
Do you prefer doing the singer/songwriter stuff, or did you like working with Ferry on some electronic dance music/trance stuff?
I like taking that electronic road once in a while. I’ve done that a couple of times before with some other DJs. It keeps me fresh, and not so narrow focused on my solo career.
You were recently in Bali. How was that?
One word: Amazing. Period.
What’s next for Niels Geusebroek?
Writing. I love to write. Also for other artists/DJs. I do have some solo songs done, so they will see the light of day somewhere in the upcoming future. I have a few DJ collabs coming up, too. Exciting times, good life. Namasté!
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
First thing that came to mind when you sent me an email, was that I think it’s really cool you picked my vocals from the Blueprint album and put effort in finding me online and sending me these questions. I am grateful for that.
Thank you.
Connect with Niels Geusebroek:
Website: https://www.nielsgeusebroek.nl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neilsmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nielsgeusebroek
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nielsgeusebroek
