Interview with Isbells

Dec 9, 2011 | Gaëtan Vandewoude, despite working on his new album, touring with Isbells and being involved in various other music projects, found the time to answer our Soundcheck questions in detail. He tells us about the creative process when making his music, his aspirations and inspirations, and what CDs he is listening to at the moment.

Foto: Copyright: Koen Bauters
© Koen Bauters
Note: © myFanbase 2011 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first 2 questions or up to 160 characters if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.

1. How would you describe your music in one sentence?

I always wanted my music to be as a moment that the whole world just takes a pause and the only thing left is a beautiful song, a time to breath for yourself.

2. Was there something like a light bulb moment when you were young, maybe a concert, a certain song or a record that made you dream about a career as a musician?

I guess it was when I was 14 years old. I was on a boy-scout party and there was a band playing. I couldn't get my eyes off the drummer or better yet his drumset! From that evening I dreamed about playing drums and I think two weeks later I got my first crappy drumset. At first I didn't have any cymbals or drumsticks so I just played it with some pencils.

3. Are there any artists that might have influenced you or inspired you some time?

It all started with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I was a huge fan when I was young and I remember I learned to play the whole album "Blood Sugar Sex Magic" on drums but also on base and guitar. Another influence must be the jazz pianist Bill Evans, because of his way of making and developing melodies. And of course every tiny bit of music I ever heard! It's all stored somewhere...

4. How do you develop your songs? What part comes first, music or lyrics?

First there's a musical idea. Could be between 10 sec or 8 minutes on which I sing phonetically. In this compilation of random words and sounds I always seem to express what's on my mind. So then I go look for the theme that's already in there and connect some of the words or sentences. When I got that figured out I write the lyrics for the song and after that I finish it musically.

5. What song is most important to you? Why and how did it develop?

They're all very personal so I can't choose one.

6. In what aspects did your music change compared to when you started to make music?

The first music I made was more of an electro-pop kind of thing. I just started singing about three years ago. I remember the album that gave me the spirit to do so. The debut album from HOOD. When I heard it I thought to myself: You don't have sing like a pro to make an album... In that time I was also into The Notwist.

7. What has been the best experience so far as a musician?

The moment I started with Isbells. It has turned out to be a sequence of unforgettable moments and a journey where I learned so much about myself and the world. I'm really grateful for all the opportunities it has given me!

8. What can you tell us about your current projects?

I just finished the production for De Held. It's a Belgian songwriter who sings in Dutch... really happy with the result ;)

I play guitar in another band called SOON and we're slowly getting into recording a new album. It's an indie band, you can check it out at soonsite.be.

And last but not least just started to play drums in a band called Cape Coast Radio. The album is coming out in November.

9. And what are you aspiring to in the future, what do you want to achieve?

Well, for the moment I'm writing my second album for Isbells, so obviously I would like that to turn out even better than in my dreams... And hopefully get the chance to travel a lot and play all over the world ;)

10. With whom would you like to go on tour?

With The Low Anthem. We shared the stage once and they totally blew me away. The way they make music together is just wonderful... a true inspiration!

11. What record would we find in your CD-player right now?

  • Josh T Pearson
  • Bon Iver
  • Angus & Julia Stone
  • Olöf Arnalds


12. What do you think, as artists, about platforms like Facebook, Twitter and mySpace?

It's an important tool not only to reach your fanbase but also to expand it. I don't believe that the internet is an enemy for the music industry but if you use it wisely it can help you a lot.

13. myFanbase is a website that is devoted to American television shows. Do you have a favorite show?

Looking at "Californication" right now ;)

Maria Gruber - myFanbase