It is HAPPENING! Musical dreams come true

What a dream. I feel like I’m in a rollercoaster, and the cart has only just started moving. And I’m screaming — from excitement! What a dream… one that began five years ago, when I wrote my first songs. Not one at a time, but two at once. And that same week, another three followed. And what is happening now? Well, let me tell you...

Well, let me tell you. This August I came back to the Netherlands again. As usual, the plan was: “make some money, and then hit the road again.” Australia had been on my list for ten years already, and I had finally decided it was time to make that dream come true.

The dream of music

But there was another dream: to share my music. And I knew — or felt, or whatever you want to call it — that IF I was ever going to let that dream flow, it had to be now. Finding work was a bit slow, so it looked like I’d “have to” stay in the Netherlands longer anyway. But also, even though I had zero musical connections, I am from the Netherlands, and I had this feeling that starting a music career from here might be a bit easier. Definitely easier than in the place I actually wanted to go in Australia: somewhere between the two most isolated cities in the world, Perth and Darwin — the little town of Broome.

“And I knew: if I want to release my music, it’s now or never.”

I also understood that I wasn’t going to run into any musical stars or producers in Broome who would help take my songs to the next level. So two months ago, I wrote on my intention list for the rest of the year: “record a song OR perform at De Salon, Ruigoord.” This place is really special to me — wild, pure, artistic, and not unimportant: there’s a beautiful grand piano. Which is very comforting when your knees start shaking at the sight of a piano.

And now for the big news: both wishes are coming true. BAM!

Because, dear people, two musical geniuses crossed my path at the end of October.

Collaborating with Estee

With Estee Makampo I felt an instant click. I had posted a little message about maybe finding someone for a non-performance jam, and Estee texted and called almost immediately: “Let’s make music together.”“Great plan, tonight?” I replied.

Together with Estee, I’m working on my newest Dutch song In Jouw Kracht. It’s about letting go of ideals that might be holding you back, and instead following your mission and making the very best of your life. Estee accompanies me not only on piano, but also with her beautiful violin.

Collaborating with Adrian

I knew Adrian Kuipers from last year, after we connected on Instagram about grounding, barefoot walking, and other spiritual themes. I was still living abroad at the time, and after visiting one of his breathwork concerts, we stayed in touch.

And suddenly we ran into each other at an ecstatic dance. We shared our musical dreams, and a few days later Adrian messaged me: “Do you want to become a famous Dutch singer?”And the rest is history ;) Just kidding.

I replied, “Why only in the Netherlands?” and “Not necessarily famous, but I DO want to release my songs!” And that’s how it started.

I sent him my favorite songs, and Adrian chose Remember to work on. We recorded it with minimal piano from his side, and in the weeks that followed, he built a whole orchestra around it. I’m super proud of this track and excited to share it with you. The release date is December 19 at 11:11 — but I’ll bother you about that later ;)

I look happy because I am happy.

Performing at De Salon, Ruigoord Now, I’m not the first to think, “okay, time for a release party.” It is just not something that would cross my mind. But, for Adrian it is. Luckily, I do love celebrating whatever can be celebrated, and I got excited about the idea of sharing Remember, and a few of my other songs, together with Estee.

I started thinking about my dream location, De Salon. Would it be possible to do it there? Yolo, I’m just going to try. I happened to know someone who knew the owner. I sent a message, got the number, and then messaged Michael from De Salon.

After waiting three whole days, I decided to call him. We had an enthusiastic first conversation, he loved my story, and he decided to host me for a way-too-low rental price. Thank you Michael!

And so… it’s all happening, and I’m just going with the flow. I look at my life now and think, wow, it’s actually happening. I’m super happy, excited, a tiny bit overwhelmed (I’m also trying to run my brand Earth Sole and somehow make an hourly income), but a lot of my energy flows effortlessly toward my music project.

Dreams really do come true when they are ready.

Thank you so much for being part of this journey. Click HERE if you want to be at the release, and sign up for the newsletter on my website to stay updated on new releases, performances, and a meet-and-greet. Just kidding ;) In love and gratitude Anouk Anansi 🪶