Interview with Guus Bok
Dutch singer, songwriter, actor and model shares what drives him
Where you are today and where would you like to be?
I want to be a well-known Dutch pop artist. I want to make shows with my band, shows that focus on music and performance. To combine music with movement/dance. Right now, I have a fantastic fan base already, and I will be growing from there. We've been on the national TV for 1.5 years already as the band for the television program De Eretribune from Fox Sports.
Tell us about your latest release, what's it about?
Mijn Wereld is about the way you think about your identity when you grow up. First you feel attached to a small town you live in, then to your country, and later you realize that there are no such things as borders. These are all constructs of the mind. And that you can life anywhere, as long as you have friends around you. I really like the message of the song. I hope people will get it.
How did you record it?
I worked with Willem de Booij on the preproduction, we added live instruments from my band later, and Hans van Vondelen mixed everything together nicely. It was quite a long process actually. But it is nice how the song came about with its organic sound.
How did you distribute it?
Our partner Heartselling is doing all the digital promotion, and famous plugger Rudo de Raaf is doing the promotion in The Netherlands. I do the promotion in Belgium myself, actually. In this process I get help from my manager Thirza from the label Quizzical Smile.
How did you promote it?
Besides contracting all those people above mentioned, we focussed on a good videoclip. I really wanted to make a videoclip I could be proud of. Looking back on the clip, I think I actually did that. It's not spectacular, but it's good, and it's supportive of the message of the song. Also we will do a fun #myworldchallenge! With this, people from all around the world can show their world to us, while singing along with our new song.
The music industry is in a state of flux right now, where do you see it heading?
Our goal is to be on the right side of the buzz and fuzz when Covid-19 is over. In other words, I think the world will get back to its feet in spring 2021. And by that time I want to be attractive for bookers to book me and my band. For me personally, I don't believe that online performances will replace live performances. I've watched a few of them, and the experience is very different. I personally will not focus on giving online performances for digital audiences as of now.
What's the most important thing missing from Songwhip?
Nothing, it's perfect!
Which artist do you look up to the most and why?
Bands like Sheppard, for putting out such good energy so consistently.
What artist tools/services can't you live without?
Spotify is an app I use a lot. To make lists, discover new music. And the fact that you can find all kinds of music in a split second. The only limitation is your memory of titles or imagination.
What is your advice to other indie artists to help fund their work/produce music?
I personally try to have some additional income sources that make money really fast. So I work as an actor / model for commercials. This money I can invest in videoclips and recordings.
Anything else you'd like to plug?
As with everything. Enjoy the process of reaching goals!