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| Anne Bakker (Photo by Bilal Javaid) |
The shows during the tour in Brazil, Blaze Bayley presented the violinist Anne Bakker as "The Incredible Anne Bakker"! And for good reason, sympathy, a little timidity, musicality and talent of this Dutch, who started very early in music, delighted the Brazilian fans.
We spoke with Anne to know a little more of her work, as she began a partnership with Thomas Zwijsen and Blaze Bayley, combining classical music with heavy metal so naturally, the passing through Brazil and future plans. Check out a little more about the "incredible Anne Bakker"
RtM: First, would you tell us who
encouraged you to start in music?
Anne Bakker: There was always a lot of music at
home when I was young. My parents listened to classical music, but also pop and
rock. My parents are also (non-professional) musicians.
RtM: You started at what age? The first
instrument was the violin?
AB: When I was four years old, I started
singing in a choir. When I was 8, my parents asked me if I wanted to play an
instrument, and I choose the violin.
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| Classic Anne! (Photo by Sebastiaan Peelen) |
AB: I started with classical violin
lessons at the local music school when I was 8 years old. When I was 13, I
started in the preparatory class of the conservatory of Arnhem. There I had
lessons in improvisation and music theory. When I finished high school, I went
to study at the conservatory of Rotterdam.
RtM:And what about your influences in
music? What artists, musicians or bands inspired and inspire you?
AB: I listen to a lot of different
styles of music. I enjoy listening to classical music and jazz a lot. Also
there's a lot of electronic music, pop, rock and world-music I love. Some
favorites are Pink Floyd, Arve Henriksen, Nils Frahm, Erkan Ogur, Portishead,
Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Massive Attack, Benjamin Britten and Arvo Part.
RtM:And how do you see the space today
for more classical and folk music? Also is interesting to
see as many bands and artists in the heavy metal, for example, that use
orchestras and folk music influences.
AB: Yeah, it's cool to see that lately a
lot of artists mix music styles in their performances. I started playing
classical music, but as a teenager I wanted to try other styles, like
rock-music. Because violin has a long tradition in classical and folk music but
not in rock, I automatically made a cross-over of styles. I wanted the violin
to make sense in rock-music, so I had to find a way to make it work for myself.
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| With Blaze & Thomas in Santo Ângelo-Brazil |
RtM: With the shows with Blaze Bayley and
Thomas, many people here in Brazil became interested in your work. Tell us how
the opportunity arose to work with Blaze and also Thomas?
AB: In 2007 me and Thomas were both in
the first year at the conservatory in Rotterdam. Thomas was living on a boat,
and we had some great jam-sessions over there. We played a sort of mix of flamenco/latin/jazz,
it was a lot of fun. Two years ago we spoke on the internet and decided to
record an acoustic version of “Wasting Love”. It was very successful on the
internet!
A little later Thomas was recording the Russian Holiday EP with
Blaze, and they decided to add violin in two songs; “Stealing Time” and “Sign
Of The Cross”. We enjoyed working together a lot, and soon after that we went
on our first acoustic Brazil tour.
RtM: And are you a Heavy Metal, Classic Rock or Heavy Rock fan? You already liked this style before working with them?
AB: When I was around 14 years old I
listened a lot to Iron Maiden! I even learned the guitar solo of “The Wicker
Man” by heart. During my studies I didn't listen to metal so much, though it's
super nice to be able to create this new sound together! I think the fact that
we have different backgrounds make the sound very interesting and unique. I
really enjoy being in the Heavy Metal scene, there's so much energy!
RtM: I’m looking to know more about your
work, and I heard the song “Stars in Her Eyes”, from Eira. Would you tell us
more about this project and other projects that you have and participate?
AB: Recently I started a duo, named
Eira, in which I sing and play violin at the same time. The other duo-member is
Johan de Pue, from Belgium, he is playing guitar, singing, and playing an
electric bass pedal.
I discovered writing my own songs and performing them is
something I love to do. We only recorded a few songs, you can listen to them
here: http://eiramusic.bandcamp.com . We just started off, but we'd
love to work hard and play a lot of concerts with this duo.
At the moment I'm in the middle of a
tour with my Turkish group, the Goksel Yilmaz Ensemble (www.gokselyilmaz.nl). We are performing in theaters in the
Netherlands with a professional dance company. Also we went to Turkey a few
times to play concerts. Besides these groups I have some other small projects
going on.
RtM: And as a singer-songwriter? Who
would you cite as influences and what you like to write, what inspires you?
AB: The songs I write are a bit dreamy,
a lot of people tell me the atmosphere sounds a bit Scandinavian. I listen to a
lot to artists such as Nick Drake, Ane Brun, Bob Dylan, Bjork and PJ Harvey, to
name but a few. Also, I read poetry sometimes to get inspiration for lyrics.
RtM: And the shows in Brazil? How did you
feel about the reception of the audience? Surely you gained many new fans and
people who will try to know more about your career.
AB: Brazil was amazing! The people are
so enthusiastic and kind! Also I like that in Brazil the audience is quite
mixed. In Europe metal audience is mostly male, and a bit more introverted. I
was overwhelmed by all the positive vibes in Brazil.
RtM: At this time here in Brazil you had
time to wander a bit, meet cool places? What do you like most, or what most
caught your attention during your time here in Brazil? And, of course, and tell
us if you had something that did not please you.
AB: We had some time to hang around!
There were often people showing us around and inviting us to their houses and
parties. They made a lot of time free for us, that was awesome. Both times we
went to Brazil we went from the freezing dark winter to the sun, that was so
nice! I was surprised there were a lot of Brazilians complaining about the
heat.
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| A day off in Brazil |
RtM: A more relaxed question: Thomas post
a picture in his facebook, with you washing clothes, where Thomas made a joke
with the fact that it was nice to have a woman on the tour! he he! Now how are
they going without you to put things in
order? He he he!
AB: Haha, yeah that was funny. After I'd
gone home Thomas posted a picture with the guitar player of the electric band
doing his laundry, so he found a way :P.
RtM: Anne, thanks for the interview, hope
this is not the only, and I hope you come to Brazil again. I believe you left
many fans and friends, a great impression, and had a good experience in this
tour. Of course, the heat here at that time and long journeys must have a bit
tired! He he! Well, I let a space for you send a message to the fans! Success
and see you soon!
AB: Thank you! I can't wait to get back
to Brazil to meet all those nice people again. Touring in Brazil is absolutely
great.
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| Live Brazil! |
Interview By: Carlos Garcia
Photos: Bilal Javaid / RoadTeam and Anne's files
Visit Anne at facebook: Anne Bakker Profile
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| Anne & Blaze (pic by Bilal Javaid) |
Related Links:
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| The "Power-Trio"! (Pic by Bilal Javaid) |
