Christel Meijer

Christel Meijer (Zaandam, 1982) is a Dutch vocalist and songwriter who explores the boundaries of jazz, theatrical pop and electronics.

Solo stuff: EP releases

Christel’s first independent release is the EP Waiting To Begin (2008), on which jazz influenced harmonies are the foundation for fresh, haunting melodies, brought to life by a sparkling, soulful voice. The sincere piano songs are reflections of the journey of a young woman in search for a safe place in this world. On her new Without Hesitation EP (2011) you can hear 3 songs from her debut that are transformed into playful and enchanting encounters, with the assistance of adventurous arranger Jurriaan Berger (earswideopen).

The jazzy Nobody Knows is the first song Christel wrote after her move to Brussels in 2008.
“For me, this song focuses on adventure and the excitement that comes with treading into new territory. It breathes hope, but at the same time the fear of the unknown. Originally written on the piano, like all of my songs, it used to have more of a melancholic overtone. Now it sounds more upbeat with a swinging acoustic guitar, a flute solo and weird backing vocals. Back in the Netherlands, the hopeful sound has taken the lead.”

Duo stuff: Jaffa

Her collaboration with producer Phil Martin, named Jaffa, has brought into being the album Echoes, which has been released in the Summer of 2011. (Social Beats/Unique Records). On the record, colorful collages come to ear, in which jazzy harmonies are pushed forward by electronic beats and vocal sampling, assisted by squeaking synthesizer sounds. Jazzy synth pop accompanied by dreamy as well as absurd lyrics: “Collecting hairs from the sink, trying to stick them back to my head”. Now available on iTunes!

“Jaffa is a very exciting musical collaboration. Phil Martin’s beats dare me to write and sing in a different way. A simple idea is enough. That’s quite a difference from how I used to write. Because of the greater emphasis on dance grooves, I have learned how to use less chords changes. I discovered that this provides more playground for improvisation. This is liberating!”

Violet Copper Music

September 2011 sees the light of Violet Copper Music (VCM). Under this name, Christel will now present all her all round musical projects as vocalist, songwriter and vocal coach. You can find more information on www.violetcoppermusic.com

“This name comes from one of my songs, of which the lyrics describe what I hope to express with my music. Have a listen!”

Allround Christel…

• …was invited by the residential composer of Zaanstad Jurriaan Berger in 2008 to bring a tribute to the river ‘Zaan’, which flows through her city of birth. Since then she is the interpreter of ‘Het Zaanlied’ (The Song of the Zaan) and other songs that are especially written for cultural events of the city. She has performed the song together with Benjamin Herman, one of Holland’s most-renowned jazz saxophone players.
• …lived and worked a considerable time in Edinburgh and Brussels, where she was involved with socio-cultural projects through various non-profit organizations. In these cities she performed in many music and theatre shows (e.g. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival).
• …has worked together with Dutch avant garde composer and cultural entrepreneur Merlijn Twaalfhoven as vocalist and workshop leader in multi-disciplinary and educative art projects.
• …plunged into modern classical choir repertory, taking part in the Nederlands Studenten Kamerkoor (Dutch Student Chamber Choir) in 2008, conducted by Maria van Nieukerken. She has sung compositions by a.o. Manneke, Rautavaara, Schubert,Gould, Killmayer, De Backere en Dallapiccola.
• …has studied at the Conservatories of Alkmaar and ArtEZ (The Netherlands) and was educated by a.o. Herman van Doorn, Sylvi Lane, David Linx, Hartog Eysman and Ineke van Doorn.

“Looking at all of these musical projects, it is not easy to pigeonhole them. That’s not what I want anyway. Let me discover new playgrounds. And who dares to follow: Follow!”