For the uninitiated, entering Vincent van Warmerdam’s extensive and rich creative universe will take a bit of time and effort. You see, he’s what one would call Dutch cinematic royalty, a keen composer, musician and visionary who seems to never run out of inspirations. Together with brothers Alex and Marc, Vincent has left a lasting mark in the film industry in the Netherlands, working on a plethora of elegant, luscious scores for films and theatre. Yet, we now find him in a slightly refreshed role. Wearing his songwriting and performer hats, van Warmerdam has recently unveiled his latest album, ‘There is Time’.
Rich in references and eclectic in its execution, ‘There is Time’ navigates old-school folk and blues pieces, yet keeps the overall product clean and measured, quite pop-oriented. We can also appreciate Vincent’s earthy, full-bodied vocals, an appreciated feature that also marks his debut as a vocalist. Rallying a team of like-minded musician friends around him, van Warmerdam crafts a timeless, wholesome record, an album that deserves to be experienced in a calm, relaxed setting, fully connecting with its introspective lyricism.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘There is Time’, the Dutch creative explains: “It’s a collection of songs that reveal my love for folk and blues-influenced pop music — indebted to both old and ‘new’ heroes like Brian Wilson, Randy Newman, Gillian Welch, and Blake Mills. Some tracks were written for theatre or film, others ‘just for the sake of it.’ The collection grew over time. Time became not only a recurring theme in the lyrics but also the pressure that forced me to finish the album: it was now or never.”
Recommended! Discover ‘There is Time’ on Spotify: