Enfnts Terribles

Your first single “Wasted Time” is becoming a real hit and is the most played song on several radio stations. How did you experience these last few weeks?

It’s really weird because I didn’t expect that it would turn out like this. But, of course, it’s amazing to see that something we’ve worked so hard on is doing great and that people start to pick the song up.

The music video of “Wasted Time” is very atmospheric. What’s the deeper meaning of the video?

The song is about me going out and realizing that I shouldn’t be there because I’m bored and don’t feel well. The video is a representation of me feeling lonely between all the people that are there, which we tried to visualize with all these transparent clothes around me.

Do you often feel lonely or transparent when you go out?

I didn’t always have a lot of self-confidence and it sometimes stressed me out to go out with all my friends because I felt that they were cooler than me. So it’s definitely a feeling I know.

It doesn’t happen a lot that talent show winners become extremely successful. Did you expect your success to turn out so well?

I was a bit scared that people would forget me because it took me a year after I won The Voice to release the single. I just knew that I wanted to work hard and that music is the thing I wanted to do, so I’m proud that it’s working out quite well. It’s very nice to see that the song is, for example, the most played song on a big Belgian radio station and that people seem to enjoy it.

You’ve often performed alternative rock songs at The Voice. Where does your fascination for bands like The Strokes or Arctic Monkeys come from?

It comes from myself because my parents don’t really listen to music. When I was around 11 years old, a friend introduced me to Nirvana, and I immediately loved it. I started listening to a lot of bands and discovered my love for rock.

You ended school last year and are focussing on music now. Do you feel any pressure because you want to make it work?

Yes, a little bit because I don’t want to disappoint my parents who truly believe in me and let me pursue my way. Usually, people of my age are studying so I want to make them proud of my music. My parents know that it’s hard but also know that I’m surrounded by very talented people that put a lot of effort into this project. I’m putting a bit of pressure on myself, but I shouldn’t because I’m supported by the people I love.

Your first EP is almost ready. What’s the vibe of the project?

I think the vibe of the whole EP will be similar to the one of “Wasted Time”.  There’ll be some songs on it that will be a bit more rock-inspired or melancholic. Globally, I would state that the stories of the songs are quite sad but with a certain power to it.

Can you already share some details about your second single?

Well, it’s an up-tempo song, and I usually don’t do up-tempo songs, so that’s already amazing. In the song, I’m talking about something completely different, and the energy is completely new for me. I made the song with the same team of “Wasted Time”, so the vibe is maybe a little bit the same. But I do think it’s a good contrast to my first release.

Do you always write with the same team or does it vary?

I work a lot with Wouter Hardy and Nina Sampermans, and we get along very well. But I also work with other songwriters and producers to explore more sounds and different styles of songwriting. I haven’t written songs before, so I need a little help to start a song. It’s very interesting for me as an upcoming artist to engage with different people in a songwriting process, but I have to admit that Nina and Wouter are definitely amongst my favorite people to collaborate with.

What’s your starting point when working on a song?

Sometimes, I just go to the studio with an idea in my head and I simply work with others on it. Other times, we just start from scratch and think about things that impact us. It’s always a little bit different.

What are the next steps you’re going to take?

At the moment, I’m focusing on finishing the EP. I work on it every day. I want to get it out soon, do some great promo, and also play concerts. If everything goes right, we’re able to play some little shows very soon and I’m really looking forward to that. For upcoming artists like me, these intimate shows will be a great way to learn and help me develop a great stage presence. I’m looking forward to introducing myself to an audience and make these experiences because I haven’t done real shows yet.

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Photos by Robin Joris Dullers for Enfnts Terribles
Styling by Enfnts Terribles
Makeup by Ana Japson