Lars koehoorn – Musician, Songwriter & Sessions

After I completed my preliminary education at the Prince Claus Conservatoire, things went a little differently than expected. I did not return to the conservatory, but ended up at the Wisseloord Academy. And in hindsight that was the best thing that ever happened to me.�

�The coronavirus ensured that my agenda with performances was wiped empty in one go. Because of that I could fully focus on Wisseloord Academy. Every hour of free time I had, I was busy making music and implementing the new knowledge I gained during the lessons.�

�During the training I came into contact with music styles that were new and unknown to me and I was able to get used to working with several people during a writing session. The great thing about Wisseloord Academy is that you are not seen as a student, but as a full member of the music industry. And for me it’s simple: if I make something it has to be good, because I want to perform at the highest level. The disadvantage is that I cannot stop working until I think it is finished.’

�I was used to write a lot for myself as an artist, but during corona, releasing new material was not so useful for me, because no performances could be done. As a result, I started trying a lot of new things like writing for other artists and exploring new genres. I really enjoy it and it works well for me, so I will continue to do that.�

�At the beginning of the academic year, BMG came by to tell us what they do. I went up to them to introduce myself and have a short chat. Just show your face and make the first contact. Something I normally never did, but I couldn’t pass up on this opportunity.�

�Malik Berrabah (producer and owner of the studios) keeps a close eye on the development of all students and saw the rapid progress I was making. And after I had supplied him with new music, he asked me if we could talk about the possibility of contracting me with Wisseloord Publishing/BMG Benelux. For me that was the main goal of my training; taking the first steps towards a serious career in the music industry.�

�Now that I’m signed to BMG, I do a lot of sessions and it actually goes faster than I thought possible. I have been able to do several writing camps, get to know a lot of writers, producers and artists and thus gain new experiences. The variety in the work is what makes it so much fun for me; one day you’ll be working on a Dutch pop song, the next you’ll be working on an English EDM stunner, and then you’ll be working on a nursery rhyme. Every day is different, everything is possible. The first songs I worked on have already been released and behind the scenes there is still a lot of new material ready.�

�I am very happy that it all went like this, because there was no �Plan B�. I can now fully focus on music because I took this turn. The approach at the Wisseloord Academy is extremely personal, so you have a good idea of ??what you need to work on. Their guidance has helped me to make great strides in my development, ultimately resulting in a publishing contract.�

�Today I am working full time as a songwriter and producer building a portfolio of releases and collaborations. Without the Wisseloord Academy, I probably never would have had that opportunity. I am therefore working hard to make it a long and successful career and together with the great team of Wisseloord Publishing and BMG Benelux I am sure that we will succeed.�

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For more information about Lars: www.instagram.com/larskoehoorn