Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Jeroen Granneman
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
One of my earliest memories is being fascinated by melodies and harmonies at home. My mother used to sing a lot, and I was amazed at how she could effortlessly add a second voice. When I got a small organ as a child, I was completely hooked.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It started quite naturally. From the moment I began taking keyboard lessons, music became an essential part of my life. I accompanied several choirs and was fascinated by eurodance in the 90s. That’s when I felt the urge to create music myself.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My current project comes from a desire to return to the essence: just me and the piano. Alongside my work at the music school and performing in pop and jazz settings, I wanted to further develop my own musical identity through solo piano in the neoclassical world.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Melodic and story-driven neoclassical piano music. Calm and accessible, positioned at the intersection of pop and classical music.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
That you have to stay true to yourself. There is no formula for success. The moment you start creating only for algorithms or trends, you lose something essential.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The piano is always the starting point. I store hundreds of ideas on my phone, so whenever inspiration strikes, I record it immediately. From there, I work on recording, production, and refinement. I am constantly improving my microphone setups.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I draw a lot of inspiration from neoclassical composers and the influence of Chopin that still resonates in modern music. I also enjoy discovering new independent pianists in the peaceful piano genre.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Very strongly. My family, emotions, and daily life all find their way into my music. Because my personal and professional life are closely connected, my music naturally becomes very personal.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? I hope people experience calmness, relaxation, and connection. If my music helps or touches someone, that is already enough for me.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far? To be patient and stay true to yourself. The best results come from following your own path. Hard work pays off.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at? I would love to perform my own music more often in intimate venues, where people truly come to listen. Not large halls, but smaller settings where you can really connect with the audience.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I recently collaborated with the Nationaal Piano Collectief, a group of Dutch pianists from different genres. Of course, I admire classical composers like Chopin, but I would also love to spend a day in the studio with hitmaker Max Martin.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Spotify: Jeroen Granneman
Instagram: @jeroengrannemanmusic
Website: jeroengranneman.com
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To perform more live, release new albums with a fresh sound, and continue growing as an artist while staying true to myself.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? That my music is genuine. I hope listeners not only hear the notes, but also feel the story behind them—and that authentic music made by real artists continues to stand out in an AI driven world.
