About the author
Whether you went out last weekend to check out an uber-geeky beat magician or a depressingly awesome indie rock band, we all know there’s always some serious musical talents rocking around the Dam. You might not recognize them all yet, but don’t worry, you will soon. In this series of interviews we talk to remarkable artists about their music and their inspirations.
He ended up in Amsterdam about five years ago, virtually out of boredom, to work on his camera skills. About three years ago the photo camera in his hand turned into a video camera and he’s been seeking his next film-fix ever since. Music videos, documentaries, promo videos, you name it. Bigger bands, better venues and focus to the verge of insanity.
Who is Stillman and what does he exactly do?
“Stillman as in the person is me, Andreas Stillman, a Swedish music lover and video artist. I film and document my favourite musicians and bands that I come across. It’s presented on my website Stillman.nl where you can already check out selected music- and live videos. Most importantly, however, it’s where my episode-based rockumentary ‘Dreams of music’ will be presented. There’s also an agenda which shows where the bands that I’m featuring are playing, a very popular feature.
Explain to me what this Stillman concept is trying to reach?
“You can see musicians everywhere in Amsterdam. Whether they’re singing on their bikes, drinking beers at a bar or hitting on your girlfriend, they are inevitably around. The question is what. I want to show that there really are great up and coming bands and that you can have a great night with friends, beer and live music for a small buck. So many bands don’t get the attention that they deserve because it’s not radio-friendly. It’s a way to bring bands forward, not only based on the stamp that gets them on the radio, but because they’re cool as hell.”
How did you get in contact with the music you tend to feature?
“You know, I spend so much time in venues and bars seeing new acts, crazy shows with cool people, and talking to people in the industry, which brings me a list of cool bands. I also get a significant amount of email sent to me from bands who want to join, which gets them on my radar. If it’s a good band I make sure they get included in the project. Since Amsterdam is where I’m active at the moment, I suppose it has an important role. In general, living in Amsterdam has taught me a lot of my self and what I do. It’s also a very manageable city to work in. There are a lot of people on a small area, and with relatively small means you can create good coverage.”
What’s your favourite venue for music, or inspiration in general?
“Bitterzoet is a beautiful venue with good sound and light, I always enjoy filming there. Besides that I like Pakhuis Wilhelmina, which is a smaller stage, but without compromising the quality. And if a cool band is playing at Pacific, I wouldn’t miss it. They know how to throw a party there!”
What was your latest genius discovery?
“I can hint a new, rougher, movement in Amsterdam being fronted by Brahm and Bartek. Two bands who know how to rock the f- out. For ‘Dreams of music’ I interviewed Jett Rebel, who has been booming in the press since his first EP release. In general I’ve been featuring bands such as Bombay Show Pig, Wooden Saints, My Baby and Nosoyo, all of which has a lot of exciting stuff coming up.”
If you could make love to a track, which one would it be?
“Funny, I ask a similar question to the people I interview and they all hate that question. I guess it’s a taste of my own medicine. I’m going to exclude the rest of the world and focus on the bands I’m featuring, like ‘Start / Rewind’ by Bombay Show Pig.”
You’re also involved in events, and some other video-related stuff. How is the offline world treating you?
“Great! The response on my work is good in most places I go. I’ve recently struck up a good relationship with one of my favourite live events in Amsterdam and we decided to join forces. I’m excited to say that No Milk Today is now a part of the Stillman project and we’re making the most of our separate fields of expertise. Bringing Stillman to the offline world and No Milk Today online. So prepare yourself for one hell of a party.”
What would be your dream event or line-up?
“Again I’m going to exclude the rest of the world and focus on the bands I’m featuring. Actually, I already love the concept No Milk Today is working with. Last time they had Merlijn Nash, Hering & Band, Jett Rebel, My Baby and Navarone. A head-liner act and a few underground bands sharing an enthusiastic crowd.”
Finally, where are you taking Stillman next?
“Into the world, basically. Season one of ‘Dreams of music’ is to be released, and the first No Milk Today party with me involved coming up! Stay tuned on Stillman.nl!”
Photo by by Max Westendorp / with Hermann Houben and Andreas Stillman
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