Local Rockstars: Gijs Wisselink about rock ‘n roll and going for it full throttle

Feb 12, 2016 | by Chloë Arkenbout | Music

About the author

Born and raised in Amsterdam, lives to dance and dances to live on electronic music, has a small vinyl addiction, appreciates a little sarcasm now and then, thinks musicals are annoying and loves those moments where you lose track of time completely.

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.

Gijs Wisselink is a local rockstar in the most literal sense. When you say Gijs Wisselink, you say rock ‘n roll. He’s hosting his own rock ‘n roll party in Bitterzoet on Valentines day. We had a chat about his love for rock ‘n roll, the Amsterdam rock ‘n roll scene (that sucks, but not entirely, according to Gijs) and his party Je Veux Rock ‘n Roll.

Tell me about your love for rock and roll.
“It’s all about the amount of human expression captured in it, going for it full throttle. And the way it allows musicians to make a mistake and find a solution for it while playing. It playful, raw and exciting. You have quite some different rock ‘n roll sounds but my favorite is definitely the classic ’70s. Evolving from my (and every musician’s) heroes the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles, which originates from old school R&B gospel and primarily Delta blues.”

What’s your opinion on the Dutch/Amsterdam live scene?
“I think it sucks. But not everything about it sucks though. Of course you can watch your regular shows of the bands you like in places like Paradiso and the Melkweg. But that’s not really a party, it’s a show. My favorite place in Amsterdam is Pacific Park. They have bands that play, really obscene ones every once in a while. Afterwards the DJ plays classic vinyl records. And there are tons of good looking girls, which is probably the most important factor of a good party. Apart from this place you have some bars which are cool, but furthermore our city is drowning in this zipless house-techno scene.”

You’re starting a new night calles Je Veux Rock ‘n Roll. How did that happen?
“I played at Je Veux Flâner loads of times, which is always great. Great people, great band, good ambiance. However, the main genre of this evening leans towards soul and funk, which I love to play as well. But I always liked to push in some classic rock and roll. The audience really like that. So it got thinking, why not start a Je Veux evening where we go full throttle towards ’60s/’70s rock ‘n roll, when it was most alive. They thought it could save the world for fuck’s sake! We are gonna relive that and perhaps save rock ‘n roll, and therefor the world.”

Tell me more about the concept.
“We needed good artists that people already heard of, to draw them in, and assemble the best rock’n roll band this country can offer. I know lots of people in the music business, especially from the rock n roll scene. We’re all friends so when I proposed this evening everybody was in, instantly. You can expect some guys that are the best at what they do and really know what they’re doing when it comes to playing good old rock ‘n roll!”

Bitterzoet will be the location. What’s so great about the venue?
“It’s in the centre of Amsterdam, in the most hippyeske street in town. And it has a balcony and 2 bars!! Do I need to say more?”