Hans-Peter de Zeeuw (a.k.a. d’Z) is a Dutch musician who produces music both by himself and in partnership with other artists. He recently released a song as part of his project Dee & d’Z which we reviewed, titled Flow. I wanted to find out a bit more so decided to have a chat with Hans-Peter – see how we got on below!
By Jane Howkins
How was your 2022?
2022 was pretty cool, actually! After quite a challenging era filled with global viruses, I feel like I’ve grown mentally, spiritually and musically. On top of that, two songs that I released in October 2021 and March 2022 won an award. Sunlight, a ballad written together with Vivian Veronique, won a trophy for Best Song of Europe in the European Jazz Genre (a mouth full, hahaha), while One, featuring jazz pianist Ben Matthews, won an award for Best Jazz Single. Flow, the first single I wrote with Bernadette Dengler for Dee & d’Z (which is pronounced as Dee and d’Zee, by the way), was released in September 2022 and was nominated for another award. It was a fulfilling year!
You recently released a track titled Flow as part of your band Dee & d’Z, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
Bernadette Dengler aka Dee wrote the lyrics and melody for Flow, and I wrote the music. The song is all about playing while trusting the process called life. When we get overwhelmed by all the noises in our heads, it can be quite challenging to focus on the really important things. Flow was our first attempt to write a song together. For the first time, I decided to write music with a more acoustic ‘flavour’ than I’m used to. I’m very happy with the upright bass, acoustic grand and jazzy drum sounds combined with the wonderful horn section. It worked very well, I think.
How has the reception been for Flow, and where can it be purchased?
Since this is our first single, I must say that most of the responses were very good! It’s really nice that there are still people out there that enjoy music, played by real musicians in a genre that isn’t quite mainstream nowadays. Jazz-related music, whether it’s neo-soul, nu-jazz, or another related genre is a challenge to put on the charts but we’re willing to put it to the test!
The song is available on all streaming platforms and on my Bandcamp page if you’re willing to support the music. You can search for dzthemusic.
You work with Bernadette Dengler when creating music for Dee & d’Z. How did that collaboration come about?
Dee and I met at a band rehearsal years ago. Although the band didn’t last long, Dee kept on following me on social media while I was working on my solo debut album. After the release, she seemed very impressed by the result. Not only because she dug the music, but also because she liked the positive message of the lyrics. During the Covid shutdown, she reached out to me, saying she would love to write songs together. After a while, we teamed up for a writing session. The first time we worked on a musical idea of mine (what ended up in being our first single Flow), we felt this collaboration would last! Soon after finishing some tunes together, we went to the recording studio to capture the music with the help of some wonderful, talented musicians. It was a blast. At this moment we’re setting the stage for another bunch of songs that will be recorded. So looking forward to it!
You’re also a solo artist. How do you manage to juggle both acts?
Well, it’s not as hard as it seems.
I’m able to separate both projects. As d’Z alone, I am responsible for everything: music, lyrics, production, arrangements, the choice of vocalist to work with and marketing. With Dee & d’Z, Bernadette and I are equally responsible; Dee writes the lyrics and melody, while I do the composition, arrangements and production. Together we do the marketing and other (financial) stuff, which makes this collaboration very smooth and easy.
So, piece of cake, right?
A solo single called One was released recently. What can you tell us about that track?
One was written during Covid. I wrote the tune just for fun and to have something to do, not intending to record the single professionally. That changed when some people heard the song and went very excited about it. I asked Ben Matthews, a brilliant pianist from down under to play a solo on the track, which he wanted to do (to my amazement). Later on, I asked some befriended vocalists if they’d like to sing and record some vocal lines at their homes. So they did and brought some great, positive energy to the song. After all, the tune is all about unity and harmony, right? At the end of the project, I recorded the drum tracks (I’m a drummer) and a great horn section in a recording studio.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Absolutely! For Dee & d’Z is a new single scheduled in the Spring, called E.N.E.R.GY (yes that’s right, no dot between the G and Y), while after the summer there’s a new single coming out for d’Z alone with my friend and vocalist Sandra St Victor. You might know her from her work with The Family Stand or her collaborations with Prince, Curtis Mayfield and Chaka Kahn. Really looking forward to it!
Are there any plans to release an EP or album?
Not at the moment. To have the momentum going, I prefer to release singles from time to time rather than release an album. I or we might, when there’s a demand for it. Right now, me as a solo artist or Dee & d’Z as a music duo, have a fan base that‘s simply too small to break even (or make a profit even) when releasing a full album.
Your music has jazzy, funky sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Yes, although I don’t consider myself a jazz musician, I love to listen to artists like Jacob Collier, Gino Vannelli, Steely Dan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jamiroquai, Pat Metheny and stuff like that. Recently, I’ve been listening to Meika, a great new band from The Netherlands. They are fabulous. Check them out!
Do you have any UK tour dates lined up?
Unfortunately not. Since the music I create demands a lot of musicians on stage, it’s very costly. But never say never!
Any last words for the fans?
Be happy! We’re living in a world that challenges us every day to make it better. Try to be positive – our planet and the people on it need it more than ever. Hopefully, the music I create can contribute. Even if it’s just for a tiny little bit.