As you might have guessed from her musical moniker, Ukulele MJ is a Dutch artist who writes music primarily for the ukulele. It’s quite rare we get to review music using this instrument, so I jumped at the chance to share her song Harmony with our readers. You can find out more below!
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Harmony. What can you tell us about the track?
I wanted to write something peaceful, something to relax to, something dreamy. I just started playing chords that sounded relaxing to me, and this eventually came out. I also added guitar and vocals for the fist time, so that was super exciting! I was lucky enough to work with Brittni Paiva, she did the bass/sparkles and the mixing and mastering of the song. She really made it complete and I love how it turned out.
How has the reception to Harmony been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
People really seem to love my song which I’m super grateful for! You can stream it on all streaming services and you can buy it on iTunes!
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Definitely, I’m working on multiple originals at the same time. My next single will be First Light, and it’s now in Brittni’s hands for the finishing touches and the mixing and mastering. I hope to release it sometime in July.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
I wanted to make an album first, but I then decided to just keep the singles coming. This way I can keep the ‘train going’ and people can get to know my music more. I hope to release an album some day, but that might be in a few years.
You’re a self-taught musician, which is very impressive! Did you find the process hard?
Thank you! Yeah to be honest, I did have classical piano lessons for years as a kid, so I have somewhat of a musical background. But with ukulele I’m completely self taught. I didn’t find the process hard, and I don’t see practice as practice, if you know what I mean. I just see it as a fun time. I can play for hours and not get bored. I’m just completely obsessed with the instrument. When at work, I crave to go home to my ukulele and play, haha!
Your music is characterised by your ukulele. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
My inspiration comes from many people! Spanish music in general, for example Paco de Lucia, but also people/bands like Carlos Santana, Buena Vista Social Club… And then there’s all the amazing ukulele artists like Jake Shimabukuro, Brittni Paiva, Taimane Gardner, Andrew Molina… The list is never ending!! I listen to a lot of instrumental ukulele music.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
I’m trying to plan as many open mics as I can this year, to build my performing skills. Also just playing for family and friends more. Performing is a whole different skill, and I’d like to master it. To get to that point where you can actually enjoy it in the moment, instead of freaking out, haha.
Where are you based? How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
I live in The Hague, the Netherlands. There are a few ukulele festivals here, which I will go to this year and join my ukulele family to have a good time.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Oh that would be so amazing! I would love to go to the UK to perform. There was an event recently called GNUF, and there are many cool ukulele festivals I would love to be a part of. Maybe next year? Who knows, it would definitely be a dream come true! Not only for the music and the people, but also for a nice English breakfast and a Sunday roast! I love the UK!
Any last words for the fans?
Much love to everyone who has been supporting me and my musical journey, I appreciate it so much. Music has always been my passion and I hope to do more and more each year!