On his latest single Orbit, Neko (real name Robin de Geus) strips away the safety net to debut one of his rawest tunes yet. It’s a lovely piece of music that we recently featured in our new Monthly Favourites segment – find out more about Robin and the creative process behind Orbit below!
By Jane Howkins
You have a brand new single titled Orbit that has just come out. What can you tell us about the track?
Orbit is about something a lot of us have experienced once or twice. It’s about the gravitational pull of someone who’s not necessarily good for you, but you can’t get yourself to leave. Someone who keeps you at an arms length without really committing. So you stay in limbo collecting the breadcrumbs that barely keep the relationship alive but nothing more.
How has the reception to Orbit been so far? Both in terms of your fans and the critics?
The response has gone quite well! I’ve had some nice reviews and Orbit has been added to some playlists. I think it’s one of my more catchy songs and it’s also the first song I’ve ever released under a label (King Forward Record) so I’m excited to see it grow.
Orbit is your first single release of the year. Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
Orbit is the first single of the year indeed. I’ve spent a lot of time playing as a guitar player in other projects. But now I intend to shift my focus towards my own music. There are plans for another single (or two) this year, so keep your eyes peeled.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
There most certainly might be, quite soon. But you didn’t hear it from me.
You’ve released music under a few different projects. Do you have any other side-projects on the go at the moment?
Yes I play in way too many side projects. But that’s also because I enjoy playing a lot of different styles of music. For example, I really love playing in 45ACIDBABIES, a glittery electro-punk act with my sister. I play with néomí, who is an indie folk artist. And I’m in a band called fuis, which is a cinematic pop ensemble.
You’re based in Amsterdam. What is the local scene like in the area and are there any local bands/venues you can recommend our readers check out?
I think there is a lot of talent in Amsterdam. I studied at the Conservatorium of Amsterdam and every year there are loads of new cool projects. The sad thing is that the Netherlands are very small and there is nowhere near enough space for all those bands to see the light. So get Amsterdam bands to play in York!
A band I would strongly recommend is a band that are also under King Forward Records and are very close friends of mine: Send Me Flowers.
What/who would you say are your main musical influences?
I really am a Radiohead fan. So there’s definitely something of them in my music. Furthermore I’ve been a dedicated listener of Bon Iver from the start. I love the musical journey that he made from writing folk songs in a cabin to being an futuristic sound pioneer. Also one of my core memories is singing Crosby, Stills & Nash in the car with my family while driving to holiday in France. So I always hear Helplessly Hoping in the back of my head.
Are there any plans for any UK tour dates?
Well not really, but if you guys keep streaming my music over there in York, it will be inevitable to play a gig there. If that happens I’ll make sure there is pyro and dancers and everything.
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