An interview with Bernard Hering…

Photo by Elisabeth Van Aalderen

Dutch singer-songwriter Bernard Hering has recently released an intimately stripped-back collection of folk tunes, Out of Thin Air. The vinyl record is available online and in-person at his performances, but you can also stream these fine tunes on your DSP of choice. The album is simply one of the most honest and authentic works you will ever hear, so we sat down with Hering in order to discuss the process and his journey.

How long have you been making music?

Around the age of 10, I started taking lessons in playing classical guitar. Unfortunately, it wasn’t something I was really interested in - I was more into Pearl Jam or Nirvana, the rock stuff.  So I decided at the age of 12 that it wasn’t for me as it didn’t give me fun at all. 

But, of course, you ended up coming back to it… When was that?

I never sold my old guitar and when I was around the age of 18 I thought it would be fun to give it another try. I had to start from zero. After a couple of months I could play some chords and I thought: - “Hey, I can play three chords, now I can write songs, this is brilliant.” So that’s how my career as a songwriter started. I wrote so many ideas and songs ever since. To date, I have recorded numerous songs and released an EP along with two full-length records.

Has your music taken you around the world?

Over the past ten to fifteen years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in so many wonderful places. From various countries across Europe to Bali, and even as far as the country of Georgia. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of playing several shows in Colorado, USA, including a memorable performance in a classic country music bar in Cody, WY. While these experiences have been largely positive and significant, not every moment has been without its challenges.

Any nightmare gigs you’d like to share?

I recall a particular show where I performed in a music bar for an audience of only three people, and two of the ‘crowd’ didn’t enjoy my music. They made their sentiments known while I was still on stage. Moments like these serve as a stark reminder on how badly you want to make it as a musician. On the brighter side, one of the highlights playing in Amsterdam’s iconic music venue, Paradiso. This stage has hosted countless legends, making it a true honor to share the bill with many talented musicians on that memorable evening. I hope to return to this venue, and many other legendary stages worldwide to perform on, sharing my songs and stories around the globe.

With this new record, you insisted on a raw, analogue sound. Why was this so important to you?

Absolutely, I aimed for this record to have a raw, live, and analogue sound because I wanted to craft a genuinely pure piece of music. My intention was to create an atmosphere where the listener would feel as though I were right beside them on the couch, playing the guitar.

We’ve mentioned this level of intimacy in the reviews we’ve written for your music and it can often be one of the most endearing qualities found in folk music. How did you go about achieving this?

We recorded all the songs in one take, capturing that intimate vibe. Our decision was focusing on guitar, vocals, and some subtle keys or layers of synth – that’s it. I found it intriguing not being able to hide behind a great guitar solo, brilliant backing band or an overly produced song/album. Listening to this album, you're getting the songs in their rawest form, devoid of any embellishments, if you catch my drift. I thought that would be cool. 

Do you have a favorite song from the new LP?

Ah, that's a tricky question! When I wrote “Colorado,” I had a clear vision of the type of record I wanted to create. It served as the catalyst for the entire album, making that particular song very special to me. I appreciate the storytelling essence of “Drive on, drive on,” and the combination of fingerpicking and lyrics in “Only a broken heart away” also resonates with me. If I had to pick one now, I’d likely lean towards “Colorado.” 

You are about to embark on a tour in support of the new album. How many dates and locations will this entail? 

We kicked off the tour with the album release show in a sold-out theater in Amsterdam earlier this autumn. Following that, we did four in-store performances and four other shows. The next three shows on the horizon will be solo performances. I’m particularly excited about the upcoming one in Amsterdam’s smallest theater in January. It presents a unique opportunity to transform this tiny, beautiful venue into my living room, if only for one night.

Looking ahead to the spring and summer, I’m eager to play as many shows as possible in Western Europe. We’re currently in the process of planning and booking these shows, with dates yet to be finalized. And, of course, if there ever happens to be an 'UptoHearMusic Festival,' I would be more than happy to come over and play.

An UpToHear Music Festival would likely just be held in our living room and we could only pay you in coffee and chili. Will your performances be solo? 

The next three shows will indeed be solo. While I’ve enjoyed sharing the stage with my friend Paul Bond on keys in some previous shows, there’s a unique satisfaction in performing solo. It gives me a sense of freedom that I truly love.

If a zombie apocalypse occurs while you are on tour, will you have the necessary items to persevere?

I don’t know, to be honest. Let’s see: I'll likely have at least two of my guitars with me. If my '59 Silvertone and my Gibson J35 make the cut, I'll be more than happy. With my two favorite guitars and my girl by my side, I feel like I can go a long way.

If you’d like to order Bernard Hering’s LP, Out of Thin Air, you can do so by clicking here.

-HD