1. Tell me a little about your history. And have you been involved with any other projects?

I’ve started my musical career as a singer and guitar player in bands that mostly played covers. Later I switched to keys. In 1988 I’ve put together a real AOR band called ‘Rhyana’. That was the best band I’ve ever played with and we had a great line-up with the Swedish vocalist Timo Hara. Our single ‘I have a dream’ got much airplay on the national radio stations but the beginning of the nineties were hard times for AOR. That was the main reason the band finally decided to stop. In 1994 I recorded some demo songs and was offered a record deal by Long Island Records. Sadly enough I didn’t have the chance to release an album then. The record company had to deal with lots of problems and finally broke up. After that set back I decided to do something totally different. I felt there was a great need for new songs for children. It took me six years to record 3 double CD’s with songs for children. I also wrote 3 music books for teachers to use in school. At this moment a big part of the Flemish primary schools is working with my songs.

2. Your new album is excellent. Can you tell me more about the songs on the record, where it was recorded and who produced it?

When I took the decision to make the AOR album I had always dreamed of I didn’t want to feel any time pressure to get things finished. That’s why I preferred to record & produce the album myself in my own home studio. There also wasn’t a budget available to record in a big studio. In 2001 I started to write new songs with the Swedish lyricist Andy Flash. The year thereafter I recorded the first demo versions in my home studio that I was just building up and that was far from complete. When I finally was able to buy myself better recording equipment the real recordings began. When I had finished the basic tracks the other musicians recorded their parts one after another. One of the very first that added his guitar parts was no one else than Tommy Denander. Most part of the album has been recorded in my home studio but other parts have been recorded in the U.K., the U.S.A. and Sweden. About two years ago I was contacted by Daniel Flores who offered me to play the drums on the album. Daniel did a terrific job. The past year I’ve been busy with the mixing of the album. Because of my daytime job as a teacher and family situation it wasn’t always easy to find the necessary time to mix. That’s why I’m glad I had some help from Steve Newman (Newman) and Jim Santos (Norway) for a few tracks.

3. What is the difference between this album and your last one?

This is the very first Frozen Rain album you know... The Frozen Rain album is an album for people who love nice melodies and some ‘lighter’ aor in a style similar to Boulevard. If you like keys in your music then you will find plenty of them on this album, all together in a perfect balance with the guitars & vocals. Many people tell me that listening to my music gives them a very good feeling. Still I can already tell that the second album will have another approach. While the first album was more a project the second one will be more something like a real ‘band’. Guitars will have a prominent role and the new material will sound a bit heavier.

4. Which label is releasing the new CD and will their be any shows in support of the new record?

The CD is released by Avenue Of Allies Music, a new young German record label which will be specializing in AOR, Melodic Rock and Westcoast. The CD release schedule will be featuring brand new releases as well as re-issues of rare stuff and CDs of never before released vinyl LPs. All albums will be available as physical CDs and as digital downloads. The company originated from the longtime friendship of Gregor Klee and Robert Pancur who also worked together on some releases of Target Records.

At the moment there are no plans to play live. Touring is also a bit difficult because of my daytime job & family situation. So right now I prefer to use my free moments for writing and recording. But who knows what the future will bring...?

5. What have you learned about the music industry so far and what tips can you give to others?

I’ve learned that it can be a very hard business sometimes and not everyone in the music industry is honest. In the past a record label made lots of promises to my band Rhyana but didn’t keep its word. Be careful with some labels promising you paradise. I had several set backs in the past but kept going for my goal, the making of the Frozen Rain album. Friends and fans all around the world supported me through the years and gave me the strength to go on. So I want to tell to other musicians and songwriters, never give up and keep on believing in your dream....

I’ve also had the chance to make a lot of very good friends among the musicians in this genre during the past years. So good to feel that there are so many friendly musicians around. They all help and support each other. Really great....!

6. What is next for the band?

Now that the album is released I’m really looking forward to start writing new song material and work out some fresh ideas. For the songwriting I will work together with several musicians like keyboard player Jurgen Vitrier and guitar player Rik Priem, a very talented guitar player with a great sound. If there comes a second album Rik will probably play most of the guitars on it.

7. Finally what would you like to say to the fans?

I want to end with saying thanks to everyone who has supported me the last few years and to all of you for checking out Frozen Rain. What makes me even more happy are the positive reactions I am receiving from all over the world. The making of the Frozen Rain cd took me a lot of work but if my music can brighten up your days then I’m happy too.