In the rhythm of time, the new year arrives, a mirror to the chaos and calm of the last, where grand happenings and quiet things weave together in the story of our lives. Within this tempest of moments, Trans Atlantic J.‘s “Strong” appears as a peaceful retreat, a moment to breathe, reflect, and escape. A subtly psychedelic blend that, if you’re open to it, can guide you into a meditative state.
Hailing from the vibrant Dutch indie scene, now settled in Antwerp, Trans Atlantic J. has been influenced by a spectrum of sounds, from the from the dreamy sounds of shoegaze to the cutting-edge indie electronic. On “Strong,” he muses: “The word carried many associations for me, both masculine and feminine, and I tried to express that balance throughout the process. So I would like to say, be strong in both and let this inspire you to stay strong within yourself.”
In our conversation, we delve into the inspirations behind his songwriting, the evolution of his artistic soul, and how he remains authentic in a world that’s constantly changing.
photography by Laura Loeters
Congratulations on your new release, “Strong.” The title has btw become my personal motto for 2025 — it’s so fitting! (smiles) How have you kicked off the new year, and can you tell us a bit about the background and inspiration behind the single?
That’s lovely to hear. My new year started off slowly, which I really enjoyed. I started with some ‘wellness’ and a nice underground new year party, both activities I plan to do more this year.
The single was written in Berlin during a week-long stay in the heart of the city, where I worked on a few tracks. During that time, I also visited friends and immersed myself in the city for inspiration. The inspiration for “Strong” came, I think, more subconsciously. I was eager to capture the creativity of the city, wandering around and trying to align it with my own creativity.
“Strong” was the first word that came to mind – it felt right as I was writing, like it was directing me to where I want to go and, more importantly, how I want to get there. The word carried many associations for me, both masculine and feminine, and I tried to express that balance throughout the process. Strong had many associations. I think I tried to capture both feelings in this process. So I would like to say, be strong in both and let this inspire to stay strong within yourself. Being sensitive and protective together. Yes, that’s what I meant with “Strong”.
“Strong” has such a soothing yet energizing vibe—almost like an escape from everyday chaos. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, do you have any go-to hobby or activity outside of music that helps you find calm?
Thank you for that. This is exactly what I hoped to convey with this track – somehow a moment to escape from everyday chaos.
When I feel overwhelmed, it is occasionally in crowded environments, even though I love the energy of big cities. Usually it’s the balance act that gives you the flow to enjoy that dynamic. I recharge with a good book, listening to music or a walk outside to capture the surrounding vibes (city and nature). Sometimes it gives me ideas or creativity that I can use in my daily work or as a fuel for new ideas or creative projects. And to be totally honest, I often sit quietly and meditate. To tune out from all the expectations that surround us – the things we need to achieve, the ways we try to stand out, or even the ways we try to fit in. The funny thing is, none of that truly matter as long as we can embrace the moment and enjoy it for ourselves, not just for others. And in those moments, calmness kicks in fully. Like the caffeine of a good coffee.
The single is also part of an upcoming album planned for release this year. Can you give us a glimpse into what to expect?
Yes! I’m really looking forward to this moment. While I’ve written and released various kinds of music with other projects, it will be the first time that my own music comes out on vinyl. The tracks were written in Berlin, and maybe there will be another track on the album that I wrote in my hometown Utrecht at the time. It will be a release I’m eager to perform live with a band. For now, there’s no formation yet, but once the release is there, it will be the right time to meet musicians who feel connected to it and are willing to further build on it. There’s already enough material to play live, but it also needs to be an organic whole. Think of something hypnotic, danceable, with the idea offering a fleeting escape from time.
“I often sit quietly and meditate, to tune out from all the expectations that surround us.”
Is there a specific mood or atmosphere you strive to create in your music?
For many years, melancholy was the dominate mood in my music. But as the years went by, I added a more optimistic undertone to it, which gives it a more nuanced, almost “trialist” quality. In a way that overcomes dualism, that it doesn’t have to be good or bad. Music in my younger years was something where I first experienced a total sense of freedom, because I was the one who decided where I would listen to and what cd I bought. And in the end, that’s what I strive for to be honest, and sometimes it works better than others. But yes, maybe this is a good metaphor for what I want to achieve with music: the bearable lightness of melancholy.
You have roots in the Dutch indie scene and are based in Antwerp, while also drawing inspiration from Berlin’s underground culture. How do these varied cultural influences blend to form your artistic identity?
From the first time I went to Berlin 17 years ago, I noticed that there was a unique creativity in the air and has been for many years. So it has always triggered that creative inspiration. Inspiration that I also find in a city like Stockholm. A place I wanted to live at the time. The creativity there is different and harder to capture. But still so inspiring for me why so much music is written there, and great artists like Robyn come from here, who I find very inspiring. Berlin is a bit more accessible in a way, and it is partly related to a music style that fascinates me and is a strong inspiration, Kraut music. I have read many books about this genre and listened to many bands, highlighting Neu!, Kraftwerk, Harmonia for example. There is something different about this music, and historically interesting that they are more successful outside Germany than in their homeland. At its best, this music is hypnotic and timeless. Which is something I love to experience in music and want to capture in my creative process.
Where I am based now, Antwerp, has become a special place, it took a moment to land. But when it does, it’s the right city to live at your own pace and at the same time all sorts of things are going on, with beautiful and inspiring places and new places are still being added. It was the next step needed after living in the Netherlands, but without saying goodbye.
“Maybe this is a good metaphor for what I want to achieve with music: the bearable lightness of melancholy.”
Do you remember the first album or artist that truly inspired you?
Yes definitely, I think it has to be the album Vitalogy by Pearl Jam. This was the first time I realised that it really inspired me to adopt music as part of my life and it triggered me to make music myself, get friends around music and decide that it had to become an active part of my life. So this album was very empowering for me.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received about your music so far?
Oh wow, that is a tough one. Probably after a live show, when someone said something along the lines of: “I really enjoyed the music – it was very trippy to me, and I didn’t even need anything to feel that way.”
Where do you see yourself in around 10 years?
It’s funny you ask, because I just made a five-year plan (smiles). So now I guess I’ll have to double it. In about 10 years, I see myself living in a big city, with a vibrant music culture. Being in such an environment will enhance many aspects such as creativity, allowing to grow both personally and artistically.
The most important thing in life is?
Now.
Follow Trans Atlantic J. for more:
instagram.com/mhtransatlantic
linktr.ee/transatlanticj
