About
About LoudwithLight
LoudwithLight is a musical project by Kees Gootjes - a late bloomer when it comes to writing music.
Kees writes evocative, somewhat melancholy pop songs - and always with something extra.
His songs focus on beautiful melodies, interesting harmonies, and emotive accompaniment. Lyrically, he hints at what he wants to say, leaving room for the listener's own interpretation.
Born in South Korea and raised in Canada, Kees is now settled (for now) in Amersfoort, the Netherlands.
News
May '23 - New song 'Seas of Distress (A Story)'
I'm very happy to share my new song 'Seas of Distress (A Story)'. This song represents a number of 'firsts' for me - first time playing bass on a track, first time switching time signatures, first time switching keys, first time getting a track properly mastered, first time telling a story through song that's not my own, etc.
I tell a story about an ill-fated love - a love that's not right from the start, and goes from bad to worse. This is reflected in the lyrics, but I also tried to tell the story through the music. From a somewhat sing-song beginning to more urgency, chaos, and then back to an uneasy truce...where I repeat the line 'your love is an ocean, I can't see the coast'.
Song is streamable through Soundcloud, and I've uploaded a lyric video to Youtube...with slow-motion video of a rough ocean recorded in Puglia, Italy earlier this year. Check it out below in the 'Music' or 'Video' section!
March '23 - Interview & podcast CFMU 93.3
I was recently interviewed by McMaster University's campus radio program in Hamilton, Canada. We talked about how my time there was formative for both my musical and professional career, and I got to play three songs in the studio.