Goldkimono Talks New Album, Recording Sessions And More

Jun 6, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Measure PR

Dutch artist Goldkimono (Martijn Konijnenburg) has just announced his third album ‘This One’s On The House’, out 13th June 2025 via his own label Camp Kimono Records. We chatted to him all about the new record and more:

 

When did you begin songwriting?

Started probably around 14 years old, writing raps and making beats with my best friends. The real ‘song songs’ didn’t happen until I was a bit older, around 19 or 20.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

My dad playing Fats Domino on this blue cassette tape he had. ‘Blueberry Hill’ was the jam around the house.

 

Your third album ‘This One’s On The House’ is released on 13th June 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I wanted it to be intentional. I needed to sit in stillness with myself for a bit to feel what would come up. And by taking that time, I knew I wanted it to feel alive, organic, and recorded with the band.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I recorded it between Amsterdam (STMPD Studios), London (Tim Bran’s studio), and the US (my home studio). It was produced by Tim Bran and myself.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album’s recording?

Well, finding out the barstool at STMPD Studio was the perfect percussion instrument that glued this record together was definitely a funny moment. It’s on almost every track. Some people also used it for sitting.

 

Were there any other musicians who performed on the album with you?

My best friends, who are also my band, were there from the start—which is the biggest blessing. We also had some lovely guest musicians, including amazing backing vocalists from Antwerp, plus a flute and sax player from Amsterdam.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, or recording equipment to help you get a specific sound or tone for the record?

The Mellotron Micro became essential during the making of this record. Tim introduced me to it, and it just had such a vibe—I kept coming back to it during both the writing and recording process.

 

One of the tracks on the album is the title track lead single. What was the story/inspiration behind that track?

It’s really about other people’s expectations, how they project their own ideas onto you without even realizing it. Almost like you’re a character in their movie instead of your own.

The phrase “This One’s On The House” felt like a way of flipping that. Like saying, “Here, take it, but I’m not carrying it anymore.” There’s a quiet defiance in it, but also a kind of generosity. Sonically, I wanted it to feel laid back but loaded, like there’s more going on beneath the surface than it first lets on.

 

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

The video was directed by Cal Bain. We kept it super honest and stripped back. It’s just me in the studio playing all the instruments and building the track from the ground up. The idea was to give people a peek behind the curtain, to show the process without any big concept or storyline. Just the music, the tools, and the energy that goes into making a song like this one.

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest: ‘Look at Her’ Angriest: ‘The Only Place That I Know’ Reflective: ‘Wynona’

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

No, not really. It took a little time to find the tone of voice for this record, but once I got going I just rode the wave.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That the crowd is inspired, and that I’m feeling good about what I just did.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Hardly use any pedals or effects—it’s all good ol’ natural me. My band makes up for it though, they’ve got all the crazy stuff.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Amsterdam. It is f****** great! That’s five, right?

 

How do you look after your voice?

I do vocal warm-ups like a good boy. Other than that, I sip warm water if it’s feeling rough. Nothing too strict, just a bit of care.

 

Who designed the album artwork?

An artist named Dadara from Amsterdam. Check him out—he’s amazing.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I’d go with The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s one of those books that hits you differently every time. The story has this calm, wandering energy, like it’s unfolding at its own pace, and I’d love to capture that musically. Warm acoustic guitars, subtle percussion, ambient textures—something that feels like sand drifting in the wind. Nothing too dramatic, just music that quietly points toward something bigger.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Freddie Mercury, Talking Heads, A Tribe Called Quest, Tom Misch. I recommend all of them.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

Yes—some dates in June in Berlin and France, and more in September and October in the Netherlands.

 

What makes Goldkimono happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happiness is a perfectly ripe mango, but also when the mic’s already set to the right height. Unhappy is tangled cables, and failing technology during the creative process. Also, raisins pretending to be chocolate chips.

 

Goldkimono

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Measure PR

Goldkimono’s latest single ‘I’m In Heaven’ is out now. 

Listen to I’m In Heaven here: https://bfan.link/i-m-in-heaven

His third album ‘This One’s On The House’ which will be released on Friday 13th June 2025. 

Pre-save here: https://symphony.to/goldkimono/this-one-s-on-the-house-lp