Roon Staal Talks New Album, Touring With Art Garfunkel And More

Songwriter, vocalist and musician Roon Staal is a new artist to JLTT and we pride ourselves on showcasing artists from a wide range of backgrounds, genres, countries and more. With his latest album ‘Everybody’s Talkin’ out now, we wanted to learn more about his craft and his music:

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?

I started to play with chords as soon as my older sister explained them to me (I was about 13 years old). Then, I started recording when I was 18.

Your new album ‘Everybody’s Talkin’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

This album was meant to show a different side of me. It was a lot of fun and this album is more arranged than ones that I usually release. Most of my albums focus solely around the piano and my voice, but on “Everybody’s Talkin’” we used a more contemporary approach.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

It was recorded at Warrior Records in Los Angeles with Jim Ervin (Producer). But, we did do some of the vocal overdubs remotely, with me in Amsterdam and Jim in L.A.

One of the tracks is the single ‘Dreamer’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

“Dreamer” is a wonderful song that Jim suggested I cover, written by Ozzy Osborne, Martin Frederiksen, and Michael Leslie Jones. It has a strong verse and chorus, combining a powerful message with a down to earth attitude (I’m just a dreamer). I went out of my comfort zone covering Ozzy, as I felt very comfortable with his work.

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

The video was a co-production between Jim (he directed and edited the video in L.A.) and my cousin Jasper who filmed my portions here in The Netherlands. I believe the clip stands out and we were very pleased to see it win awards at nine different film festivals around the world..

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

I’m a piano man and I mostly stick to that organic sound. Nowadays, I tour with my Roland FP-90X. I am thinking about doing a more arranged album again, in the not too distant future 🙂 That might introduce some additional new tones and effects that I hope fans will enjoy..

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

Home is the Netherlands; Amsterdam, 50 miles north, seacoast, and nature.

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

I tour a lot. I’m currently on my spring leg (25 dates around EU — visit RoonStaal.com for show information). On April 14th, I’ll be doing a concert in Norway where I lived the first 5 years of my life. I very much enjoy performing live, but am also trying to spend as much time as possible with my young, sweet daughter.

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 am thinking about one of Paulo Coelho’s romans — perhaps The Alchemist.

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

I would say a) “Everybody’s Talkin’”, b) “Dreamer” (but “angry” is only an undertone), and c) “The Secret of Life.”

You also toured with Art Garfunkel. How did that opportunity arise and do you have any highlights/memories of the shows?

Art is a wonderful, but eclectic man. We met on the road many years ago and still enjoy meeting up once in a while. We both love writing and walking long distances. He asked me to perform as his opening act in Helsinki: It was great fun playing for his audience. He’s a talented guy in so many ways and it’s a privilege knowing him.

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

Art Garfunkel of course, but I also love Eva Cassidy! I cannot forget Gilbert O’Sullivan (listened to his works a lot as a teenager) and must also mention the bombastic impression that the Once Upon A Time soundtrack made on me, when I was very, very young. I’m a romantic. I love classical music. I live on sweet tunes…it’s my drug.

Was it a difficult album to write?

Working in the studio is always a joy. My song, “Girl” (track 4), is my only original on that album. It came straight from the depths of my heart.

Who designed/created the album artwork?

It was Jim and me. We used a cool picture in front of a Italian restaurant in our little town, Hippolytushoef.

How do you look after your voice?

I like being kind to my voice and I might drink some ginger tea occasionally. I think the best thing I’m doing for my voice is keeping it in shape by singing at a lot of concerts.

What makes Roon Staal happy and what makes you unhappy?

My daughter and family out on a spring day or a winter’s cozy night home make me happy, along with walking and performing for my audience! I’m also happy out under the stars, contemplating the wonder behind life and the feeling of something very, very precious for all of us behind the space and time of this weary, sad, and sometimes stupid world…that can make me unhappy.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Warrior Records

Roon Staal’s new album ‘Everybody’s Talkin’ is out now on Warrior Records. 

For live dates and more information visit his official website here: https://roonstaal.com/