Residency Timo de Jong + Jonas Ringtved

Timo de Jong, together with the Danish country musician Jonas Ringtved, took part in a residency through GO!. In Mark Wagenaar’s Foltaazje studio, they spent three days working on new material, and the connection was immediately noticeable. “It felt like we were part of something bigger,” says Simon Olsen, a member of Jonas’s band. “Everyone we met wanted it to succeed just as much as we did. In a setting without expectations, a team of people who had never met or spoken before managed to create something out of nothing.” During the residency, Jonas also had the opportunity to perform at Explore The North.

The sweet-voiced “Country Crooner” Timo de Jong makes Americana music inspired by the sixties, but wrapped in a contemporary and refined style. His deep, warm singing voice is reminiscent of the renowned crooners of the early twentieth century. He has performed more than eight hundred times already, including four appearances at Eurosonic Noorderslag and multiple tours through England.

“There was a relaxed atmosphere with good humour and plenty of differences, but also similarities,” says Timo. “We recognised each other’s ups and downs as musicians. Basically, with everything we said: ‘Yes, good idea.’ That created a great environment to be creative.”

Jonas Ringtved has not yet fully managed to tame the beast called life, but he has found ways to grab it by the horns. His most modest goal as an artist is to share what he has learned with any audience willing to listen. With the release of his EPs The Faith Healers and Skitzotopia, Jonas became known for his uncompromising honesty. Honesty about himself, his challenges, and his perspectives on life and the world we are all part of. With the release of his first full-length album, Leftover Hippies, he continues his journey through the universe of existence while remaining strong in his vulnerability.

“The connection was there right away. In no time, Timo and Jonas had put together the foundation for a country hit,” says Simon. “No discussions, no fights, no mental breakdowns. Just progress, because we were doing what we love.”

Foto's door Marthe Louise