Interview Tijn Trommelen - Dutch Jazz Musician in Hong Kong
Can you briefly introduce yourself and describe your musical style?
I’m Tijn Trommelen, originally from Oosterhout, and I studied at the conservatory in Tilburg. I’m a full-time performing artist — both a singer and guitarist — and I make jazz music. My style is inspired by the crooning sound of Frank Sinatra from the 1930s and ’40s, but with a modern twist. It’s swinging jazz featuring my own original lyrics and melodies, which shape my identity as an artist. My music has taken me all around the world. Right now, I’m wrapping up my Asia tour in Hong Kong after performances in Hanoi, Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Taipei.
What first drew you to jazz music?
I come from a musical family and grew up surrounded by jazz. My father is a jazz musician himself, and as a kid I got the chance to go on tour with him. That’s how I got to experience the life of a musician up close — and now I get to live it myself.
What are your favourite types of venues to perform in?
That’s a tough one — every venue has its own charm. A small club with twenty people can feel very intimate, a dance club in Paris can create incredible energy, and a large stage with 10,000 people can be total madness in the best way. What is most important to me is being true to myself on stage and really connecting with the audience.
How do you experience the difference between European and Asian jazz audiences?
There’s a difference. In Asia, audiences tend to be a bit more reserved — in a healthy way. They listen with great focus and show a lot of respect for the music and the performer. After the show, they often ask for photos, autographs, and CDs. In Europe, the audience tends to be looser and more expressive; they’ll dance and sing along more freely.
What do you enjoy listening to outside of jazz?
I listen to almost everything — from classical and rock to contemporary pop. I consider music “good” when it moves me, whether that’s because of a catchy melody, a well-recorded live performance, or a personal memory it triggers.
How do you build your personal brand as an artist, both in the Netherlands and internationally?
I don’t think it’s that different from how entrepreneurs build their brand. I’ve made a conscious choice for a particular identity, style, and repertoire, and I stay consistent with that. I try to strike a balance between being artistically interesting for fellow musicians and jazz enthusiasts and being accessible enough for newcomers to the genre.
Once you’ve developed your brand, you must promote it with high-quality photos, videos, and marketing materials. Networking is also key — reaching out to people, making connections, and actively sharing your work.
How did you scale your career from local gigs to an international tour? What were the key moments?
As a jazz musician, you must perform a lot, invite diverse audiences, and build your name gradually. I started out in local cafés, then moved to theatres, and eventually got opportunities outside my hometown. I met more and more people, and one day I got a chance to perform in Germany — and things grew from there.
For my Asia tour, I met Charles Drapers at the Breda Jazz Festival — he’s connected to the Dutch Chamber in Hong Kong. I took a leap and proposed the idea of doing a tour in Asia. That led to a business trip to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Macau to network and promote my brand. And now, here we are at the final concert of the tour in Hong Kong.
What have been the biggest business challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
Logistics and finances are the biggest challenges. Everything needs to be well organized — from technical requirements to transporting instruments. It all requires tight planning.
I also travel with a team of six, which means six flights, six hotel rooms, six meals — making it a challenge to keep the tour financially sustainable and attractive.
What are your dreams or plans for the future — in the Netherlands, Hong Kong, or beyond?
My biggest dream is to make jazz mainstream again, especially among younger audiences. My plan is to release more albums and increase radio and TV exposure. I’d also love to play stadium concerts someday — although I’ll always have a soft spot for small jazz clubs.
Instagram: @tijntrommelen
Spotify: Tijn Trommelen
Facebook: tijn.trommelen