“Within any profession, you have the ability to contribute to something that is important to you. Whether you are an economist, biologist, or woodworker. As a musician, you have the same responsibility. Music has been my escapism and savior, so I am happy to give something back. Without this outlet, my life would have been much less of a pleasant ride. 

In the past few years, I’ve been cooking during Amsterdam Dance Event together with homeless people, for homeless people. This taught me about the real problems we humans faced. But we mostly just chilled – just like I do with my friends. Those are the moments that you really learn to understand how complex and unique their situations are. 

A lot of people have a prejudiced, limited view of homeless people. They instantly think about the classic ‘bum without a clean shave and red bottle of wine type of person. But it strikes a lot of people. It could also be the girl with the big backpack that is reading all by herself on a bench in the park. You would rather think that she is hopping into work at any moment or that she maybe is a tourist or something. Until you have a chat with them.