What do you get when you put a film composer and a songwriter into a band? If the first thing that comes to mind is not HAEVN, you have been missing out. So go ahead and listen. We’ll wait.

Told you it was good.

Now that we’ve got you hooked, you probably want to know all about this Amsterdam-based duo. Lucky for you Rockstone Sessions talked to HAEVN’s singer Marijn van der Meer about their recent success, banjos, and dreaming big.

Congratulations on HAEVN’s success!

Thanks! It’s crazy, a real roller-coaster, but so cool.

Rehearsing on a Sunday; that must be a sign things are going well.
Actually, it’s the fact that I have no idea what day it is that proves things are good. Before I was always looking at the clock, and weekend could not come fast enough. But today I only realized it was Sunday when there was almost no one in the supermarket. We just so wrapped up in music that we forget the days.


Now comes the part that is equally cool as it is sad, depending on who you are. If you are part of HAEVN this next bit is great, if you just discovered how amazing HAEVN is, and you want more, you’re going to be disappointed. At least for now. Because ‘Finding out More’ and ‘Where the Heart Is’ are the only two tracks the Amsterdam-based duo has released so far. And their first solo show (in the main hall of Paradiso, just saying) is sold out.

So what are you guys working on right now?
We just got back from London, where we recorded a new track, so we are working on a lot of new material. We’re experimenting with sounds and influences and just creating new songs.

What kind of influences?
Well we really take inspiration from film composers such as Hans Zimmer but also bands like London Grammar or Patrick Watson.

But there will be an EP soon?
We’re working on it!

The duo met in 2012 and started experimenting with Jorrit’s filmic compositions and Marijn’s beautiful voice. The result of the experiment let them to continue as HAEVN, and their track “Where The Heart Is” was picked up by Volvo to feature in their European commercials before the song was even ready to be released. But even with a thirty-second release, it did not take long for HAEVN’s unique sound to be picked up.

The band aimed high by asking producer Tim Bran (London Grammar) to work with them on their EP, and recognizing talent when he hears it, Barn said yes. Though there is no release date yet, we trust that good things come to those who wait.

Can you attribute HAEVN’s success to the song that was used in the Volvo commercial, or was just a coming together of different things.
A coming together of circumstances, for sure. We sent out a track to the radio and it got picked up. And our music was used under the Volvo commercial and that was huge. Everything came together and it just feels like it is meant to be. So both Jorrit and me are really trying to enjoy all of it.

So it is not too much?
Definitely not. We get to play music and that’s what we want to do.

When asked if this is what the duo wants to do or if they rather create music for film or commercial purposes, Marijn laughs and answers that creating music for film is something they find interesting and definitely would like to pursue, but that all they focus is on the band right now. Good to know they are not going anywhere anytime soon.

Electronic music is totally hot right now. What makes you guys so unique?
I think our biggest thing is the filmic element in our music. The atmospheric feel is just something that really brings our songs to another level. When Jorrit and I started to work together, something just happened and the result is pretty cool.

How do you guys perform? Most of the music is electronic, so how does that translate to the stage?
What we do is really all about the music. We’re on stage with an electronic drumset and guitars, but most of our sound comes from a computer and is played through a synthesizer. But it just works. For our first solo show we are really looking to mix slow tunes with more up-tempo, to keep it interesting.

So far, everyone that I have introduced to HAEVN is surprised to find out you guys are Dutch.
That is by far the biggest compliment we can get. We are really aiming for an international sound, and what’s why we named the band HAEVN and not something like Jorrit and the Banjo Players. So when people say we have an international sound that means a lot to us.

So if America came calling you guys would be gone tomorrow?

Well, I think we need a lot more preparation before we’d be ready for that, but it is definitely something we aspire. We are looking and talking to go international but for now we are loving everything that is going on here in the Netherlands. We have our first solo show coming up in Paradiso, and we of course still have to release an EP, so it is really only the beginning.

What would be the ultimate goal? Composing a film score with Hans Zimmer?
Maybe not a film score, but writing songs with Hans Zimmer and then recording them with a 200-piece orchestra, that would be the dream. One day.

Aim high! The best of luck with everything you guys have going on. I’m really looking forward to seeing you guys around.
You definitely will!

If you’re interested in catching a live show of HAEVN, you’re in luck. The band has a few live shows confirmed in 2015. Check them out on their website, and get a ticket before all their shows sell out and the rest of the world finds out about this duo.