De Nijverheid: interview with Daan Bruinhof

What does De Nijverheid mean to you?
Daan— “actually Daniëlle, but I’m almost convinced that Daan suits me better”—lives for music. As a teenager, she was already experimenting with Logic. “Without even realizing it, I was already producing music back then.” Now, she has her own band, produces music, organizes her own events, and works as a sound engineer. “I worked at EKKO and did odd jobs, like going on tour with bands. The first time I came to De Nijverheid, I thought, ‘This is a cool place.’ So, I sent an email asking if I could shadow someone for a day. They said yes! I’ve been doing this job for three and a half years now.”

A photo of Daan Bruinhof. She's standing behind the sound console.

“De Nijverheid is a place where anything is possible, nothing is too crazy. You can see that positive approach in everyone who works here."

"The people at De Nijverheid are immediately enthusiastic; they almost always say ‘yes.’ I think that enthusiasm rubs off on visitors too, they feel that sense of freedom.”

Daan herself organizes an event, Dark Music for Happy People, which took place last October. This fall, it will be organized at Paradiso for the first time. Featuring music, an exhibition, and more, the event focuses on mental health. “With the event, I want to create a space where people can discuss difficult topics and to present music that lets you feel the darkness, the friction, the tension—to channel this darkness. I really love dark music. Think of Scandinavian music, like the Icelandic band Vök.”

Daan and her twin sister make music togethers LÖNA (which means “valuable” in Swedish). This year, they are participating in Popronde and performed at Utrecht's music venue De Helling last week. “Working on songs is probably my absolute favorite thing—spending long days in the studio. I didn’t study music; I’m a bit of a master of none, but at the same time, I can play a lot of instruments and handle the controls.” That versatility also comes in handy as a sound engineer at De Nijverheid. “Here, you do everything yourself; PA and monitors. Only at festivals we work with a larger team. There are five of us at De Nijverheid, but even then, you’re responsible for your own stage. The days are long, and it’s physically demanding work. But it gives me so much satisfaction when I understand what the artist wants and can amplify that, both literally and figuratively.”

“Music is what drew me to De Nijverheid.”

Two photos: In the first one, you see a dark room, and through the doorway, you can look into a lighted room. In the lighted room, Daan is standing with a speaker in her hands. The second photo is a dark image in which you can see Daan’s silhouette. She is wearing a cap, which is also clearly visible.

How does De Nijverheid contribute to the city?
There’s a shortage of space for the creative sector in the city. Truly affordable spaces for artists, in particular, are scarce. Locations are often temporary, with artists serving as placemakers. “It’s really great news that De Nijverheid can stay here for longer. An affordable space is incredibly important to me as a creator; working as a musician and sound engineer is financially a bit of a struggle. Artists need affordable space to create.I’m currently based at NUtrecht (Overvecht)."

A photo where Daan is leaning on a speaker, while looking at an artist on stage.

"What sets De Nijverheid apart is that, in addition to studios for artists, it offers so much more to the city’s residents: a place for visitors, plenty of events, and a space to wander around. This makes it all the more important that it remains a part of the city.”

What is your most memorable moment here?
"First of all, of course, my own event here last year. That was very special. Oh, wait! The performance by LIONSTORM, when the speaker caught fire! I was there as a visitor. That was amazing! LIONSTORM was on fire!