Hello Ex Libris, Who are you? Dianne van Giersbergen, Paul van den Broek, Koen Stam, Peter den Bakker, Eelco van der Meer
Where did you grow up?
We all grew up in different parts of the Netherlands, but all divided over the south.
How old are you?
We are all between 25-30
Who started the band?
The band is founded by Dianne van Giersbergen and former drummer Joost van de Pas. They met 10 years ago at the local school of music and decided to form a band together, founded on their combined interest for both classical and metal music.
When Paul van de Broek and later Koen Stam joined ‘Ex Libris’ as it we now know it, was born. Peter den Bakker joined in the band in 2006 and last year when Joost decided to leave the band, we welcomed Eelco van der Meer as our new drummer.
Where have you played 2012/2013?
We’ve played several concerts, including gigs in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Do you have a web-site?
Yes we have. You are welcome to visit us at: www.ExLibrisMusic.com of come to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/ExLibrisMusic
Who plays what?
- Dianne va
n Giersbergen – Vocals- Paul van den Broek – Guitar
- Koen Stam – Keys
- Peter den Bakker – Bass guitar
- Eelco van der Meer – Drums
What kind of music are you into?
That differs between us but to name some bands: Opeth, Dream Theater, Symphony X, (VUL AAN)
Have you been on tour this summer or do you have a planed tour anytime soon?
No this summer will be all about recording our upcoming album ‘Medea’ which will tell the tale of Medea and Jason from Greek mythologie. We want to focus on giving the album all we’ve got to offer, touring and all that comes with promoting our album once we’ve released it comes next. But be assured we will make one hell of a party of it!
Who came up with the band name?
Joost our former drummer came up with the name. He was looking through the portfolio of his brother in law, who is a graphic designer. In this portfolio he found a project called ‘Ex Libris’ and he was immediately convinced that this was a name that really suited the band and its music.
An ‘Ex Libris’ is used to indicate ownership of products of a craft-guild and can come in different forms like a seal, stamp or a brand. You could say that by naming the band ‘Ex Libris’ we would like to brand our products as our own.
Who writes the songs?
Most of the songs on 'Amygdala' have been written in the rehearsal studio, based on different ideas. A case of going back and forth, trying different melodies, riffs, rhythms. The compositions are really the result of us getting together and trying stuff out.
For the Medea album Paul and Koen often came up with a riff, idea or melody. They wrote those parts down and put them online so everybody can weigh in on them and see if the arrangements work out. Dianne wrote a great deal of the vocal lines by herself and some were written together with Koen. For our band it’s very important that the vocal lines are challenging, exciting and daring as well for Dianne to sing as for our audience to listen to.
What song do you prefer to play?
Of course we like all the songs that we’ve released and perform on stage, otherwise they wouldn’t have made the cut. But we do have some songs that are always very well received by our audience, also by those who visit our show for the first time. These songs are ‘Love is thy Sin’ and the ballad ‘Sail’ who are both from our debut album ‘Amygdala’ and form our upcoming album ‘Medea’ the title track ‘Medea’.
For a free download of our 3 track Promo EP ‘Medea’ please go to: www.ExLibrisMusic.com/Download
Thanks a lot Ex Libris
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Interview done by xavier74
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