Robbert Duijf is a talented young musician who has a big heart for the blues. With a new view on the blues, he gives a fresh energy.
His music is a mix of Gospel and Delta Blues with a pinch of British-American folk inspired by Charley Patton, Skip James, Willie Dixon, Blind Willie Johnson, Dave Van Ronk, John Lee Hooker and Michael de Jong.
Robbert Duijf – Interview
How was your experience at the European Blues Challenge 2024 in Braga?
For us it was a boyhood dream that was too good to be true.
We had a great time there and made a lot of contacts and new friends.
This allowed us to grow enormously, for which we are grateful beyond words.
What happened by winning the EBC 2024? Your musical life and career changed?
That has certainly changed, I am now a professional musician…
But that is only possible because I work as a soloist.
I am blessed with a busy schedule, all of this is of course only possible by keeping moving. That is why the EBC days are so important every year, the meet and greet.
Many people do not actually know the Blues Challenge at all, but the funny thing is that if you can say that you have won it, a lot of doors open.
So yes, the EBC is definitely worth it!!!
How was being on the other side of the road as a Jury member this year?
This was a tough job, but it was also very educational. What I find a pity is that there are 4 winners from each preliminary round. But it could also be that there are better final candidates in preliminary round 1 than in round two. And we had a very nice jury team… so making friends again.
What do you think of the European Blues Union projects? Are there any suggestions/critics/complaints that you’d like to express?
The Union, in my opinion, is building up good things in many areas Blues for kids. The market could be promoted more to the public so that they can also get closer to the bands, and possibly sell more merchandise. It’s important for the blues to let things grow, but keep it real…
What are your plans for the future? Are you willing to keep in touch with the EBU and try to build a stronger association for the blues in Europe?
I definitely want to stay in touch with the EBU, we all benefit from the Blues and all related music getting the attention it deserves. Promoting real music made by real people is under pressure, live performances are an important thing so that people can really keep in touch with each other.
I will definitely try to plan next year to be there again at the EBC, this time as a music fan. And making new friends in music, that’s what it’s all about, not the money but making friends in music…
Are there any projects that you’d like the EBU to develop for European musicians
I don’t have a project that the EBU could do more about, and I don’t think it needs to. The projects that are running should be given more foundation and grow naturally, I think that’s more important than starting more projects.
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