SoundGym Hero: Frans Rewijk

A passionate guitarist turned producer, balances his love for music with a talent for DIY projects, a part-time job, and family life, all while running his own record label, Woodshed Records. Frans Rewijk is this month's SoundGym Hero!

How did you first find your way into making music?

I only started playing the guitar at age 18. I was hooked from day one. Influenced by sixties, seventies and nineties rock bands I started practicing rigorously on a daily basis. At age 21 I started playing in a band and got interested in musical theory. Later on I branched out to bass guitar, singing, and a bit of drumming. I even played saxophone for a while. Fast forward to 2024, I started my own production company and record label named Woodshed Records. 

Aside from music, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

My girlfriend and I have a six-year-old daughter who keeps us more than active. We bought a large property on which we do a lot of maintenance ourselves. I enjoy woodworking whenever there’s time left and oh yeah, I work a part time job as a project manager. It pays the bills. 

What’s something you're surprisingly good at that has nothing to do with music?

I am a skilled DIYer. What my eyes see, my hands can make. I transformed an old commercial building into our home once.

If you could play or create with any artist, who would it be and why?

Jeff Buckley, God rest his soul. Mostly because I am jealous of his incredible talent and the love and soul that drips from his music.

What piece of music gear do you love the most, and what makes it irreplaceable in your creative process?

As a musician, I won’t go without my Taylor GS Mini. As a starting producer, I rent most of the high-end gear I need for the job. But I couldn't do without my Dante network anymore. It gives me endless flexibility in my project studio. 

What daily or weekly habits do you have in place to keep you creating?

Since I’m still working a parttime job, I decided to dedicate a fixed day of the week to producing music and content and managing the business side of things. I don't deviate from this quickly and that also creates clarity for those around me. And on a daily basis, SoundGym is part of my routine of course!

What keeps you motivated to continue making music?

The love for it. The need for it. 

What song would you choose as the soundtrack of your life?

On my funeral list are: Lover You Should’ve Come Over (Jeff Buckley), The Masterplan (Oasis) and Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve). I guess I’m just a melancholic cynic trying to make the best of it. LOL.

What's your favorite feature on SoundGym, and how has it helped you in your musical journey?

The learning section is definitely the feature that has been the most valuable to me in the last couple of months. It helped me a lot in understanding the nitty gritty of producing and recording. 

What’s something exciting you're working on or looking forward to?

I contracted my first artist earlier this year and we’re about to release the first single of her forthcoming album. It’s been quite a journey, I’ve had highs and lows but I’m proud of the result. Go have a listen!

You can follow Frans' lable on its Instagram, and website. You can also follow Frans' first signed artist on her Instagram, Tiktok, and website. Check out their new release!

 

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