World United Music: Dirk Maassen

About: Dirk Maassen

Born in the winter of 1970, I spent my early days in a small town near Aachen, right at the Border of the Netherlands. My first contact with music was with one of the legendary carnival processions which made me feel in so many different colors that I knew right away that music was one of the most wonderful things in life.

From the age of 10, I took lessons on piano and church organ. My teacher, the sexton of our small village took me under his wing into the church quite often to play on a huge Pipe organ which was really impressive and amazing, as it made me feel like I was sitting right inside the music and become a part of it.

When I got older, I was influenced by 80s synth pop, and bought my first synthesizer. I started playing in different synth pop bands including memorable gigs in small clubs and later in a few festivals and CD productions. Nothing too serious, but at the age of 19 my band mates and I thought we where close to a breakthrough when our first CDs appeared in the local record store with a few hundred fans joining us at our concerts ;-) Apparently there was no breakthrough so we all went our separate ways and focused on our own creative process in music.

After a long break, I found my way back to the piano in 2011 and started composing again in 2012. As I am a software engineer by day, I create music preferably early morning or late at night which is not only a matter of time but also very inspiring times for making music.

Having a background in theory and methodology in my earlier stages, I found the results of improvisation transformed my music into structured compositions over time.

My music is inspired by Einaudi, Tiersen and Nevue with influences of the 80s but not limited to these. There is no genre or style I try to adopt, as I do not want to limit my creativity. It's all about sharing impressions, emotions and vibes with others. In a way I am making "social music" and hence I love to publish my music on social networks and getting in touch with my audience one on one.

In this light I hope you enjoy my music, share it, like it and drop me a line.

CONTACT: http://www.maassen-music.com/contact.html