Stefan Schill

Stefan Schill knew exactly what he had in mind when he made Don't Say A Word. The debut album of this Dutch singer, guitarist and composer is meant to be an introduction of his immense talents. It should at the same time leave all his artistic and stylistic options wide open. In the years to follow he wants to have the freedom to make music exactly the way that he wants, without being pigeonholed. He also wants to move people with an album full of honest and passionate songs.

,,Music is an universal language. That's the great thing about it. You can reach people worldwide, regardless of their cultural background. That's what makes performing so great: To watch your audience feel what you feel or felt in the past. It's good to know people are listening..."

Schill fell in love with music at a very early age. After all, it was all around in his home. Seeing Bon Jovi do an unplugged show on MTV was a major turning point. ,,I don't care too much for their music to be honest. But seeing Ritchie Samborra mesmerize an entire audience with his guitar made me realise I wanted to do what he did, and become what he was.?

Stefan Schill was initially heavily inspired by his dad's record collection, which had a large blues section. Blues is still an important ingredient in his sound. But there is so much more. Through the years young Stefan Schill listened to a great variety of bands and musicians, who all left their traces one way or another. ,,I think Prince is a genius. He is a killer guitar player, but I like him even more for what he does with his voice. I also admire acts such as like The Police, D'Angelo, John Mayer and Kings Of Leon. Besides these guys, Soul and hip hop also play a big part in my musical development. Just listen to a track like U Don't Mind.?

The last few years he dedicated most of his time to the road. Together with his band he became a well loved regular in clubs and festivals. It allowed him to develop as a musician. An unexpected incident gave him his biggest personal artistic breakthrough so far. ,,I was driving at night and I kinda dazed off listening to, what we would later become, one my favourite albums. I just got out of a not so pleasant period in my life. So I was easily triggered. When the last song on the album started to play I was stunned. Emotionally I mean. It was like a distance between my emotions and music had suddenly disappeared completely. It was so overwhelming that I had to park my car at the side of the road and tried to comprehend what just happened. After that, I noticed it had a major impact on my guitar playing and my opinion about music. I was able to play with a feeling like I never had before. It's not that I was without passion before. It's just that I was finally able to play without interferences. I knew then that the time was right to record my first album.?

The album title Don't Say A Word is open to quite a few interpretations, says Stefan Schill. A single guitar solo can have more meaning than a thousand words, is a obvious one. At the same time it's a response to all the people that during the last few years tried to interfere with the young musician's career. ,,A lot of people made attempts to link me to one particular kind of music. When they failed, they criticized me. My attitude is simple: I don't want to be bothered. Cause I probably ain't gonna listen. Apart of this a lot of the lyrics on the album are related too any kind of love. Family. relationships. friends. All of these things are rare. Yet people often talk about having them, or being one of those things. I realise now that they're not. And for this reason I often thought about people not talking. It would prevent them from lying. So I wouldn't get hurt. I wanted them to shut up. That explains Don't Say A Word."

He quickly adds that his life as a musician was mainly marked with highlights. One of his first shows, in the city centre of his hometown Dordrecht remains one of them. The gigs he and his band did on the exotic island of Curacao is another one. Recording his album also proved to be a fantastic experience. ,,Having the actual cd in my hands will be a new high point in my career. It's something that took all of my energy, time and devotion over the last two years.?

And, according to Stefan Schill, it is all just the beginning. ,,Music is my biggest passion. Nothing comes close. I would not want it any other way. I am sure that there are easier ways to make a living, but for me that is no option. I'll rather be poor, with a life dedicated to music. But I'm convinced that I will do alright. When I dedicate all my time, love and energy into something, I know it will pay off in the end. I am not a religious person, but that's something I truly believe in.?