In conversation with Producer and Musician David Hoogerheide 🎹🎸

Hi! I’m David, a freelance musician and music producer. I play keyboards for various bands, mainly Froukje, Wende, and Kovacs. I’m a synth enthusiast, and I produce music in my studio, Funky Kerst, where I focus on electronic sounds and synthesizers.

How did you get into this line of work?

I’ve been playing music my entire life, starting with the church organ as a kid. In high school, I joined bands and fell in love with creating music with others and performing live. It was an incredible experience that solidified my passion for music.

When and why did you go freelance?

After finishing my studies in composition and production at the Hogeschool van Kunsten Utrecht in 2009, I started freelancing as a musician. I balanced music with side jobs for a while, but in 2015, I decided to go all-in, relying solely on music for my income.

It’s been a wild ride—some years have been tough, but others have been really rewarding.

What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

2023 was a particularly tough year. During the pandemic, I managed to keep busy by making records in the studio, but after the pandemic, the music industry struggled. Many bands called it quits, and years of budget cuts took a toll. I managed to stay afloat, but many of my colleagues didn’t.

What’s the most rewarding part of being self-employed?

I tend to get stressed easily, but being self-employed gives me the flexibility to take a break when things get overwhelming or to turn down a job. I appreciate the balance between hectic months and more relaxed periods, and I love that my work takes me all over the world.

What are the main risks in your profession?

There are two big risks: the fragility of the work—if a major artist you rely on takes a break, it’s tough to fill that gap—and underpayment. Musicians love what they do, but the industry is notorious for low pay, and it’s easy to get drawn into poorly paid gigs with promises of exposure.

Physically, burnout is a real concern. The long days, odd hours, little sleep, and the pressure to always perform at your best can really wear you down.

Are you insured?

I’m not insured, mainly because of financial reasons.

How does not being insured make you feel?

Not great. If I were to break my arm, I’d be out of work for months.

Any advice for people considering going freelance?

If you want to keep a side job, limit it to two days a week. When you’re starting out as a freelancer, you’ll need time to take on lower-paid or unpaid work, build your network, and explore creative ideas without the pressure of constantly finding paid gigs.

What do you see for your future?

I’d love to move to another country, build a studio, and run a campground with the love of my life, where people can come to record their music.

Thanks, David for taking the time to speak with us.