{"id":460,"date":"2015-08-16T01:10:45","date_gmt":"2015-08-16T01:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/?page_id=460"},"modified":"2026-09-29T18:31:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T18:31:28","slug":"media-coverage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/media-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"Media Coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review: Best Day Ever by OleadaIndie.com<\/a> (Spanish)<\/h1>\n

Translated:<\/p>\n

CORNELIS GERARD\u2019S EVERYDAY OPTIMISM<\/p>\n

Some musicians take on the role of chroniclers of the everyday, and Cornelis Gerard belongs to that tradition. Based in North London, this artist of Dutch-Irish heritage draws the raw material for his songs from the details of daily life. His approach is summed up by a clear philosophy: telling relatable stories that connect with the listener’s experience, transforming the mundane into narrative material.<\/p>\n

His track “Best Day Ever” serves as an accessible introduction to his work. The song unfolds over a fun rhythm, effectively balancing a healthy dose of rock energy within a pop setting. The result is an enjoyable track that doesn’t aim for complexity but rather seeks to establish a direct, immediate connection with the listener\u2014a goal it achieves with ease.<\/p>\n

This straightforward sound shouldn’t be mistaken for simplicity, as it stems from a diverse background. Despite failing music class in school, his ambition drove him to learn the guitar so he could write his own songs. His influences range from the storytelling of Jarvis Cocker to jazz, post-punk, and hip-hop\u2014a versatility demonstrated in his previous work.<\/p>\n

Cornelis Gerard\u2019s music is, at its core, an act of communication. In “Best Day Ever,” the music becomes a vehicle for one of those stories drawn from real life. More than just a stylistic exercise, the song serves to build a narrative bridge, proving that a great story can be found within the structure of a well-crafted song.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Review: Best Day Ever by AnalogueTrash.com<\/a><\/h1>\n

The sweetness and innocence of Best Day Ever\u2019s<\/em> arrangement makes the lyrics more of a shock to the system.<\/p>\n

Cornelis Gerard<\/a>, a London-based Dutch-Irish musician, forensically examines the death and aftermath of a relationship, from those short moments of bitter words and deeds, to the longer analysis of what went wrong and why.<\/p>\n

He blends that into an upbeat indie arrangement, janglepop with echoes of The Cure and R.E.M., adding a hint of melancholy. That freshness makes the vocals and lyrics hit harder, even as you\u2019ll find yourself wanting to dance and sing along. It\u2019s a clever conceit and one that is brilliantly actualised.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Review: Best Day Ever by Extravafrench.com<\/a>\u00a0(French)<\/h1>\n

Translated:<\/p>\n

Dancing on the Ruins of Heartbreak with Cornelis Gerard on “Best Day Ever”<\/p>\n

Some tracks are like shards of glass: they cut, yet they also catch the light. “Best Day Ever” by Cornelis Gerard belongs to this lineage. Beneath its deceptively euphoric title, the song unleashes a nervous energy inherited from New Wave and Post-Punk\u2014a galloping rush of chiming guitars and taut rhythms reminiscent of R.E.M., The Cure, or Echo & the Bunnymen. Yet, far from mere nostalgia, Gerard transforms this aesthetic into a modern vehicle for conveying the emotional hangover of a breakup.<\/p>\n

What strikes the listener is the blend of melancholy and catharsis. Brilliant riffs clash with a relentless bassline, while the percussion compels the body to rise and move\u2014almost against its will\u2014as if the only escape from this romantic shipwreck were to turn heartbreak into dance. The vocals retain a sincere, fragile-yet-firm quality, capturing the urgency of a heart clinging to clarity.<\/p>\n

Cornelis Gerard excels on this hybrid track, bridging the gap between private pain and collective celebration. This tension defines “Best Day Ever”: a song that feels vital in a club setting yet intimate through headphones\u2014a soundtrack for crying while smiling, or smiling while crying, depending on your perspective.<\/p>\n

In the tradition of urban storytellers, Gerard takes the banalities of everyday life\u2014a relationship shattering, the echo of regrets, the looming future\u2014and turns them into something fresh that resonates with everyone. Yet, where others might succumb to pathos, he chooses movement, momentum, and transfiguration.<\/p>\n

“Best Day Ever” is nothing less than a post-breakup anthem. This is a declaration of emotional independence, a foot in the dark, a way to affirm that, in the heart of chaos, the bodies that still find a pulsation to advance. A title that proves that joy is not for all the moments of sadness, but even more are electric extensions.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Review: Passion is Aggression by ExtravaFrench.com<\/a> (French)<\/h1>\n

Translated:<\/p>\n

Cornelis Gerard Delivers a Fiery Rock Track with *Passion Is Aggression*<\/p>\n

Some songs burst in like an overexcited mate on a Friday night: hair disheveled, a cigarette hanging from the lip, a riff in their pocket, and one single urge\u2014to remind you that life is meant to be lived at 120 bpm. *Passion Is Aggression*\u2014the latest impassioned outcry from Cornelis Gerard\u2014is one of those indie-rock scorchers that reeks of lukewarm beer, neon lights, and raw sincerity.<\/p>\n

Behind this evocative title\u2014part manifesto, part playful lovers’ brawl\u2014the London-based Dutchman continues to pen his street-level chronicles, dipping his pen into the sweat of basement gigs and the disillusionment of daily life. But this time, there\u2019s no time for brooding. The track is an adrenaline rush, a tribute to those connections that wake the beast inside you\u2014moments where love turns into something akin to a contact sport. Not in the toxic sense, but in its vital, organic, and irrepressible nature.<\/p>\n

From the very first seconds, the guitars slam like doors you refuse to close. The rhythm is martial, the vocals a mix of chanting and screaming, and the overall energy recalls the glory days of Bloc Party or At The Drive-In. This is rock that comes from the body, the gut, and pure instinct. You can feel that Cornelis has laid it all on the line\u2014the tenderness, the rage, and the tender rage.<\/p>\n

And beneath this finely tuned noise-rock charge lies the core message: the pure joy of doing things *with* someone. Following your inner fire\u2014yes\u2014but as a duo. Screaming together. Dancing together. Saving each other from the surrounding numbness. “Passion is Aggression” is also a way of saying that emotions are never well-behaved\u2014and that sometimes, the most beautiful stories are born amidst the crackle of an amp and the pounding of a heart beating too fast.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Review: A Dose of Truth by ExtravaFrench.com<\/a> (French)<\/h1>\n

Translated:<\/p>\n

Cornelis Gerard Hits Hard with *A Dose of Truth*: When Alternative Rock Becomes Cathartic Again<\/p>\n

He isn\u2019t here for show. Cornelis Gerard\u2014the London-based Dutchman with the straight talk and riffs forged by real-life experience\u2014unleashes *A Dose of Truth* like smashing a shop window with raw honesty. It is a rock anthem that feels like a public confession, where every chord resonates like baring one\u2019s soul, and every word lands like an uppercut to the throat.<\/p>\n

This new track\u2014built for stadiums yet born in the tight, gritty veins of London\u2019s streets\u2014evokes the energy of the Foo Fighters without trying to mimic them. It captures the heroic momentum of 2000s alternative rock: that almost naive spirit of those who still believe in the redemptive power of a shouted chorus, arms wide open, facing a crowd of thousands. Yet here, the rage isn’t loud or showy; it is internal, twisted, and sincere.<\/p>\n

Cornelis sings about lies, about the unspoken words that poison relationships, and the truths we keep buried until they turn explosive. His song is also a form of healing\u2014the kind only a distorted guitar can offer to those who never knew how to stay silent. *A Dose of Truth* possesses an urgency worthy of the glory days of Therapy? or Idlewild, alongside sharp, precise songwriting that reminds us how punk\u2014even when blended with indie\u2014retains its political and emotional punch.<\/p>\n

No posturing, no gimmicks. Just a song that does what so many others have forgotten to do: speak plainly. And in a world saturated with pretense, this dose of truth feels incredibly good.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Review: Can’t Sit Still<\/a><\/h1>\n
\n

Cornelis Gerard<\/strong>\u2019s latest single, \u201cCan\u2019t Sit Still<\/strong>,\u201d is an exhilarating celebration of rhythm and movement that boldly transcends genre boundaries. Infused with an infectious indie-funk-pop vibe, the track bursts forth with vibrant energy, blending layers of dynamic instrumentation and playful charisma that make it impossible to remain still\u2014both literally and figuratively.<\/p>\n

At its core, \u201cCan\u2019t Sit Still<\/strong>\u201d thrives on a magnetic groove, anchored by jangly guitars, crisp percussion, and a standout trumpet performance from virtuoso Brant Tilds<\/strong>. The brass elements inject a lively blend of ska and jazz into the composition, adding depth and nuance to an already vibrant track. Cornelis<\/strong>\u2019s ability to seamlessly fuse these diverse elements\u2014combining punchy melodies with intricate brass flourishes\u2014showcases his exceptional skill in crafting music that is both richly textured and highly approachable.<\/p>\n

Cornelis<\/strong>\u2019s vocal delivery adds yet another layer of charm, balancing effortless swagger with genuine sincerity. His performance radiates an inviting energy, as though he\u2019s personally encouraging listeners to join him in an impromptu dance party.<\/p>\n

The production enhances the track\u2019s effervescent vibe, capturing the raw, infectious energy of a live performance while maintaining a polished, radio-ready finish. Every instrument is given room to shine, with the trumpet solos standing out as electrifying highlights that elevate the song\u2019s dynamic appeal.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t Sit Still<\/strong>\u201d isn\u2019t just a song\u2014it\u2019s an experience. It\u2019s a sonic journey that leaves listeners feeling uplifted and eager to hit replay. With this release, Cornelis Gerard<\/strong> cements his reputation as a master of feel-good anthems and a distinctive voice in the indie-pop landscape.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Conversation with Cornelis Gerard about Can’t Sit Still<\/a><\/h1>\n
\n

If you could describe your life in three key chapters, what would they be?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first chapter would be about my life moving around different countries with my parents. We lived in various countries in Europe and the Middle East. The second chapter would be about buying my first guitar and moving to England. The third chapter would start with me sitting on a beach in Thailand where I wrote something that convinced me that I had something to contribute to music.<\/p>\n

What was the moment you realized music was more than just a passion\u2014it was your purpose?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was that moment in Thailand. Somehow I ended up spending some time on a tropical island surrounded by tourists, backpackers and diving instructors. I was playing guitar all the time and one day I wrote a piece of music that I liked so much it made me believe I had something to contribute to music. It convinced me to come back to London and take music more seriously. I still haven\u2019t written lyrics for that piece. Perhaps this year I\u2019ll come up with something worthy.<\/p>\n

Who was the first person to believe in your talent, and how did they influence your career?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t think of a specific person but I remember in my first bands as a teenager I was looked to as the one to come up with the riffs and chord progressions. When I started singing my own songs many people told me how much they enjoyed my lyrics. It\u2019s been a slow process of recognition from multiple people that has provided extra motivation to keep going.<\/p>\n

Do you have a defining memory that still fuels your creativity today?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t think of a particular instance but for me it\u2019s the understanding that songwriting encapsulates so many things that interest me; story telling, psychology, music theory etc. It\u2019s a craft that has a lot of room to explore and approach from different angles.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the most valuable life lesson you\u2019ve learned through your musical journey?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

That the best way to connect with people is by being honest, authentic and truthful. That goes for songwriting as well as in general. I\u2019m not saying I\u2019m living a 100% authentic life but it\u2019s something I aspire to and work towards everyday.<\/p>\n

How does \u201cCan\u2019t Sit Still\u201d capture who you are as an artist in this moment?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The fact that it\u2019s catchy, danceable and accessible but still has a hidden musical depth to it sums up where I\u2019m at as an artist right now. It\u2019s a shame so many songwriters are formulaic in their work when the best songs have moments that break away from conventions. It\u2019s disappointing to me that there are artists with millions of listeners that are still not pushing the boundaries of what can be done in the context of popular music. I\u2019m not saying you have to be super experimental but it would be nice to see the biggest artists try tempo, time signature and key changes like the best artists of the past used to do.<\/p>\n

Did the song come to you all at once, or was it a gradual creation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t remember what the delay was between writing the music and the words. Sometimes the two happen months apart. I do remember that writing the music for the bridge was a special breakthrough that I was particularly proud of. A portion of the music I write is the result of instinct and following my ears. The other part is more deliberate where I have to figure things out consciously or with the help of music theory. It felt special the way it call came together in the final song.<\/p>\n

How did you decide on the production style for \u201cCan\u2019t Sit Still\u201d? \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the recording sessions I talked a lot with the producer Glen Strachan about the feel I was going for. I\u2019m a big fan of late 1970s to mid 1980s punk, post-punk and new-wave music. Bands like Television, Blondie, XTC, Talking Heads etc. I\u2019m not knowledgeable enough about the music recording and production process to know how much of that is reflected in the final recording but I really like how it sounds. To me it sounds very much like a bunch of musicians playing a song together; alive, present, real.<\/p>\n

How does \u201cCan\u2019t Sit Still\u201d push boundaries compared to your previous releases?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The middle section where the song goes on a short jazz detour is not something that I\u2019ve done in any other song before. The way it slows down then picks up the tempo for a swing section before returning to the chorus is very satisfying.<\/p>\n

Was there a moment in the studio when you felt, \u201cThis is it\u2014this is the song\u201d? \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know it\u2019s THE song. But it\u2019s definitely a song I\u2019m proud of. I think one of the memorable aspects of the recording session was hearing all the drum-fills that drummer Leo Mollon was coming up with. His drumming on this track is playful and creative.<\/p>\n

Can we expect an album or EP following the release of this single?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the moment I\u2019m not releasing EPs and albums in the conventional manner. I record batches of songs together and then release a new single every couple of months. After all the songs are released I will give the project a name. So you could consider those EPs or albums. There is one more song coming out for this project and then I\u2019ll be moving on to the next one, which has already been recorded but not yet mixed.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s next for you after the release of \u201cCan\u2019t Sit Still\u201d? Any exciting projects or performances we should look forward to?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m releasing one more song from this project in January and I\u2019ll be performing a show with my band at the Stag\u2019s Head in Hoxton on the 18th of January to support it. Then I\u2019ll be moving on to the next project for which I\u2019ve done all the recordings. I have enough music recorded to last me until the end of 2025. But I want to record more music this Spring or Summer to get ready for 2026. I\u2019m laying tracks far ahead of the Corneli Gerard train. I\u2019m not stopping!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

ComeHereFloyd.com review of It Won’t Kill You<\/a><\/h1>\n

“CORNELIS GERARD\u2019s \u2018It Won\u2019t Kill You\u2019 makes us want to watch CG live, on a stage, playing, and making us dance. Bet it\u2019s so fun. We note that because this single is THAT fun. If you don\u2019t, we think you don\u2019t have any pulse \u2013 like, you\u2019re dead, DOA, out-of-luck. The self described \u2018punk-poet\u2019 and \u2018insensitive\u2019 singer\/songwriter, London based Dutch-Irish artist is a fresh breeze in the scene. The story telling is front and center. But the final product, packaged in brilliance, is something to behold.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

LondonLiveAndUnsigned.com review of Look Back And Laugh<\/a><\/h1>\n

“As a fellow London resident, I connected with ‘Look back and laugh’ straight away and felt I could really associate with the lyrics. Cornelis talks about his experiences when he first headed for the bright lights of London Town. I think a lot of people will connect with his honest style of writing he is very relatable as an artist. The Great thing about this track is by the second time the chorus comes around you know it and you can’t help but sing along, smile and dance. As a musician this is all you can ask for really that your music makes people happy, dance and relate.<\/p>\n

The melody to the song is very happy and positive but yet some on the lyrics are quite serious, this style of songwriting reminds me of the Smiths in the 70’s it’s very clever. One of my favourite lyrics from the song is “cause scars remind us who we are” even know its a small line in the track it gives a sense of empowerment to the song and the listener, it sends out a positive message within the song and makes the song personal to each individual listener and their personal challenges and scars.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

South Waves Audio – Interview<\/a><\/h1>\n

“How did you start in music?<\/p>\n

As a child I had a strange fascination with out of the ordinary instruments; the bagpipes, a melodica at my grandmother\u2019s house and I tried my hand at the recorder in school.\u00a0I was also listening to all kinds of music from my dads music collection. From classical composers like Dvorzak to pop music like the Beatles. Unfortunately I failed music in secondary school and I thought music was for other people until my friend in school joined a band after only playing guitar for a year. That inspired me to pick it up as well. I was writing songs as soon as I learned my first couple of chords.<\/p>\n

How would you describe your music?<\/h5>\n

True stories and living music. A punk and indie-rock fusion with a groovy rhythm section accompanying trademark lyrical storytelling that makes you laugh and think at the same time.<\/p>\n

How do you find inspiration for lyrics?<\/h5>\n

I try to find the truth that no one wants to say about everyday situations, shining a light on interesting aspects of mundane reality. My ideas come from becoming aware of my internal monologue or catching myself or others saying something interesting during a conversation. Sometimes it\u2019s from snippets of overheard conversations on the tube or the bus. We are all making interesting comments and observations all the time, we just aren\u2019t always aware of it.<\/p>\n

Do you have any releases out there?<\/h5>\n

I have released 5 songs: The Art of Not Giving A Fuck, It Won\u2019t Kill You, Look Back and Laugh, Adrenaline Overdose and Quiet Type. They available on all streaming and downloading platforms. I created a booklet entitled \u201cWhat Else?\u201d to accompany the songs which contains all the lyrics plus an explanation of the inspiration behind each song. It\u2019s a great way for my fans to support me in a time when few people buy music and it\u2019s a great memento with photos and artwork. I liked the artwork for the cover so much I put it on a t-shirt.<\/p>\n

What are your gigs like?<\/h5>\n

My band brings danceable rhythms to my punk and indie-rock songs. The drummer and bassist have an interest in jazz and dance rhythms so they lay down a great groove underneath my distorted guitar. Most of my songs get people dancing. Expect to move your body and head-bang simultaneously.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sqwzl.com Interview<\/a><\/h1>\n

“Music – it\u2019s the great love of my life, the lover of my life. I describe myself as the world\u2019s only insensitive singer-songwriter. I think there are lots of beards in music but not enough balls. I\u2019m trying to bring more balls to music; and truth. I like the truth even if it\u2019s dirty or nasty. What inspires me? Relationships and not necessarily boy meets girl but between friends, or the love a person has with themselves; there\u2019s love, hate, envy. Somebody like Elvis Costello I find really inspiring and he\u2019s a cross-over between punk and new-wave and he would write songs that weren\u2019t just straight-forward love songs. Not that music has to be deep or complicated but it has to be interesting.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Review: Best Day Ever by OleadaIndie.com (Spanish) Translated: CORNELIS GERARD\u2019S EVERYDAY OPTIMISM Some musicians take on the role of chroniclers of the everyday, and Cornelis Gerard belongs to that tradition. Based in North London, this artist of Dutch-Irish heritage draws … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-460","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=460"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/460\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1025,"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/460\/revisions\/1025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cornelisgerard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}