Janne Timmer

letting go of Harlem Lake

From 2018 until 2024 I had the great pleasure of touring with a blues-southern rock band called Harlem Lake. I learned many things about music and the industry, toured Europe and released four albums. Beginning of 2025, we split up after we couldn’t unite our different visions on the future. It was a very hard time but also opened the door to realising a dormant girlhood dream: my own music project where I can pursue artistic agency and be 100% myself.

back to my grandma’s piano

Around the break-up with a former bandmate start of ’24, I returned to my mothers home and sat down behind my grandmother’s piano again. That piano from 1911 taught me everything and carried me through my teenage struggles. Now again, she proved to be a great companion in learning the art of letting go and reflecting on who I am. I wrote a bunch of new material, about my time and separation with the band, the break-up, searching for connection and personal challenges regarding trusting others.

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recording debut album

In autumn, I went into the Flagship Studios to record a collection of these songs as my debut album. The record is produced by Maurice van Hoek (Douwe Bob, Boaz) and engineered by Ernst van Dusseldorf. The band consists of Martin ‘De Schep’ Scheppink (Hammond organ), Mischa Porte (Drums), Jonne Venmans (Bass), Stan de Kwaadsteniet (Keys) & Maurice van Hoek (Guitars). The album is being finalised in January ’26.

why i make music

As a little girl I always dreamed of being an artist. What started as a way to process being bullied and the separation of my parents, turned into a deep longing to be seen and understood. Now, as a growing adult, I love to invite others into my inner world and share my challenges, lessons and reflections. Many of our experiences are universal, and yet we can feel so alone in them. Music and words have always soothed me, and it’s my wish to do the same for others.

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what to expect at my show

During 2025, I launched my project Voice at the Piano and performed 20 shows. Performing solo allowed me to reconnect with my roots and improve my story telling style. I feel most at home on stage, and enjoy sharing stories about my life with both humour and seriousness. Sometimes it’s just sad, and that’s okay. The only way is through. But the same counts for joy, love and gratitude!

new band

On the 2nd of January ’26 I performed with a new band again. I love how they bring out new layers of the songs I couldn’t on my own. It’s groovy, full of energy and emotion, and with vivacious guitar solos, because I love those! There’s influences of 70s rock, Carole King’s blue-eyed soul, a thick buttery dash of blues and of course my excitement for compelling ballads.

In every choice, the story and the song come first. I create music to understand myself. And in sharing the music I invite you in, offering a piece of me so you might find a piece of yourself.

With love,

Janne