''Above all, you should just do it!''

Eleanor Dingemans is part of the six-member Amersfoort band Three Little Clouds. With their unique sound, they conquered stages across the country in no time. We put our pressing questions to the talented singer.
^{Tekst: Tessa Vosskühler}

How did you become a band member of Three Little Clouds?

"I was at a BBQ where there were some band members. They told an acquaintance of mine that they were looking for a singer. That acquaintance immediately told me that I could sing well. Suddenly I was looked at by seven men and invited to a rehearsal on the spot. I really farted seven colors and thought to myself: I only sing in the shower! During the rehearsal they asked me to freestyle something. That went really well and I've been with the band ever since."

How would you describe the music you make?

"It's a mix of hip-hop, funk and new soul. We are now not just that party band you dance to. We try to write more songs that after two listens you think, oh shit, the lyrics actually have something to say too. That change came about during the corona period. When we couldn't perform anymore, we asked ourselves: 'What do we really want to say? What do we want to tell with our music when we get back on stage later?"

Was it difficult to gain a foothold in the (Amersfoort) music scene?

It actually went pretty fast! We got a lot of bookings, because there wasn't really a band like ours yet. In addition, we have a strong stage presence. Whether you put us down at the beginning or the end; we let the whole place go wild! The mentality in Amersfoort is very different from that in Amsterdam, for example. There is an atmosphere of 'I hope you do well, but not better than me'. In Amersfoort it's more of: 'Let's all be the best at what we do'. I love that!"

What kind of city is Amersfoort in terms of music?

"Versatile, innovative and inspiring! I feel like there are a lot of underdogs and dark horses here. Many local makers think they are 'not there yet'. Yet I see so many artists passing by who make really cool things. That inspires me too. Amersfoort is one big creative breeding ground. And I'm not just talking about musicians, but also for example Bleached Renaissance who makes really cool clothing."

Do you have any tips for budding artists?

"Above all, you just have to do it! And: no you have, yes you can get. Those are two things that have always helped me. I can also recommend OostWest for guidance. There you will find people who are there for you and are willing to pass things on to their peers as well as to the next generation."

Is there new work coming this year?

"Yes indeed, new work is already there too! We just haven't released it yet. We have chosen not to take gigs for a while until we have determined which way we want to go with our sound. As soon as that is cut short, we'll release new music and we'll be right back!"

Keep an eye on Three Little Clouds? You can do so via their Instagram: @threelittleclouds_