The origins of Waltzburg trace back to a rumor that buzzed through the picturesque streets of Nijmegen over thirteen years ago. Eventually, the whispers reached nineteen-year-old Menno Krivokutya, songwriter and frontman of what would later become Waltzburg. It was said that guitarist Jesse Smits owned a real Gibson: the crème de la crème of guitars. Menno knew immediately that he had to have Jesse play in his band. The revelation that it was an Epiphone, a cheaper replica, was a small disappointment at the first rehearsal. However, Jesse’s nimble, catchy riffs easily made up for the mistaken guitar. And with their newfound friendship, Menno and Jesse laid a strong musical foundation for Waltzburg.

Beyond this one rumor, authenticity has been the hallmark of Menno’s ensemble over the following years. From their first songs, Waltzburg has explored the fragile human experience, with lyrics that delve into themes such as indecision in major life choices and the clash between burning ambition and gnawing self-doubt. Their poetic songs are about striving to be the best version of yourself (a Gibson) while sometimes having to accept where you’re at (an Epiphone, which is perfectly fine too). Despite these serious themes, their music remains energetic and irresistibly danceable. Waltzburg’s sound can be described as indie pop that evokes euphoric melancholy.

At the core of everything the band does is their tight-knit friendship. It’s evident that the five friends spend a lot of time together and are perfectly in sync, living in their bubble filled with inside jokes and shared musical references. During live shows, the audience might need a moment to adjust to the band’s dynamic: their stage presence is slightly quirky, with comically dry conversations between songs. However, this genuine way of performing quickly wins listeners over, making them feel like a part of Waltzburg’s charismatic circle of friends. No matter how high the stage, the five musicians always radiate a comforting sense of community and equality.

In addition to friendship, romantic love is a crucial pillar of the band. Vocalist Nicole Jansen, who has been part of the band since day one, is Menno’s partner in music and life. Her ethereal yet powerful voice brings a unique warmth to the band’s always-recognizable sound. With the addition of Joost Klapmuts on keys and bass, Waltzburg has continued to challenge themselves musically, incorporating samples and synthesizers into their songs. 

This evolution is partly due to Joost – originally a guitarist – learning to play the keys by trial and error after joining the band. And with the arrival of Luuk Gerards in 2023, an energetic drummer who prefers playing drums over endless discussions about the music, Waltzburg is back in its strongest form.

Waltzburg has come a long way, from their hit single “Gotor” and performances at nearly every venue in the Netherlands to recording their well-received first album “Cut the Wire” (2019). Their second EP “Let’s All Pretend” (2021) aimed to capture the raw energy of their live performances, resulting in guitar-driven, compact tracks. However, their latest album, “Black Cat on Your Doormat,” marks a notable shift in their creative direction. They stepped out of their comfort zone, starting with synths and samples as the foundation and incorporating guitars later to enrich the instrumentation. This process allowed them to finally develop some of Menno’s old demos that had reached near cult status within the band. The result is a return to the layered complexity of their first studio album, with a distinctive Waltzburgesque dark edge. They recorded at Robot Studios in Ghent (BE) and completed the album at Schenk Studio (NL), blending the best of Flemish and Dutch production.

The band has grown up over all those years of making music together, and this newfound maturity is palpable in their latest album, “Black Cat on Your Doormat.” The ten songs tell a mosaic coming-of-age story that the band has been crafting since COVID, up to the birth of Menno and Nicole’s first son, Midas, in 2023. It explores themes like letting go of expectations (“Broken Bottles”) and dealing with disillusionment and endings (“I Can See”). But the songs also reflect a newfound lightheartedness and hope. Listeners are invited to dance, wallow, and share in the band’s introspection and recalibration of life’s expectations. Because isn’t that what life is all about? Not about the pressure to succeed in all your big dreams, but about making music with your friends, and still enjoying it after all these years. Like Menno sings in “Big Bad World”:

Life is only starting
Plants to water
Triumphs in your garden
Grass gets greener
Baby when you’re with me