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Janek van Laak

Janek van Laak Profile Photo

Berlin based drummer, composer and producer Janek van Laak was born in the fashion-fuelled metropolis of Düsseldorf in 1995, and briefly spent time as a toddler in the music loving municipality of Leipzig before settling in the country’s capital in 1998 whilst it was in the midst of its post Berlin Wall cultural explosion.

Under the influence of his punk loving father and cabaret performing mother, Janek moved from singing in his school choir to learning to play drums and piano. Now, as well as producing music under his own name, Janek is also one of the founding members of the Neukölln based outfit Liquid Brain Orchestra, and one half of off-kilter duo Tutu Amuse with guitarist, vocalist and actor Rosa Landers.

Janek’s debut solo album, “Circle Of Madness”, is due for release this spring. It’s a record that is best described by himself as a snapshot of “something at some point” and encourages the listener to “stay curious while trying to maintain a balanced and non toxic relationship with perfectionism on this discovery of new land through music, channeling self expression and learning”.

Janek intends to make as much music as he can whilst continually pushing musical boundaries and possibilities. Look out for him on the road, pushing those boundaries with his upcoming live shows.

July 11, 2024

Janek van Laak: drumming up a circle of madness

The prolific Berlin-based drummer and producer talks about the magic of John Bonham, why humor is essential, the rhythms of India, and the process of recording his debut album, Circle of Madness.