On June 25, 2025, the town of Lezoux (France) welcomed an artist from the Netherlands: Goldkimono, for a concert organized as part of the Europavox festival. Two days before the festival’s official opening in Clermont-Ferrand, this special moment gave our group of young people from the Mission Locale of the Thiers area the chance to meet a sincere, radiant, and very approachable artist.
Around his new album This One’s on the House, released on June 13, we prepared 13 questions—just like the 13 tracks on his record. Here is an excerpt from this warm and inspiring conversation.
What do you think of France?
“I love your country! I came here several times as a child, on vacation with my parents. I love the food, the nature, the climate, and the people. And now, being able to play my music here makes it even better!”
How do you feel about playing in a French town like Lezoux?
“It’s a great experience. I don’t know it very well yet, but you’re very welcoming, I really like the venue, it’s going to be amazing. I’m very happy to be here.”
Why the name Goldkimono?
“An American friend and I were in the Netherlands, and I saw a vintage shop full of kimonos. I tried on a black one, then a gold one. When I saw my reflection wearing the gold kimono, I thought, ‘That’s me!’ Everyone told me it was perfect, so I kept that name for my project. And I still have that kimono — I bought it.”
How would you describe your music?
“It’s hard to describe your own music! It’s mainly pop, a bit indie too, but I prefer to tell people: hit play and listen.”
How is a Goldkimono song born?
“Usually with my instruments, the guitar or keyboard, in my studio. But above all, life inspires everything: emotions, experiences, adventures.”
What’s your favorite part of the creative process?
“When I find something really cool that I play alone in my studio, and it gives me wings, like I’m flying around the room. Sometimes, the next day, I realize it’s not that good, but sometimes it really works, and that’s amazing.”
Where do you find your inspiration?
“By keeping good energy and living simply. Inspiration comes when you open your eyes and ears.”
What does Europe represent for you as an artist?
“A lot. I’m European, so when I’m in the United States, I miss Europe: its culture, its history, its diversity. It’s in my blood. Being able to travel easily here is a real gift.”
What does the Europavox festival mean to you?
“It’s my first festival here, so it means a lot. It’s always exciting to do something for the first time, to take a new step with my music and my friends. This festival is giving me a chance — it’s a gift.”
Your album This One’s on the House came out on Friday, June 13. Was that on purpose? Any secrets to share about the album?
“Not at all, I only realized it a week before. As for secrets, ChatGPT could have written the album, but no (laughs). It’s an album made with my heart, my inspiration, and my love for music. No secrets.”
How does your audience change depending on the country where you play?
“Each audience has its own vibe, even in my own country. In Germany, in France, it’s different, but there are more similarities than differences. Sometimes I speak the language a bit better, which changes the experience, but the audience is always great.”
Do you have a memorable concert memory in Europe, as an artist or as a spectator?
“Lots! What I love most are small venues where I can really connect with the audience, talk without a microphone, share stories about my songs. On a big stage, it’s harder. As a spectator too, the moments I remember are those authentic exchanges between the artist and the audience.”
And what’s next for you?
“Playing tonight, then a few upcoming shows here, then festivals and a tour back home, and also taking a vacation — that’s important! Just continuing to live music and life.”
This meeting with Goldkimono will remain a powerful moment for us. A spontaneous interview filled with authenticity, kindness, smiles, and passion. Thank you to Goldkimono and his team for their availability and positive energy. We wish him many more wonderful stages across Europe and beyond!
A big thank-you as well to Salomé and François from the Europavox team for their time, their attentiveness, and for allowing us to experience this wonderful moment.
This meeting was carried out as part of the Europavox 2025 workshops, organized by the Mission Locale of the Thiers area.
Participating young people:
Jade AUDOIN
Susan BENEDETTI
Aria BRAVIN
Gaëtan BOULLERNE
Sylvain BOYER
Encadrement : Virginie DEVILLECHABROLLE, conseillère de la Mission Locale du Bassin Thiernois (permanence de Lezoux)
Photo: the Mission Locale team with Goldkimono in Lezoux, by the communications department of the Mission Locale of the Thiers area (Thank you Nina and Florestan!)
