Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marije Oosting. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marije, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on, was writing my latest song, “2023.” It was in the end of Spring 2023 when I was seriously feeling down and out. Life was a hot mess, and it seemed like every move I made was a wrong one. I was lonely, lost, dealing with a breakup, a busted heart, and motherhood felt like this giant mountain I had to climb. It was a tough time, and I was in a pretty bad place. So, one sleepless night, around 2 or 3 in the morning, I was about to grab a beer. But instead, I had a lightbulb moment. I decided to spill everything out on paper – every thought, fear, and pain, even if it didn’t make much sense. It was like therapy, just getting it all out there.
Then came the fun part – turning those messy feelings into a beat. I played around with my laptop, kept it simple, and knew right then that this song was gonna be my savior. I hit the studio, fine-tuned it until I was happy, and got into shooting a video – a mix of hard work and passion.
Looking back, I can’t help but be thankful for “2023.” It might sound crazy that writing a song helped pull me out of a dark place, but it really did. If I hadn’t spilled my guts on paper that night, who knows where I’d be now? “2023” is more than just a song to me; it’s a reminder that sometimes you gotta let it all out to find your way back up.

Marije, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been immersed in the world of music since the tender age of 4, and my first performance I did when I was 6. Music, undoubtedly, is my enduring passion. Discovering that my singing brought joy to people’s lives and after receiving my first bookings I started taking singing lessons to get my singing on a higher level. At the age of 8, I wrote my first song, and today, I not only create my own melodies but often find myself in the studio, collaborating with clients to support them in their songwriting process. It’s surreal how music has become my life, and in many ways, I find myself living out a dream. Yet, the reality of a musician’s life is far from glamorous; it involves a multitude of responsibilities beyond the spotlight.
Beyond the stage, I handle bookings, promotions, administration, and a lot of other aspects crucial to sustaining a livelihood in the music industry. What truly resonates with me is receiving messages from individuals expressing how my songs have provided solace during challenging times or precisely mirrored their own experiences, making them feel understood.
For me, music transcends mere entertainment; it’s a grand emotional narrative. I aspire to convey this profound connection to my listeners. Whether I’m performing at festivals, parties, or weddings, each opportunity holds significance. There’s an indescribable joy in contributing to someone’s perfect wedding day, adding an extra layer of magic. It’s an intimate experience, and I am genuinely humbled and honored to be part of such moments every single time.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being a musician is like having a personal therapy session with my instruments. It helps me process stuff, you know – life, thoughts, feelings. When things get rough, music is that trusty sidekick that keeps me going, no matter how many curveballs life throws my way. But the real magic happens when I get to share this musical journey with others. Making someone’s day a bit brighter, putting a smile on their face – that’s the good stuff. It’s like passing on a little musical pick-me-up to make someone’s day a tad easier.
What I love most is how music connects us. It’s like this invisible thread that brings people together, digs deep into who we really are. Those moments where the music hits, and you just feel it – that’s what I’m all about. Being a musician isn’t just about playing tunes; it’s about creating these awesome shared experiences where we all vibe together. That’s the real reward for me – making those connections, touching hearts, and maybe even helping people discover a bit more about themselves along the way.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I kicked off my social media journey, I’ll admit I made a bunch of missteps. My strategy was all about numbers – I figured, get the followers first, and the music will follow. Big mistake. I was more focused on the quantity of followers rather than creating a supportive community, and that was where I went wrong. I believe this is a common pitfall. It’s not the number of followers that matter; it’s the strength of your community that counts. And you only build a robust, supportive community by being 100% genuine and authentic. That’s how you attract followers who really connect with you – those who aren’t feeling your vibe can simply bow out.

Another crucial piece of the puzzle is offering added value to your followers. With every post, ask yourself, “Why would someone find this exciting or valuable?” It’s about giving your audience a reason to stick around and engage.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a good caption. A captivating narrative with a clear call to action can work wonders. So, be genuine, add value, and don’t skimp on the captions. Best of luck out there! :)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marijeoosting.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/marijeofficial
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/marijeofficial
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@marijeofficial

Image Credits
Yves Briggen Roland Surm Manuel Vogelsanger