Gerard Joling has recently taken a bold stance against Anouk after she announced that she would only create a new album if her fans financed it. He expressed his views sharply on television, urging her to “get to work with your big mouth!”
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Anouk has been candid about working on possibly her last music album. She has stipulated that any further albums would require her fans’ financial support through crowdfunding, a reflection of the changing music industry landscape where artists earn significantly less from album sales and more from live performances. Interestingly, Anouk has expressed reluctance to perform.
Gerard’s Critique
Gerard Joling expressed his disbelief at Anouk’s approach. He stated, “She needs to get to work. She’s a fantastic singer, so she shouldn’t complain. Make more music and maybe perform more.” Joling criticized her stance, implying that if she doesn’t enjoy performing, she should reconsider her career choice as an artist.
He continued on Shownieuws: “If she feels that way, she might as well stay home. I say, ‘Girl, get to it, you have a big mouth. Use it on stage, not just to complain. Just sing! Go for it!’”
Support from Others
Janine Schuinder, a reporter from Shownieuws, echoed Joling’s sentiments. “I completely agree with him,” she stated during the discussion.
Similarly, Guido den Aantrekker, the head of Story, voiced his agreement, remarking, “This is why we love Gerard. Artists must consider themselves entrepreneurs, and they need to provide fans with something tangible.” He highlighted that it seems strange for fans to provide financial resources without knowing what they’ll receive in return.
He added, “Anouk has lived in penthouses worth millions. Sorry, you’re an entrepreneur! If she performed ten times more, everyone would be thrilled.”
Public Opinions Are Mixed
Critics like Mart Hoogkamer also weighed in, stating, “I find it a bit… no, I wouldn’t ask in that way. I’d stop.” Meanwhile, on Hélène Hendriks’ show, guests voiced their disappointment in Anouk’s approach, indicating that her desire for fan-funded album creation seemed more like begging than engaging with her audience.
Calls for Hard Work
Concerns were raised about Anouk’s choices. Many felt that asking fans for financial help undermines her standing as an artist.
One panelist noted that Anouk’s concerts appear to be solely for her livelihood, stating, “Going to fans to ask for money is troubling; you should simply work harder.”
Lastly, Sander remarked, “Can’t she just go perform? It’s sad and a bit troubling. It feels like she’s begging, essentially going around asking for money for her own album.”
