V2 records news – Remy Van Kesteren releases song ‘the crown’
EMY VAN KESTEREN Releases song "The Crown" ft. Marcel Veenendaal, frontman of DI-RECT
The Crown (feat. Marcel Veenendaal)
ALBUM "LEAVE WHAT YOU KNOW" OUT 16 MAY 2025
Praised by The New York Times as a "brilliant harpist", the instrument sounds like never before when Remy van Kesteren (1989) plays. Remy developed into an internationally renowned artist, winning numerous prizes and competitions. But when Remy turned 25, he realized: this isn't it.
Not anymore. Not completely.
With two singles released last year and his performance at the latest edition of ESNS 2025, Remy has unveiled a new side of himself. A side that will fully come into its own on his new album Leave What You Know, set to be released on May 16 via V2. This new direction is also reflected in his latest single, "The Crown", a song written and recorded in collaboration with DI-RECT vocalist Marcel Veenendaal. Remy describes the single as being about a sense of connection and hope—that you don't have to do it alone. And with that connection comes the shared responsibility to create a better world together.
Marcel Veenendaal shares his thoughts on the collaboration:
"Remy sent me an improvisation on the harp that was very calm, almost like a drone with subtle movements here and there. It inspired me enormously, and I envisioned a journey that we eventually named The Crown. We came together for one day in my studio, where we laid down the foundation. I sang in the room, and Guus van der Steen immediately started writing to shape the melodies into lyrics. Inspired as we were, we even managed to record the lead vocals that same day. Magical moments."
The upcoming album will be Remy's seventh, and coincidentally—or not—it has taken no less than seven years to complete. During that time, Remy had several demos that remained unfinished and waiting. His previous music was purely instrumental, but while working on this album, Remy realized he was creating actual songs. However, these songs lacked a melody, lyrics, and vocals, even though they seemed to call for them.
This led him to reach out to some of his favorite vocalists, including Robin Kester, Kim Janssen, Pitou, Marcel Veenendaal (DI-RECT), Someone/Tessa Rose Jackson, Luwten, Nana Adjoa, Banji, and Roufaida. He worked individually with each artist to complete the demos, but since each had their own unique approach, the collaborations often resulted in entirely new work.
About these collaborations, Remy says:
"I'm convinced that the most interesting work lies beyond what you already know. And I love a challenge. Collaborating with others, especially on something as personal as a song, was a vulnerable and humbling process." The album brought him new insights and a host of new friends.
This may well be the most important album of his life. Through this way of working, he left everything behind more than ever before—without knowing where it would lead. The creative process was a long journey in which he let go of his career and the certainty that came with it. This had far-reaching consequences, not only musically but also personally.
On a personal level, the album-making process deeply impacted Remy's entire life, raising a host of questions. Was he truly giving up his dream life? Or was it merely a dream life in the eyes of others? And how do you relate to those around you in such a situation? It was a matter of starting over completely—in terms of music, family, relationships, and friendships. Remarkably, many of the guest artists he worked with had gone through similar experiences. Sharing these stories felt almost therapeutic, offering a sense of liberation and affirmation that he was on the right path, even though he didn't yet fully understand where that path might lead. As such, this album can be seen both as a conclusion and as a transition.
"This album is a testament to that personal journey—of discovering what lies within me and what is waiting to come out." Remy explains. For him, curiosity always triumphs over distrust, which is why, as a soloist, he veered off the beaten path to explore what he felt needed to be discovered. "As a child, you look at the world with total openness. As we age, that openness diminishes. We decide what belongs to us, what we like, and what we reject," stems from the idea of leaving behind everything familiar. It also reflects the tendency to become less open-minded as we grow older.Leave What You KnowThe inspiration for the title