Silas J. Dirge is the moniker adopted by songwriter Jan Kooiker. With mostly character driven and story based lyrics he explores subjects like death, religion and (lost) love while accompanying himself on a beat up acoustic guitar. He is often aided by musician friends, with Harald de Ruiter and Justin Zandbergen as returning contributors.
Silas J. Dirge's debut album Tales of Woe was released in December 2018. The album got good reviews and as well as getting added to numerous Spotify playlists its song On the Train of Aches was used as a soundtrack for the USA short film The Final Hour Of Roger Lawrence.
In 2020 there wil be a second album. Two singles, 'Flowers on her Grave' and 'Devil's in Town' have already been released.
PRESS
'If Devil's Music assigned letter grades, it would get an A+ and that still wouldn't be good enough for this deeply rewarding album.'
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Devils Music
'This was a surprise in the best way, and we can't wait to see what Silas produces in his upcoming sophomore album.'
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Pastel Wasteland
'There it is all Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, or if you want your modern versions, Phosphorescent and Oldham rolled into one.'
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Soundblab
'His songs are vast soundscapes, becoming more layered and rich with each listen.'
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Maximum Volume Music
'Silas J. Dirge makes Faustian pact with the Devil on new single'
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Red Guitar Music
'Kooiker has a warm, ripened voice, that is a perfect fit for this valley of tears'
Read more (Dutch):
Rockportaal
INTERVIEWS AND COLLABS
'I love Carel Willink's paintings, their surrealism and apocalyptic landscapes make me feel slightly uncomfortable.'
Read more (Polish):
Soundrive
'We both have a preference for mystery and suspense.'
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Local Spins
'Ghost Town, as on Silas J Dirge's Morricone-influenced c'n'w parody.'
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Elsewhere
'A wonderful song'
Read more (Dutch):
Luminous Dash
