Looking back, Denzil reflects on how music, in one way or another, has always been present in his life. It all started with Aruba's renowned musician Juancho Kock+, who was his grandmother's cousin. Growing up with the tradition of Dande, a unique Aruban musical genre, Denzil's interest in music awakened. "I was around 12 to 14 years old. The more I played, the more certain I became that this was what I wanted to do forever," Denzil says. The cuarta, a traditional Aruban stringed instrument, became his first instrument, even though he wanted to take drum lessons when he was younger.
However, due to his age, it was not possible at the time. He now admits that training on the cuarta gave him a strong sense of harmony, laying the foundation for his musical journey. After studying music in Aruba, working with local musicians, and participating in various musical projects on the island, Denzil made a firm decision to pursue further musical studies. He believes that there is a future in music for sure…
Denzil adds, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting the island's artistic talent.
"The rich culture of Aruba has always fascinated me; it influenced me in different ways, but the rhythms had the most impact. The variety of rhythms in Aruba helped me defend myself rhythmically in different events with other types of music."
Throughout his 12 years of studying music under the guidance of Carlos Bislip, Denzil's mentor has had a profound influence on his musical style and approach?
"My mentor, Carlos Bislip, has been a solid pillar in my career. Not only did he influence me, but he also provided me with many opportunities as a young person to explore the world of music and all that it brings along. Carlos always saw me as a kind of son, and this made our conversations and lessons deep and personal. This helped me develop skills not only behind my instrument but also backstage, during rehearsals, meetings, and individual training. Carlos Bislip prepared me musically and personally for the world I'm in," Denzil proudly explains. Apart from his cuarta expertise, Denzil has also delved into various other musical disciplines. He has taken piano lessons for two years with Mr. Jhonny Croes and studied solfege for two years with Franklin Granadillo. These additional classes enriched his harmonic knowledge, allowing him to better understand the role of other harmonic instruments in a band and adapt his performance accordingly. Denzil's musical tastes are diverse, but he particularly enjoys reggae at the moment. Nevertheless, he listens to almost every genre, broadening his musical vocabulary and cultural understanding.
Inspired by the traditional Tambu music of Aruba, Denzil envisions studying it further to contribute to its innovation and preservation.
You had the opportunity to play with different groups and bands in Aruba. Could you share some of your most memorable experiences?
"One of the most special moments in my career was at the 2016 Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, where I played with the Caribbean Combo. While improvising on stage, I looked over and saw Tony Succar and three other members of his band watching us. They were there for half of our set! As a young musician, it was one of the biggest motivators in my life. Seeing renowned musicians like them watching and enjoying our music on stage was incredible," Denzil joyfully recounts, cherishing the memory of that impactful performance.
Why did you choose Codarts for your music studies, and was it easy to get accepted?
"I chose Codarts because they have a diverse selection of cultures and studies, which I wanted to take advantage of to further develop myself in different fields of music. Getting accepted wasn't easy. I had to do four online meetings where one of them was my 'presentation' of three songs I had to play at 5:30 in the morning due to the time difference between Aruba and the Netherlands," Denzil reveals, expressing the dedication and effort he put into securing his place at the prestigious institution.
How has your family's support influenced your decision to study music?
"My family has always supported my music career. My mom and dad would take me to all my trainings and performances before I got my driver's license. Many times, they even sacrificed their own time to accommodate my commitments. When I was younger, they weren't entirely sure about my passion for music, but the more I played and performed, the more they could see my vision and put their trust in me that I would achieve it. Without their time and energy, I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have," Denzil gratefully acknowledges the unwavering support from his loved ones.
It is very important to learn how to manage your art as a business, especially if you want to make a living from your art?
In the ever-evolving music industry, Denzil is well aware of the challenges that come with pursuing a career as a musician. "I believe it is very important to learn how to manage your art as a business, especially if you want to make a living from your art. It's not necessary, but you can make great use of it by collaborating with other artists or organizing your own events, concerts, or activities. For example, Tropical, an event that I organize with Stephen Diaz. In the music industry, you will always have two sides of the coin, the good and the bad. It all depends on how you position yourself and who you surround yourself with. This also applies to the art world. It can be tough because there will always be some level of competition, but as long as you take care of yourself and your art, progress and innovation will always overcome resistance," Denzil explains, illustrating his perspective on navigating the artistic landscape.
"Now in the Netherlands, my goal is to gain as much knowledge as possible from the professionals I will be learning from so that I can use that to give back to the culture I represent."
As Denzil embarks on his music studies in the Netherlands, he sets his sights on the global stage. "I want to collaborate with as many artists as possible in my career; musicians, poets, painters, singers, etc., especially from our Caribbean region. I believe collaboration is a very important key in art to move forward. I want to bring the culture of Aruba and the Caribbean to the world. And after that, of course, I want to work with international artists from other countries," Denzil shares his vision of uniting cultures through music.
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