Here at the editorial office, we still love to sing the song ‘I Would Stay’ by Krezip along. With of course the footage of the performance during Pinkpop where Jacqueline Govaert was still so incredibly young and cute. Now she has been doing it alone for a while and released her second solo album ‘Songs to Soothe’ on March 21. It has been a busy period, so now it's time for some relaxation. Before she goes abroad for a few days, we ask her about her favorite spots.
What is a nice place to write songs?
I prefer to sit at home in my own little studio on the second floor with a view of Haarlem. I can work at my own pace and if I need a distraction, I walk into the city or pick up a child from school.
Where do you go in Haarlem?
Pieck is a very relaxed restaurant, especially when I go for lunch with a glass of wine (that happens sometimes on a Friday afternoon). For a bit more hustle and bustle, I go to the Jopenkerk, an old church that has been converted into a brewery and grand café. You can eat delicious salads there.
And if you go out for dinner in the evening?
De Wandelaar is a very nice restaurant in a beautiful square. There is also a little heater outside, so I can enjoy a cigarette after dinner. It's close to home. Usually, we give the baby monitor to the neighbors and have a bite to eat.
Do you ever shop in Haarlem?
Certainly, my favorite stores are Moise and I.D. At Moise, they sell a lot of Isabel Marant and Acne, and at I.D. mainly a lot of Swedish brands. I usually do my styling myself, only when I have a shoot with many different outfits do I get help.
Do you wear different clothes on stage than normal?
It completely depends on what kind of performance it is and how I feel. Usually, I wear something as if I'm going to a party; it has to be a bit special, of course. Recently, we had a CD presentation at a very special location, so I really wanted a very chic outfit. I chose a beautiful dress by Rika.
If you could go away for a weekend, where would you go?
Coincidentally, I'm going to Barcelona next Tuesday. I've been there many times with my husband, but now we're going for the first time with the kids. I love the combination of the city and the beach, and the whole Ramblas is like an Efteling promenade for the kids. I've been busy, so I'm really looking forward to it.
We found an apartment via AirBnB for four nights. Usually, we sleep in Chic & Basic Born. A very small hotel with hysterical design and small rooms with a cozy balcony. Now that's not so convenient with the kids.
Have your children flown before, or is this their first time?
No, I recorded my album in LA and lived there with the whole family for a few months, so they are somewhat used to it. This flight should be a piece of cake for them.
Are you looking forward to a restaurant in Barcelona?
Restaurant Cal Pep is a place where we always go to eat. I discovered it once from a travel guide. There is always a very long line, and inside it’s really chaotic. I'm excited to go there with the kids; we'll find a quiet spot at the back of the place. You can eat the most delicious prawns there. The bottle of wine you get on the table, you drink until you’ve had enough, and that’s what you pay for. Even if you think you’ll only have one glass, the bottle always gets finished.
And lastly, where do you hope to perform one more time?
I would love to perform at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. A legendary venue.
