Maan Navigates Creative Shift and Media Scrutiny with Özcan Akyol

Dutch singer-songwriter Maan de Steenwinkel is grappling with the complexities of artistic evolution and public perception, as explored in a recent episode of the television program De Geknipte Gast, hosted by Özcan Akyol, also known as Eus. The conversation delved into the reactions to Maan’s recent musical direction and the challenges of navigating media criticism.

A New Musical Direction

Maan’s decision to experiment with a sound different from her previous pop hits has sparked debate among fans and critics. Akyol, while interviewing passersby for the show, noted a recurring observation that Maan had embarked on “a new direction” with her music. Maan herself acknowledged this shift, attributing it not to a deliberate attempt to reinvent herself, but to natural growth and evolving interests. “The emphasis has been on that, that I would follow a completely new course,” she explained to Akyol, “While I’ve just gotten older and my interests have changed.”

Dealing with Criticism

The singer admitted that the critical response to her new work has been mixed, with some finding it innovative and others finding it challenging. Despite the varied reactions, Maan expressed contentment with her artistic choices. “People thought the new course was very nice or complicated. That doesn’t matter to me, because I just really like it,” she stated. She also highlighted the positive aspect of gaining new fans who appreciate her evolving sound.

Artistic Evolution and Personal Growth

Maan described her creative process as fluid and likened it to completing one chapter of a book and eagerly beginning the next. She emphasized that she had simply moved beyond the creative space she previously occupied. Drawing a parallel to other artists, she cited Beyoncé’s diverse discography as an example of artistic exploration. “Beyoncé also sometimes makes a country album and then a disco album. That’s just super cool.”

The Weight of Media Attention

Despite her artistic confidence, Maan revealed that negative reactions and media scrutiny can be difficult to bear. She described feeling like a “target” of the media and struggling with how to respond to circulating gossip. “I do my best, but some reactions are sensitive. That can affect me and get under my skin,” she confessed. She expressed a desire to defend herself but often hesitated, fearing that any statement could be misconstrued or exacerbate the situation.

Looking Ahead

Maan expressed a longing for a future where she could confidently disregard negative feedback and remain true to her artistic vision. “I wish I could sit here and think: f*ck it, I don’t care about anything and I do what I want,” she said. She acknowledged that achieving this level of detachment is a work in progress, but remains a goal she is striving towards.

De Geknipte Gast airs every Saturday at 9:20 PM on NPO 2.