"Music is a way to express oneself but it talks to people, they can identify with what it expresses, they can sing along, cry, dance to it. Without music the world would be a sad place."

Dani Klein: Music ... Shades of Joy

Vaya Con Dios, the renowned Belgian band, has left a mark on the international music industry with their unique blend of soulful sounds and captivating melodies and over 11.000.000 albums sold. Led by the mesmerizing vocals of Dani Klein, the band has enchanted audiences around the world, delivering unforgettable performances that transcend borders and languages. With their distinctive musical style and heartfelt lyrics, Vaya Con Dios has become a household name synonymous with passion, soul, and musical excellence. Formed in Brussels in 1986, Vaya Con Dios emerged as a musical force to be reckoned with. The band, initially consisting of Dani Klein, Dirk Schoufs, and Willy Lambregt, began honing their craft in the local music scene. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of genres, including jazz, blues, and pop, they crafted a sound that defied categorization and resonated with listeners from all walks of life.

(Dani Klein / Photo by Dirk Alexander)

Over the years, Vaya Con Dios evolved both musically and artistically, exploring new territories while staying true to their roots. Their discography is a testament to their versatility, with songs spanning multiple languages and embracing a diverse range of musical influences. From intimate ballads to upbeat, energetic anthems, Vaya Con Dios continuously pushed the boundaries of their sound, captivating audiences with their unwavering commitment to musical excellence. With their poetic lyricism and heartfelt performances, Vaya Con Dios has proven that music has the power to transcend cultural barriers and unite people in a shared emotional experience. Today, Vaya Con Dios' music continues to resonate, timeless and evocative. Their songs remain a staple in playlists and radio rotations, their influence reverberating through the works of contemporary artists. Their latest album “Shades of Joy” released in November 2023 by CNR Records Belgium.

Interview by Michael Limnios        Special Thanks: Dani Klein & Gary Richmond

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music/songs?

Music made me feel less lonely, I was struggling with emotions I couldn’t express, and I found out that musicians from all around the world were expressing those same feelings in their music.

1988 - 2024 Shades of Joy: How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started and what has remained the same about your music-making process?

The way I create new songs remains the same, I get together with a couple of musicians, we jam, when a melody we like comes out of it, we give it a structure, I write lyrics to it, we work together on the arrangements. I don’t think I’ve grown as an artist, but I think I’ve grown as a person.

Why do you think that Vaya Con Dios music continues to generate such a devoted following?

I don’t know really, maybe because I have never cheated nor compromised. My music reflects what I truly feel. I have always liked traveling and discovering other cultures, that‘s also why my music has so many different influences.

"The way I create new songs remains the same, I get together with a couple of musicians, we jam, when a melody we like comes out of it, we give it a structure, I write lyrics to it, we work together on the arrangements. I don’t think I’ve grown as an artist but I think I’ve grown as a person." (Vaya Con Dios: Led by the mesmerizing vocals of Dani Klein, the band has enchanted audiences around the world. Dani Klein on vocals, Thierry Plas on guitars and François Garny on contrabass / Photo by Dirk Alexander)

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The moment I became famous changed my life completely. I started to travel a lot for my work, spending much time on the road, away from home, I became some sort of a star, a public person and if I liked the recognition it gave me it was also very tiresome. I started to make money and it was perceived as a treason by some of my friends and family. My son was small, I was a single mom, I was dealing with a lot of stress and without the help of my parents I would have never managed.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I don’t miss anything from the past, we have to respect the new generations, they have things to say, and they say it. If I want to listen to music from the past, I can, it’s still available.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music is a way to express oneself, but it talks to people, they can identify with what it expresses, they can sing along, cry, dance to it. Without music the world would be a sad place.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

No matter how famous you get you are nothing more than anybody else. It gets lonely at the top. Money doesn’t fill the emptiness one may feel Inside. Nothing lasts forever.

"Music made me feel less lonely, I was struggling with emotions I couldn’t express and I found out that musicians from all around the world were expressing those same feelings in their music."

(Dani Klein & Dirk Schoufs, 1990 / Photo by Roger Dijckmans)

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

Being a woman in a man's world isn’t easy for anyone. Women have come a long way, but the road is long. In some cultures, a woman who sings is considered a whore. For those, and that are many, who think a woman was created to serve, to be a housewife and to have no personality of her own, an independent woman represents a danger. It was not different in the music business. I have asked my musicians a million times not to play too loud on stage, they couldn’t care less. Some of them drank way too much or did drugs to a point they couldn’t perform properly, nobody cared. So to get heard a woman has to insist, to shout, to become angry and then they are considered to be a pain in the ass.

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