Irene Jansen - vocals

Arjen explains:

Together with Floor we were searching for someone to be the backing vocalist next to Floor during the Star One tour. I had seenher sister Irene in the audience dancing to the music of After Forever. At some point I mentioned to Floor that it would have been great if her sister had been a singer. Much to my surprise Floor told me that Irene is a singer! I was a little sceptical at first, but after they had sent some recordings I was completely convinced. Irene’s voice is quite different from Floor’s, not as high, but a lot more raw. Despite the fact that Irene at 19 years of age had little experience, she did a perfect job. I do think we’ll hear more from her.

Studio report - The Human Equation

The final singer to venture into the Electric Castle to record vocals for the upcoming Ayreon release was Dutch vocalist Irene Jansen, who fans might remember from the Star One tour and DVD. Check the pictures, and read about the experience in Arjen's own words.

- What made you choose Irene for this Ayreon project?

Arjen: When we were looking for a backing singer for the Star One tour, Floor Jansen (After Forever) suggested her younger sister Irene, who, however didn't have a lot of experience at the time. At first I was hesitant, but obviously we have all seen and heard that Irene did a great job! Then Gary Hughes called me and asked if I knew a female powersinger for his rock opera, and I suggested Irene. I recorded her here at my studio and I was really amazed by what she did, until then I didn't realize she was that good! I knew right then that I was going to work with her some day.

- How did you get in touch with Irene?

Arjen: Well, a simple 2-minute phonecall sufficed!

- Describe the recording session in three words.

Arjen: Powerful, fast, impressive.

- How would you describe Irene voice?

Arjen: Extremely powerful (which seems to be the keyword here), high and loud, but to my surprise she can sing very sensitive and beautiful as well. As usual I've used all aspects of her voice.

- What was the most memorable moment?

Arjen: When she sang a high G at full voice!

- What was something you absolutely didn't expect?

Arjen: I didn't expect her to record this fast, she immediately understood all the difficult harmonies. She was even better than the last time I recorded her. And her voice didn't get tired either, not even after a whole day of singing lots of high harmonies.

- What was something Irene did not expect?

Arjen: Okay, Irene's own words: "I didn't expect things to happen so fast, for me, but also the recording itself. Within a day we practically recorded everything that had to be recorded. Also, I never knew how high and powerful I could actually sing. Working with Arjen in the studio gave me confidence and belief in my own capabilities, which resulted in great material and very cool parts".

- Irene has the unique ability to...

Arjen: ...reach those notes at full power that I wouldn't expect anybody to reach!

- Describe the end result of the session.

Arjen: For me Irene is the best female powersinger I have worked with, and also the best I know at the moment. She is sort of like 'the female Russell Allen' (and I know she won't mind me saying that!). To my knowledge there are not many female powersingers around, at least not the way Irene sings. I hope Irene and her band Karma will get the recognition they deserve!