Cornel Viljoen speaks to the heart with new single, As jy naby is
Songs are created in different ways... sometimes with a specific idea and message in mind and other times words and melodies just come together perfectly to create a catchy pop song.
This is exactly how singer-songwriter, Cornel Viljoen’s latest single – AS JY NABY IS – was created and his hope is that it will appeal to listeners of all ages.
“The song means a lot to me, because sometimes I feel isolated from everyone else. Life can get so hectic that you don’t even notice the people around you… and even when you do, you still feel lonely. AS JY NABY IS reminds me of exactly that,”
the singer explains.
“I think the song can take listeners to many places, whether physically or emotionally. People will like it because it is unique and I tried to make it my own by adding drums, guitar and 80’s sounds in the background.”
Cornel initially had a rock song in mind. However, after playing it on the piano, he realized that it needed a gentler approach. He did the recording himself and finalized it with the help of Peach van Pletzen.
Johan de Kock produced the stunning music video. It was filmed in the small Free State town, Memel, because the musician has very special memories there.
“I wanted to keep things simple and do a performance video. But it evolved into something much more. I am very nostalgic about Memel and when I wrote this song, I immediately thought of shooting the video there to convey the message of someone who feels far from his loved when she is actually close to him,”
he shares.
AS JY NABY IS is his third single and follows in the footsteps of Ek Weet and Wonderwerk, which currently features on radio stations nationwide. Both singles have music videos that are available on YouTube.
Cornel grew up in the Vereeniging and has been working in the music industry since 2009. He gained fame as part of the group, Splinter Town, who released songs like Broken Sky, The River and Calling You. The band also shared the stage with big names like Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels, Van Coke Kartel and Die Heuwels Fantasties.
Although he started playing guitar at the age of fourteen, studied at COPA, is a worship leader at his church and wrote songs for various artists, he only recently decided to focus on his solo career.
He enjoys listening to meaningful music, and shares that he would love to work with the likes of Die Heuwels Fantasties and Spoegwolf someday.
“I love songs with a powerful message and catchy melody. That is the type of music that I want to create, and my work should include something of everything”,
he says.
Cornel loves cooking and acting, but for now his music is his main focus and his aim is to speak to people’s hearts through his creations.
This versatile musician learnt that hard work, passion and practice are the most important ingredients for success. AS JY NABY IS is a beautiful result of the hard work and passion that he has already invested in his career and is one of those songs that will stay with you long after hearing it for the first time.
The single is now available on all digital platforms.
