ABOUT JORIS

Winner of multiple IndabaMusic awards, recognised by Steve Reich and Paul Simon
(2010-2013).

Discover:

  • My fascination with the piano started early in life. During my time at the Utrecht Conservatory (NL) I was fortunate to be mentored by renowned pianists Bert van den Brink and Jasper van ’t Hof. I also had the privilege to receive tutelage from the legendary John Taylor at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne. Alongside appearances on Dutch national TV, I performed at iconic venues like Bellevue and Paradiso in Amsterdam. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with various bands, artists, and singers.

    Besides the piano, I love diving into different instruments such as the organ, synthesizers, percussion, drums, and (bass) guitar, exploring their sonic possibilities and pushing creative boundaries. Whether on stage or in the studio, I am always searching for new sounds and fresh expressions to bring music to life.

  • My approach to composition is rooted in passion and great enthusiasm for all music genres. I began composing at 17 and later refined my craft under the guidance of Henk Alkema. Since then, I’ve written and produced music for singers, ensembles, and films, fusing influences from classical, jazz, world, and pop-rock styles.

  • Trained in audio engineering, I specialize in recording, mixing, and mastering, particularly in classical, world, and jazz music. 

    Combining the sensitive ear of a musician and sound engineering expertise, my approach to audio mixing and mastering focuses on creating a dynamic and natural soundscape while achieving balance, spatial and spectral clarity. I pay uttermost attention to the finest details in every recording, striving for a personal experience whereby listeners are transported into a space where the musicians are.


Photo: Kunshan Goh

FEATURED VIDEOS

R&B SHOWREEL (2025)

Kingsay sent me a vocal track to produce; here’s a before/after demo

ELECTRO ACOUSTIC STUDIO JAM (2020)

EMMA (2025)

Commissioned by violinist Emma Breedveld

Composition/Recording: Stijn van der Loo & Joris Holtackers

ROXANNE FOR CELL8CTET (2013)

Arrangement: Bart Soeters & Joris Holtackers

BASS SOUNDS I (2013)

Composition/production: Bart Soeters & Joris Holtackers

BASS SOUNDS II (2018)

Composition/production: Bart Soeters & Joris Holtackers

WALDEMAR’S GROOVE (2020)

During Covid19 lockdown, Bart Soeters’ son Waldemar (aged 7) invited me to compose music to his improvised drumming

F. CHOPIN - BARCAROLLE, OP. 60 (2020)

R. SCHUMANN - TOCCATA, OP. 7 (2021)


QUOTES

  • Outstanding, brilliant,a most enjoyable and dynamic listening experience… Great work and beautiful sonic clarity… in the same league with Disney

    ben evolence (via indabamusic)

  • There's music that can be always suitable and welcome from the vast majority of listeners .... A peaceful production which will touch your soul in the most gentle way

    Nagamag about ‘Qaanaaq’ from the album Greenland

  • Really love this; your submission was killer!

    concord music group (via indabamusic)

  • Normally, I can trust my ears to work out whether someone has used live playing or sample banks, but your stuff sounds so real and live, and gets produced in such a short space of time that it can’t possibly be all live. Your music speaks to me on a level that no other music on this site has done yet!

    ben fowler (via indabamusic)

  • Your “Plenty Four Seven” is by far the most interesting, beautiful and best conceived and performed tune of all Brief {indabamusic weekly brief competitions} ! … You are my myth!!!

    andrea riderelli (via indabamusic)

  • Your notes are really breathing in and out, giving all the notes the right space. The notes and timing are beautiful. A deep bowing

    Le Vab (via indabamusic)

  • His interpretations of Bach are a pleasure to listen to and his compositions and productions (a.o. for film) are impressive

    Bob van der Boom (pianist/composer/producer)

  • Great music, rich and open sound; delicacy of playing, sophisticated without being boring

    Didi Tokaoui (via indabamusic)

  • I’m blown away! This is really high quality stuff. Really great piano playing!

    Dynabeat (via indabamusic)

  • Very, very exciting … wonderful sound!

    jasper van 't hof (jazz pianist/composer) about adept's ode