ABOUT BERW
Born from Sound, Inspired by Life.
Hi, I’m Berno van der Wal, also known as BERW, a musician and sound artist based in Zwolle, the Netherlands. Music has been a guiding force throughout my life, helping me navigate challenges and express what words could not convey.
A Deep Personal Connection to Music.
Coming from a turbulent childhood, music became a lifeline. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to process and express emotions, especially during life’s most challenging moments. I even have a tattoo of the Chinese character 樂 (music) on my wrist, symbolizing my deep belief in the healing power of sound. In ancient Chinese culture, music was used for healing long before herbal medicine.
Creating music has always been a source of solace. As a young child, I played my parents’ organ. At seven, I began learning guitar, later moving into drumming and electronic music production. From the age of 14 until 35, I played in various bands, honing my skills and performing regularly.
Evolving with Rhythm.
Although I started my musical journey on guitar, I was always drawn to rhythm and drumming. As a father and entrepreneur, I shifted focus away from band life, but the urge to create never left. At 42, I embraced hybrid drumming, building a custom drum kit with digital triggers and expanding into percussive synthesis and ambient soundscapes.
No Beginning or End – A Journey in Sound.
My approach to my personal work is inspired by the philosophy of the elements—there is no true beginning or end. Each performance picks up where the last left off, serving as a continuation or deeper exploration of what already exists. My music evolves over time, remaining familiar yet able to shift and transform with the moment. This fluidity reflects my belief that music, like nature, is in constant motion—each performance is an invitation to dive deeper into the sound, offering listeners a new perspective on a familiar theme.
The Sound of Healing and Exploration.
My music is a reflection of my search for inner peace and deeper understanding. I create ambient and electronic compositions that break free from conventional structures, offering listeners a space to explore new realms, find flow, relax, or even fall asleep. Inspired by the elements, each performance is a continuation of the last, evolving in real-time.
Organic Meets Electronic.
While electronic music can sometimes feel clinical, I incorporate analog instruments and samples with organic origins to preserve a natural, raw quality. My music explores the purity of sound and repetition, aiming to capture the emotion of the moment. I strive for honesty and simplicity, creating a space where sound and silence intersect
Projects and Collaborations.
In addition to my personal projects, I also produce music for various collaborations.
I’m available for collaborations on:
• Theater & dance productions: Creating immersive soundscapes.
• Film and series: Composing unique percussive and ambient scores.
• Yoga and guided meditation: Crafting soundscapes for relaxation and healing.