It has always been quite a task for me to define what inspires me. I mostly stick to “Life is what inspires me” and let it end there. But some things are more important than others. Some people are more important than others. It is all a matter of what and who affects you and to what extend. I will list some people here and perhaps tell you why...

My parents & brothers

Only when the bonds are cut, you feel how deeply you are connected. Thank you.

My friends

I could add a list of the people closest to me all with descriptions of why they are important to me, but they know who they are and they know my reasons.

Daniel Gildenlöw

Mostly mentioned for being “a musician I like”, but he has also affected me on a personal level.
He is beyond doubt a wonderful person to bounce ideas off of.

Tuomas Holopainen

“And a dream plays in reverse on piano keys.” (Porcupine Tree - My ashes)

Mark Jansen

A man who still holds my heart, at least partly ;) He provides thought-food, lets me analyze him to pieces and balances me out nicely.
In short: The love of my life, but not in this lifetime.

Daniel Estrin & Voyager

Being the awesome and enthusiastic musicians that they are, they have to be mentioned as a source of my inspiration. Danny proves to have an interesting view on life.

Ronan Harris

“How can someone who doesn't even know you exist, so accurately describe your thoughts and feelings?” - I've asked myself that question many times and still don't know the answer. But there you have it. I thank VNV Nation for enriching my life with their music.

Daniel Cavanagh

A memorable person in many ways. One worth love.

This sums it up rather nicely, I would say. I might have forgotten a few names on this list (I'm not too fond of listing people), but these are the ones that spring to mind now.

This is hard to write, this will be always be hard to write. What can I show the world about my life, and how it translates into my work? Rather a lot actually, I find Inspiration in everything but I will mention some of them here.

Joost

is the one who is undeniably an important factor in my writings. He has been in some of them, but most of all he is the one that gives me the space and what I need to do write, which is special since we live together in a small appartment. Got to love him for it.

Family

What is my supportsystem through life. If it weren't for them, instead of writing I would have been busy with not existing at all.

Daddy

You are worth a seperate mention. If it was not for the crap you put me through, I would not have written many of the works I consider my best pieces. Your lack of really being there in reality, translates perfectly to paper. Those bruises and scars might have been just that what created the writer in me. And without that, I would have been dead inside.

Nenya

She pushes me over my limits and vice versa. We challenge and debate, write and repeat the whole ordeal. It's a perfect fit.

Vincent Cavanagh

Music is emotion. You get that. You really get that.

Anathema

In a whole, is really inspiring. For me it is the most imperfect perfection, exactly what I need from my music.

My friends

The ones not mentioned earlier. They know who they are, and they know what they did for me. I can not mention the extend of how far it goes. Words sometimes can not describe what is inside. This is such an occasion.

Ignorant people

You destroy the world and I write about it. I hate that you are inspiration but you are. However please don't kill me, before I write my masterpieces.

Nightwish

Your work still keeps me enchanted.

Otep

She dares to say what no one else dares to say. Gotta respect a girl for finally opening the curtains and showing the world what happens behind them.

Emilie Autumn

You play the violingstrings of my heart. Don't change for anyone. I know you won't and it is inspiring.

Pain of Salvation, Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos

Can be mentioned in one part. Not because they matter less. They matter in the same way. They make me feel challenged to find out the words behind the words, behind the words, behind the...... feelings.

Some of the people who have hurt me

Fuck you for doing it, thank you for being part of my little world where in I have the capability to show the world what asses you are.

Nature

Last but certainly not least. In every fibre of nature hides a song, and in every movement is music. Don't miss out on hearing that.