Self-Reflection on Making a Dutch Carnival Song

This project has been a great learning experience for me, especially since it was something completely new. The goal was simple: create a fun Dutch carnival song, but it turned into much more than just making music. I learned how to blend different creative skills, plan a project from start to finish, and bring a unique cultural experience to life on my own.

When I first started, I had no idea what the final song would sound like. I didn’t have a formal music background, and it was my first time writing a carnival-style song. I had to figure out how to mix humor, energy, and rhythm to create something people would want to sing along to. As I went along, I discovered how important it was to balance all the elements—the lyrics, the rhythm, the music—so that everything felt natural and energetic, just like a true carnival song should.

The hardest part for me was finding the right blend between the fun, playful lyrics and the upbeat music. I wanted it to feel spontaneous and full of life, but also structured enough to hold together. At times, it felt like juggling too many things at once—keeping the melody catchy while making sure the lyrics felt relatable and entertaining. It was challenging to find that perfect flow, but when it came together, it was incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was how important it is to have a clear vision and stick to it. Working alone meant I had to rely on my own creativity and problem-solving skills to make everything come together. I also learned a lot about the technical side of music, like balancing sounds and mixing everything to create the right vibe.

Going forward, I feel more confident about trying out other creative projects. This experience opened my eyes to how much fun you can have with something as simple as a carnival song and how much you can learn in the process. I’m excited to keep improving my skills and hope to use what I’ve learned to tell even more fun and meaningful stories through music.

This song isn’t just about capturing the spirit of Dutch carnival—it’s also a reflection of my growth as a creative individual and a reminder of what can be achieved when you push yourself to try something new.

De Kantine van Jantine