Interview Collin Leijenaar & Robin Z from Dilemma

Please tell us something about your hometown?

Collin: I live in Ede, a charming small city located in the center of the Netherlands. Ede is known for its rich natural beauty, nestled between forests, heathlands, and the Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the country. The area is a source of inspiration with its serene landscapes, which offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

Robin Z (keyboards): Our hometown is a village in the center of The Netherlands, surrounded by forests, sheep and one mean wolf. We have our own place there to practice and record (a nice studio inside Collin’s music school) that we are really grateful for. 

When did you get involved in listening to music and what where your fav. bands/artists then and how did you get interested in playing the drums?

Collin: I’ve been immersed in music for as long as I can remember. From a very young age, I was captivated by the melodies and rhythms that filled my home and surroundings. My family, friends and peers around me where also music lovers and often played a diverse range of music, which sparked my curiosity and deepened my appreciation for different genres. I was particularly drawn to bands and artists who pushed musical boundaries and brought something unique to the table. Like bands and artists Toto, Petra, Stryper, White Heart, Rush, Kansas, Genesis, Chick Corea Electric Band, The Yellow Jackets, Dave Weckl, and Simon Phillips. Their creativity and passion inspired me and left a lasting impact on my musical tastes. 

I was always interested in playing an instrument and expressing myself through music. I began experimenting with various instruments to find the one that truly resonated with me. I tried the piano and guitar, but none of them felt like the perfect fit. It wasn’t until I sat behind a drum kit at the age of 12 that everything clicked. The moment I picked up the drumsticks and started playing, I felt an immediate connection. The drums allowed me to tap into a rhythmic energy that was both exhilarating and grounding. I was fascinated by the role of the drummer in shaping the dynamics of a song and driving its momentum. The power and versatility of the drums captivated me, and I knew I had found my true passion. From that point on, I dedicated myself to honing my skills as a drummer. I spent countless hours practicing, studying different styles, and learning from the great drummers who had inspired me. Playing the drums became more than just a hobby; it became an integral part of who I am. It opened up a world of creative expression and eventually led me to join bands and collaborate with other musicians. My journey with the drums has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to connect with audiences and contribute to the music I love.

Robin Z: I started listening to progressive rock music around 1990. Bands like Toto, Kansas, Marillion, IQ, Threshold grabbed my attention. But I also loved the albums and singles of bands like Duran Duran, Tears for Fears and A-ha. Their keyboard sounds and arrangements made me want to play that instrument as well.

 When did you get invited to play with Dilemma?

Robin Z: When we started Dilemma in the 90’s (I was one of the founding members) we just wanted to have fun and write great music. Tunes that stick in your head once you hear them, but are not simple and straight enough to play along with instantly. I guess the sound of DILEMMA today fits that description nicely. So I’m proud still to be part of this band, even though nobody asked me to join them. 😉

Collin: I joined Dilemma in 1995, right after they released their album Imbroccata. The opportunity came about when their original drummer, Frank van Essen, decided to leave the band to join the UK group Iona. At that point, Dilemma was in search of a new drummer to fill his shoes. Someone mentioned to me that they were looking for a replacement, and I was immediately interested because I was a fan of their music and appreciated their progressive approach. I decided to audition for the band, and fortunately, everything clicked during the tryout. 

The chemistry with the other members was great, and I felt a strong connection to the music they were creating. Joining Dilemma was a great and fun step in my musical career, as it allowed me to explore new creative horizons and contribute to the band’s evolving sound. Since then, it’s been an incredible journey filled with memorable performances, songwriting, and recording sessions. Being part of Dilemma has not only helped me grow as a musician but also allowed me to connect with fans who share our passion for progressive music. I’m grateful for that moment back in 1995 when I decided to take a chance and audition—it truly set the course for many exciting years ahead with the band.

 You also are a member of the band Affector, how things are going with the band? Any new plans..?

Collin: Affector has become more of a fun project than a traditional band due to the fact that all the members live in different countries around the world. This geographical distance makes regular collaboration challenging, so we haven’t been able to function as a conventional band. As of now, there are no specific plans to work on new material or projects with Affector. However, you never know what the future might hold. It’s possible that we might come together again at some point, but for now, there are no concrete plans. We’re all keeping the door open to possibilities, and if the opportunity arises, we’d love to explore it.

 Are you involved in other bands or projects at the moment?

Collin: While I occasionally take on session work for other artists, I’m not currently involved with any other bands. My primary focus is Dilemma and running my own music school, which has been incredibly rewarding. With Dilemma, I’m fully engaged in creating music, the production side of things, as well as marketing, everything around booking gigs, performing, and connecting with our audience. The band’s activities take up a significant part of my time and creative energy, and I’m passionate about pushing our music to new heights. 

Running the music school is equally fulfilling. We’ve grown to have over 300 students and a dedicated team of 14 teachers. It’s a joy to nurture the next generation of musicians and watch them develop their talents and passion for music. The school has become a vibrant community where students can explore their musical interests in a supportive environment. In addition to Dilemma and the music school, 

I’m also collaborating with my wife, Jessica Koomen, on her third kitchen gardening book. I’m contributing by doing the research, co-writing and handling all the photography for the book, which has been an exciting creative outlet for me. Working together on this project has been a wonderful experience, combining our interests in music, photography, and gardening. It’s fulfilling to support her work and explore a different artistic medium alongside my musical endeavors.

The new album is just fresh from the press released via V2 Records/Butler Records. How did the band get in contact with them?

Collin: Our new album is indeed fresh off the press, released through V2 Records/Butler Records. We originally connected with them during the production of our previous album, Random Acts of Liberation. Back then, we sent out demos to numerous record labels to gauge their interest in our music. After engaging in conversations with several labels, Butler Records/V2 Records stood out to us. They really understood our vision and were enthusiastic about our work, which made the decision to partner with them an easy one. The collaboration proved to be a great fit, so when it came time to release The Purpose Paradox, we naturally decided to continue our partnership with them. Their support and belief in our music have been instrumental in helping us reach a wider audience. We’re thrilled to be working with a label that shares our passion and commitment, and we’re excited about what the future holds with them by our side.

Please tell us about the writing process, time in the studio, before the release of The Purpose Paradox?

Robin Z (keyboards): The writing process as well as our time in the studio were a combination of great fun, some sweat blood and tears and big smiles. It’s a very special feeling when something that started as just a wild thought in your head gets to see the light of day in the end. Especially when it sounds this big, thanks to the LA based musical genius (and good friend of the band) Rich Mouser. Addicted to writing and composing as we are, we can’t wait to work on new material in the near future.

Collin: I wholeheartedly echo Robin’s sentiments. Crafting The Purpose Paradox was an incredible journey for all of us. Taking on the role of producer for this album, like I did with Random Acts of Liberation, was both challenging and immensely rewarding. Wearing both the drummer and producer hats allowed me to have a deeper influence on the overall sound and direction of the album.

We pushed ourselves creatively and technically, spending countless hours perfecting every beat and nuance. Being the producer meant I was involved in every step of the process—overseeing the songwriting sessions, coordinating the recording schedules, and collaborating closely with Rich Mouser to achieve the sonic quality we envisioned. I spent three weeks in Los Angeles mixing the album together with Rich, which was an incredible experience. Working closely with Rich allowed us to bring out the best in our recordings and achieve the sound we had envisioned. His expertise brought our music to a whole new level. The studio sessions were intense but exhilarating—we were constantly bouncing ideas off each other and experimenting with different ideas and textures. This dual role allowed me to bridge the gap between our creative ideas and the technical aspects of bringing them to life. There were moments of challenge, but also moments of pure magic when everything just clicked. 

Seeing our initial ideas evolve into fully realized songs has been immensely satisfying. I believe my involvement as producer helped to create a cohesive and dynamic album that truly represents who we are as a band. The experience not only strengthened our music but also deepened our connection as bandmates. We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved with The Purpose Paradox and can’t wait for everyone to hear it. And like Robin said, we’re already itching to get back to writing and see where our musical journey takes us next.

How the fans and press react to the new material?

Collin: The response to our new material has been absolutely incredible. We’ve received countless comments, messages, and emails from fans all around the world who truly love what we’ve created. Their enthusiasm and support have been overwhelming and deeply gratifying. It’s amazing to see how our music resonates with so many people globally. The press has also been highly supportive. We’ve garnered numerous positive reviews and features that highlight the evolution of our sound and the depth of our songwriting. Critics have praised the authenticity and energy of our new tracks, noting how they’ve struck a chord with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.We’re thrilled that both the fans and the press are embracing our new work so enthusiastically. This positive feedback motivates us to continue pushing our creative boundaries and delivering music that connects with people on a profound level.

 Can you tell us something about the lyrics of the new album?

Robin Z: The lyrics were partly born from fantasy and partly from personal experiences. Sometimes very intuitively, because the music developed in a certain direction, and sometimes very deliberately because parts of the lyrics had already been written and fit well with the compositions. In all cases, they had to come together as a sum where you recognize the story of a man searching for satisfaction, fulfillment, and new experiences. It was sometimes a puzzle, trying to fit everything together, but we are happy with the result.

 Dilemma played in 2023 at the Marillion Weekend in Port Zelande. How was it?

Robin Z: Opening for Marillion was a dream come true for most of the band members. When you suddenly find yourself on the same stage as the act that once inspired you to pursue music, it feels like the circle is complete. Add to that the fact that, in our opinion, DILEMMA’s music fits very well with Marillion’s, and you’ll understand that we had an incredible evening. The audience – which consisted of thousands of people – gave us very positive reactions, so it was an unforgettable opportunity. Of course, we’re still very grateful to Marillion for that!

 October 11 2024 should be a big day in the bands history with the official release party of the new album in the ‚Mekka’ from the progressieve Rock in The Netherlands; De Boerderij, Zoetermeer. But we just got the News that you Guys will not play then. It will be Postponed to January 19, 2025. What happened exactly?

Collin: In recent weeks, I’ve been dealing with increasingly severe pain attacks in my face that cannot be controlled with painkillers. Although tests have not revealed any alarming causes, the side effects of the medication have had such a significant impact on my body that I’m currently unable to deliver the quality the audience deserves. As a result, after consulting with De Boerderij, we as a band have decided to postpone the show to a later date.” 

Robin Z: “This is as much of a disappointment for us as it is for everyone who was looking forward to seeing our new album The Purpose Paradox performed live. But health comes first, and we would rather deliver a fantastic show on another date than perform at half-strength now. We hope to see everyone on the rescheduled date—we can’t wait!

How was it to be ‚headlining’ the new IO pages. The leading Progressive Rock Magazine in NL?

Robin Z: Let’s be honest, when you start a band, you secretly hope that one day you’ll end up on the cover of a magazine. So, we were very proud when iO Pages chose our image, even though we’re obviously not the most handsome progressive rock band in the world, haha. We love that iO Pages is so enthusiastic about our new concept album The Purpose Paradox and gave us this attention because of it. Now, just Rolling Stone and Time Magazine left, and we’ll have reached our goals as a band. 😉

 In November this year another highlight Will follow in the AFAS, Amsterdam Where the band will play the aftershow for the legendary Dream Theater 40 th Anniversary. Thats a big thing for Dilemma?

Collin: Absolutely, it’s an immense privilege and a significant highlight for us to be performing at AFAS Live in Amsterdam this November, especially as part of Dream Theater’s 40th Anniversary tour. Dream Theater has been a monumental influence in the progressive music scene and on us personally as musicians. To be associated with their celebration is both an honor and a thrilling opportunity.

Playing at such a renowned venue like AFAS Live adds to the excitement. It’s one of the premier stages in the Netherlands, known for hosting some of the world’s best artists. Being able to share our music on a night when progressive music is being celebrated at such a high level is a big deal for Dilemma.

This event not only allows us to showcase our music to a wider audience that appreciates progressive rock but also to pay homage to a band that has inspired us throughout our careers. We’re incredibly excited and are preparing a special performance to make the night unforgettable for everyone involved. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do, and we can’t wait to be part of this amazing experience.

Any other News you have for us regarding Dilemma?

Collin: Yes, we have some exciting news to share regarding Dilemma! We hope to see as many of you as possible at De Boerderij on January 19, 2025. This show is particularly special because it’s our official release concert for our new album, The Purpose Paradox. We’ll be performing the entire album live, along with some of our classic favorites that you all know and love.

But that’s not all—we’re also recording the entire performance on video with the help of the amazing John Vis and his team. De Boerderij is one of our absolute favorite venues to play. The energy, the acoustics, the crowd—everything about it creates an unforgettable atmosphere. If you’ve attended one of our shows there before, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, you’re in for a real treat. The venue’s vibe perfectly complements our music, making it the ideal place to bring these new songs to life.

We’re crafting a killer setlist that blends the new tracks with some of your old favorites. You can expect to hear songs like “The Space Between the Waves,” “Aether,” and “The Inner Darkness,” alongside new tracks such as “I Am Neon,” “Sanctuary,” and “Outer Light.” We can’t wait for you to experience these songs live—they take on a whole new dimension on stage.

Because we’re filming this concert, we really need a full house. This is your chance to be part of something special and help us create an incredible live recording. Seeing your faces in the crowd, feeling your energy, and hearing you sing along—that’s what makes performances like this truly memorable for us.

So grab your tickets, tell your friends, and get ready for a night of amazing music and great vibes. We promise it will be an unforgettable experience, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you!

Do you have a last word to our readers?

Collin: Absolutely! We’d like to leave you with a heartfelt message. Your support means the world to us, and we’re incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. Connecting with our fans is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and we’d love to stay in touch with you.

Please follow us on our social media channels to keep up with all our latest news, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming events:

        •           Instagram: @dilemma.band

        •           Facebook: WeAreDilemma

        •           YouTube: Dilemma Band

And grab your tickets for our show on January 19 here, tell your friends, and get ready for a night of amazing music and great vibes. Let’s make this a night to remember together!

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. We can’t wait to share this special evening with you and look forward to seeing you at the show!

The Purpose Paradox is available as Deluxe 2CD version or a limited edition 2LP Blueberry blue 180 grams vinyl! For fans who appreciate the warmth and depth of sound that only vinyl can offer, this is a special release that brings our music to life in a whole new way. With its striking artwork and high-quality pressing, this limited edition is perfect for collectors and true audiophiles.

But act fast—once these vinyls are gone, they won’t be reprinted! To secure your copy of The Purpose Paradox on vinyl, head over to our official website https://shop.dilemma.band and place your order today. Don’t miss the chance to own this unique piece of Dilemma history!