Sometimes, history has a way of resurfacing when the time is just right. For fans of Dutch punk and power pop, the release of The 1981 Stable Studio Demos by Rotjoch is more than a nostalgia trip—it’s a sonic document from a moment in time that almost slipped away. Originally meant to pave the way for the band’s second album, these demos remained unreleased for over four decades, despite being recorded with the same lineup and in the same studio as their debut LP.
Exposed Vocals connected with Ronald Welgemoed, Rotjoch’s frontman and creative core, to discuss what led to the release of these long-shelved tracks, the evolution of their sound, and how unexpected moments in music history still find their way to daylight. What follows is a deep dive into the journey of a band that never quite stopped making music—even when the spotlight faded.
Exclusive Interview with Ronald Welgemoed (Rotjoch)
Exposed Vocals: Congratulations on the release of The 1981 Stable Studio Demos! What made now the right time to finally share these recordings?
Ronald Welgemoed: Thank you very much! I’ve been releasing some old material from several musical projects digitally, and some people let me know that they were especially interested in these songs because they were recorded with the same lineup and in the same studio as our debut LP. After releasing Bootlek, I thought it was time.
Exposed Vocals: Can you tell us a bit about the original vision for these demos and how they fit into the broader Rotjoch story?
Ronald Welgemoed: These songs were meant as demos for our second LP. We started working with a new producer, Joel Komkommer (also known as Joel David), and the plan was to create a more modern sound. But there were internal conflicts at our record company—the A&R manager and label manager didn’t see eye to eye, and eventually, they terminated our contract. Joel then tried to find another label for us.
Exposed Vocals: Two songs from this collection eventually appeared in new versions with Rebel—how did those tracks evolve over time?
Ronald Welgemoed: Joel connected with VIP Records, a sublabel of Vogue in France, who wanted to start with a single. We rerecorded “Baby Baby Baby” and “No Use Crying” at Studio 150 in Amsterdam. “Baby Baby Baby” had a shorter structure and a new bridge. VIP asked us to change our name to Rebel for more international appeal—a move I regret. The single didn’t get much promotion and failed commercially. Otto Baeten, our main contact and also Motown’s European rep, later re-released it, but the band had already split. It came out again as Rebel featuring Waldo—my nickname—with a new cover. Sadly, promotion was still lacking. In 2019, both songs resurfaced on the compilation Eighties Nuggets: The Golden Years of Dutch Pop Music.
Exposed Vocals: What was it like revisiting these recordings after so many years? Did anything surprise you when you heard them again?
Ronald Welgemoed: I’ve listened to them occasionally over the years. Some of the songs—like “No Use Crying,” “Evil Is Electric,” and “Stupid Love”—are among my favorites. The recordings sound really good. The band was playing a lot of gigs at that time, and you can hear that tightness in the performances. The rhythm section with Michiel ten Veen and René van der Velden was rock solid, and lead guitarist Pim Bilderbeek really delivered. Joel and Roel Toering did a great job with the sound.
Exposed Vocals: Do you recall what the studio sessions were like back in 1981? Any memorable moments from that time?
Ronald Welgemoed: Absolutely. We had a lot of fun recording those tracks. Joel and Roel worked incredibly well together to shape the sound. It was a very positive and creative atmosphere.
Exposed Vocals: How has your musical perspective changed since these demos were recorded?
Ronald Welgemoed: After the band split, I tried new lineups and experimented a lot—especially with keyboards, though I’m not a keyboardist myself. Eventually, a new Rebel lineup came together, including Pim again. We did well in a national band competition, came in third, and recorded a few songs. Over time, I explored reggae, funk, soul, African music, Caribbean styles, and even the dance scene—writing and singing for various productions. Rebel became more of a solo project, and I released solo albums in 1989, 2007, and 2022. Eventually, I circled back to the sound that defined Rotjoch, inspired by ’60s music I grew up with and punk bands my son was listening to. There was even talk of a reunion, but timing didn’t work out. So I formed a new Rotjoch lineup with musicians I jammed with locally, and we started recording again.
Exposed Vocals: Were any adjustments or remastering done to prepare the demos for this release?
Ronald Welgemoed: Yes, I remastered the tracks. Back in the day, you had to mix with vinyl limitations in mind—especially regarding bass. These days, you can bring out more low-end. Joel already did a great job with that, but I enhanced it further. I also fixed a small mistake at the end of “I Don’t Believe in Love Anymore.”
Exposed Vocals: Is there unreleased material beyond this collection that you’re considering sharing in the future?
Ronald Welgemoed: As far as Rotjoch goes, there’s only one unreleased track that might be good enough—“Waiting In The Rain,” an outtake from the Bad Boy LP. But I do have songs from a 1985 Rebel session featuring Pim that I plan to release. Interestingly, one of those songs, “Longing For The Night,” became unexpectedly popular in Mexico—even though it was never officially released!
Exposed Vocals: How have fans and longtime followers responded to the release so far?
Ronald Welgemoed: The response has been very positive. A lot of fans already knew about these demos and were excited to finally hear them online. I’d love to press them on vinyl, but it’s expensive. Still, it’s something I’m thinking about.
Exposed Vocals: Lastly, are there any new projects, collaborations, or performances in the works for Rotjoch or yourself?
Ronald Welgemoed: I’m currently part of an Americana duo called Vita & Ronald—we’ve released four singles and are working on another. I’m also working on a new Rebel album and recently produced a reggae album with Cholo Manga from Zanzibar. We’re planning another one, but progress is slow since he’s living in Norway now. And yes—a new Rotjoch single is on the way! Writing, recording, and making music are still my greatest passions, and I hope to keep doing it for a long time.
Final Thoughts
The 1981 Stable Studio Demos aren’t just unreleased songs—they’re proof of an era, a band that had more to say, and a sound that still resonates. Ronald Welgemoed’s journey with Rotjoch and Rebel is full of highs, lows, and the enduring spirit of reinvention. With more releases on the horizon and a renewed passion for the music that started it all, Rotjoch continues to leave its mark—decades after those sessions first came to life.
