For the artist behind Our Oceans, Tymon  Kruidenier, music isn’t just a collection of sounds—it’s an immersive experience, a mirror to the intricate emotions and insights that make us human. Through an unintentional but deeply personal creative process, this visionary has brought listeners closer to a space of healing, contemplation, and self-discovery. From melancholic undertones to uplifting melodies, his body of work invites listeners to pause, reflect, and feel.

But what drives this dynamic vision? And what’s the story behind albums like While Time Disappears and the upcoming Right Here, Right Now? The following is a closer look at the frontman’s creative mind, his experiences, and his philosophy that breathes life into his music.

Creating Through Life’s Peaks and Valleys 

For many artists, life’s emotional highs and lows serve as a wellspring of inspiration, and for Our Oceans, this connection is undeniable. Their 2020 album While Time Disappears carries the weight of introspection and healing, emerging from a stormy period in the artist’s life marked by relationship struggles, trauma, and depression. “Healing is the core theme of that album,” he  shares, adding that the intent was never to overshare or spell everything out for listeners. 

“My lyrics are intentionally vague,” he explains. “I much prefer giving the listener a chance to form their own interpretations. Ultimately, the music isn’t about me—my own experiences are simply a vehicle for inspiration.” 

And those themes of resilience and recovery naturally evolved into something more hopeful. His upcoming album, Right Here, Right Now, emerged during a lighter, brighter season—at the tail end of the challenging times the artist endured. Meditation practices and a renewed sense of peace imbue the album with optimism. “There’s a strong emphasis on making the listening experience uplifting,” he says. While both albums stemmed from personal journeys, his openness invites listeners to find their reflections in the music.

Balancing Dualities in Music and Lyrics 

Analysing his process retrospectively, Tymon reflects on the dual nature of Our Oceans’ lyrics. “I’d say they’re 50/50—there’s room for both personal truths and universal themes,” he notes. But this balance wasn’t the result of a premeditated choice; rather, it stemmed naturally from his introspective personality and philosophical exploration. 

“I’m not trying to tell the listener something. I’m trying to make them experience something,” they explain. Lyrics for Our Oceans act like open-ended questions designed to gently nudge listeners toward their own emotional truths.

The Debut’s Happy Accidents 

Though meticulously crafted, the band’s debut album was born from serendipity and spontaneity. The artist initially envisioned it as a more casual, singer-songwriter project—far removed from the technically complex riffs and heavy sounds that defined his earlier work with Exivious. 

“Initially, it wasn’t too serious,” he admits. “The instrumentals were there, and I was working with a friend on vocals. But midway, it just wasn’t clicking.” That’s when coincidence struck. Having only recently begun singing practice, Tymon decided to try his hand at vocals—a shift that would forever shape Our Oceans’ identity. “The debut was a series of happy accidents that showed me a more authentic version of myself as a musician.”

The Simplicity of Complexity 

Although Our Oceans boasts intricate soundscapes and poignant lyrics, the creative process is founded on simplicity. For song creation, the foundation always starts with harmony—often as a chord or progression. “Harmony really is the base of my song writing,” he says. 

From there, self-imposed restraints guide the process. “I limit myself to one guitar part and one vocal melody during the writing phase,” reveals the frontman. This minimalist approach fosters clarity and focus, preventing the creative distractions that multi-layered writing often brings. And once the core is solid, the rest of the track becomes a space for collaboration and expansion. 

“Robin (bass) and Yuma (drums) bring their unique voices and creative freedom to the table during pre-production. When the foundation is strong, the song can be taken anywhere,” he explains—a process that elevates Our Oceans’ material from structured simplicity to textured brilliance.

A Citizen of the World 

Despite being deeply entrenched in a network of talented musicians within the Netherlands, Tymon identifies as a “global citizen,” feeling no particular connection to his Dutch roots. And when it comes to creative impact, his bandmates Robin Zielhorst and Yuma van Eekelen remain the standout influences on Our Oceans’ sonic signature. 

But ultimately, they see themselves as a creative hermit—anchored more by introspection than external ecosystems. “I don’t feel Dutch in any way, shape, or form,” he jokes, yet with full gratitude for the opportunities his birthplace afforded him. 

A Spark of Mindfulness 

If one lyric could encompass the philosophy, it’s this line from Abloom, a song from the upcoming record: “I’m nothing but abloom.” Deeply rooted in mindfulness and Zen koans (philosophical riddles meant for contemplation), this lyric encapsulates the artist’s fascination with paradoxes, growth, and self-exploration. 

“Koans urge you to sit with them and experience their meaning beyond words,” he explains. For him, this line distils the ongoing evolution—not just as an artist, but as a person. “It’s a reminder to accept, transform, and bloom continuously.”

Bridging the Past and the Present 

Over the years, Our Oceans has undergone a fusion of influences, blending the artistic sensibilities of artists like Phil Collins, Radiohead, and Björk with the soul of introspective songwriting. And while the artist once channelled these influences beneath layers of technical guitar riffs, the band’s sound now emanates effortlessly—an authentic reflection of growth and experimentation. From accident-prone beginnings to deliberate artistic evolution, Our Oceans has blossomed into a realm of immersive musicality.

A Journey Worth Sharing 

Whether crafting melancholic reveries or meditative soundscapes, Our Oceans remains deeply grounded in its mission to create personal yet universal experiences. And while Tymon eschews behind-the-scenes fame for the sake of the music, his honesty and skill remain etched into every chord, every lyric, and every project.

For fans and newcomers alike, Our Oceans serves as a reminder of music’s ability to heal, connect, and bloom. With Right Here, Right Now just on the horizon, listeners can anticipate yet another chapter in this lyrical and harmonic transformation—a lighter, more hopeful soundscape that embraces the present moment and invites us all to do the same.

Stay tuned. The ocean still has much more to tell.