Hein Damming, a 26-year-old local musician, recently dropped a catchy song titled “International (on a small bike),” drawing inspiration from his comical encounters with international students navigating the city on tiny bicycles. The song’s genesis stemmed from a near collision while Hein was zipping around on his bike. “I’m a fast cyclist,” he told Sikkom, the youth-focused Groningen outlet, recounting the incident, “and this guy just turned left without a glance back. I went flying!”
Humorous tribute to Groningen’s biking culture
Embracing Groningen’s vibe, Hein infused the reggae-inspired tune with bits of the local Groningen dialect, narrating the tale of a local cyclist nearly colliding with an international student. The storyline unites the two over their mutual love for Groningen and its unique biking culture.
Hein, who works as a trainee in the energy transition, crafts music purely for the thrill. “I’m not taking myself too seriously,” he quipped. From penning lyrics to composing melodies and crooning vocals, Hein orchestrates his musical symphony from the comforts of his home studio setup.
Beyond “International (on a small bike),” Hein’s repertoire includes diverse tracks like “Lieve Zwanette,” a swashbuckling pirate chant, and “Jantje van Amsterdam,” a pulsating hard techno track. “I experiment with various styles,” Hein chuckled, expressing his joy in creating tunes during his leisure hours.
Wheeling into local hearts
With family and friends as his primary supporters, they nudged Hein to share his tracks on Spotify for easy access. He aims to extend the song’s reach to more Groningen residents, hoping it becomes an anthem echoing through the city’s bustling streets. “It’s a song for the city,” Hein declared enthusiastically.
Hein’s catchy tune has sparked a viral storm on social media, resonating widely with many who relate to these humorous biking escapades. The song’s popularity has surged, making waves in local news articles and podcasts, much to Hein’s surprise and delight. “I never expected it to resonate so well,” Hein beamed, expressing gratitude for the warm reception. “I’m just thrilled that people are enjoying it.”