Ron Coolen Music

29/12/2025

Hysteria is dedicated to my lifelong friend Luc. We go way back, playing together in a band in the ’80s. Luc is a great bassist, but he once admitted he couldn’t master the bass licks from Muse’s Hysteria. Funny enough, I hadn’t even heard the song myself back then.
When I finally listened to it, I realized it’s a brilliant track, but constantly in overdrive. I wondered, what if we reimagined it with more dynamics? And that’s exactly what we did.
I shifted the original bass line to guitar and piano, creating space and adding new layers of tension.
The real star of this version is Timo Somers, whose guitar solos are simply mind-blowing, a perfect combination of precision, feeling, and sheer energy.
This cover is about friendship, creativity, and discovering something new in a song we thought we already knew.
Check out HYSTERIA on my new EP Past Forward, out now on all platforms (link in comments)

20/12/2025

20/12/2025

Corner of the Earth by Jamiroquai is dedicated to Claudie, the woman of my life. Despite our very different musical tastes, we share a deep love for this track. In fact, it’s Claudie’s all-time favorite song, which made it the perfect choice for a cover on Past Forward. Covering it was my way of honoring her, and of exploring the musical possibilities hidden within this gem. I saw plenty of opportunities to expand the dynamics and bring new colors to the song, and many first-time listeners have already called it the most surprising and varied track on the EP.
This track also gave Timo Somers a starring role, with guitar solos that shift effortlessly from groovy and bluesy to furious shredding, with hints of Arabic and Eastern influences weaving through the fast sections.
Corner of the Earth is more than just a cover, it’s a tribute to Claudie, to love, and to discovering new depths in a song we both cherish.
Check out CORNER OF THE EARTH on my new EP Past Forward, out now on all platforms (Link in comments)

07/12/2025

This ADOLESCENT S*X song is a true guilty pleasure of mine. As a kid, I was mesmerized by p***y new wave icons like David Sylvian and Steve Jansen on TV. Revisiting these sounds is my little tribute to that youthful awe, so yes, I’m dedicating this one to myself ;-). The song title might sound controversial, but the song is really about youthful rebellion and breaking social taboos. It’s a snapshot of urban tension, decadence, and defiance, very much in the spirit of late ’70s glam-punk. Themes of identity, desire, and critique of conformity run through it, making it more than just a provocative name.
To capture the funky groove of the original, Steve Wilikin stepped in on bass. Just wait for the intro to the main solo, his slapping skills are incredible.
Energetic, nostalgic, and full of attitude, Adolescent S*x was a natural fit for the Past Forward EP.
Check out ADOLESCENT S*X on my new EP Past Forward, out now on all platforms (link in comments)
*x

05/12/2025

Mercy is dedicated to my daughter Roos. When she was just 10 years old, she stepped onto a school theater stage in front of a full room of kids, parents, and teachers, and sang Mercy all by herself. It wasn’t an easy song, yet she had no fear. Just pure courage and determination. Watching her give it everything she had, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, a father seeing his daughter truly shine.
When it came to recording Mercy for the Past Forward EP, I wanted that same spirit to come through. That’s why I asked Cheza Taylor to play the guitar solos. Like Roos, Cheza shares a special bond with her father, guitar hero Derek Taylor, and that connection is felt in every note.
Having Cheza on this track felt natural, two daughters, fearless and inspired, brought together through music, each carrying a part of their father’s legacy while shining in their own right.
This version of Mercy is a tribute to the fearless spirit of daughters!
Check out Mercy on my new EP Past Forward, out now on all platforms (link in comments)

29/11/2025

Steve Wilikin is a longtime friend, former colleague, and fellow musician. When I reflected on the Here to Stay album and set new goals for the next release, I realized it was time to hand the bass over to a real bass player for Past Forward.
I’ve always seen myself as a very average bassist, and I wanted to hear what a truly groovy, well-crafted bassline could bring to the songs. Steve immediately came to mind. We’d played together many times back when I was still drumming, and being part of a rhythm section with him was always a privilege, our groove was undeniable.
During our studio sessions, it became clear from the first note: replacing myself on bass was the best decision I could’ve made. Steve recorded the tracks for Hysteria and Adolescent S*x, where you can even hear a touch of his funky slapping style blended seamlessly into heavy rock.
So cool and so proud to have Steve on Past Forward.
Check out Steve on my new EP Past Forward — out now on all platforms: https://nl.roncoolen.rocks/pastforward-1
*x

22/11/2025

For the Past Forward EP, I wanted a “real” bassist to bring depth and groove to the songs. And since I’m definitely not that guy, the perfect choice was someone I’ve trusted for years: Hans Pieters.
Most people know Hans as a top-tier Dutch producer and mixing/mastering engineer (with credits including After Forever, Epica, Elegy, Thanatos and Helloïse) but he’s also a fantastic bass player. So this time, he not only mixed the EP, he laid down the bass tracks as well.
Hans and I have worked together since 2019, and he’s been essential in shaping both Rise and Here to Stay. His knowledge, patience and ear for detail have made every release stronger, and our workflow just keeps getting better.
If you ever need anything in audio, production, mixing, mastering or even killer bass, Hans is one of the best you’ll find.
Check out Hans on my new EP Past Forward, out now on all platforms: https://nl.roncoolen.rocks/pastforward-1
*x

16/11/2025

Back in 2019, I first came across Chris Clancy on YouTube while searching for a guest vocalist who could perform Randy Blythe–style vocals for From Your Mouth on my first album. And there he was, singing Walk With Me in Hell by Lamb of God, delivering absolutely insane vocals from what looked like a tiny closet, half-asleep, yet sounding unbelievable. I knew instantly: this guy needs to be on my album.
So I reached out and asked him to sing on two tracks. Chris loved the songs, and within hours he sent over rough vocal ideas that completely blew me away. Working with Chris was fast, inspiring, and incredibly professional.
Fast forward to 2024: the vision for Past Forward, a project turning iconic pop songs into metal, finally took shape. I knew Chris was the perfect singer to bring fresh creativity to these songs while still honoring the original vocal lines. His insane range and versatility made him the ideal fit. And wow… what a performance he delivered.�Chris absolutely crushed it, and I couldn’t be prouder to have him on board.
Check out Chris on my new EP Past Forward — out now on all platforms: https://nl.roncoolen.rocks/pastforward-1
*x

13/11/2025

I first met Timo Somers at the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet Festival back in 2011. This young Dutch guitarist holding his own among legends like Guthrie Govan and Michael Lee Firkins. Even then, he stood out with his feel, groove, and fearless energy. 🔥
Timo first joined me on the Here to Stay album, and now he’s back, bringing his pure magic once again on the new Past Forward EP, adding groove, emotion, soul and next-level musicianship. 💥
What makes Timo truly special isn’t just his insane guitar skills, it’s his intelligence, creativity, and down-to-earth personality. He’s carving his own path with passion and purpose, and I’m convinced his journey is only just beginning. 🌟
*x

10/11/2025

I’ve been following Derek Taylor, a true guitar legend from the 80s, on Facebook for a while.
His videos jamming with his daughter Cheza Taylor are always inspiring. You can really hear that she’s inherited that incredible guitar DNA!
Her tone and vibrato remind me of legends like George Lynch and Warren DeMartini. 🎸🔥
When I recorded my heavy metal version of “Mercy” (originally by Duffy), a song I made for my daughter Roos, it felt only right to invite Cheza to play the lead guitar parts. A true father-daughter connection on both sides of the track.
Cheza’s solos on Mercy are absolutely stunning — she nailed it!
🎧 Check out Mercy on my new EP PAST FORWARD — out now on all platforms: https://nl.roncoolen.rocks/pastforward-1

07/11/2025

It's finally out now: my new EP ‘PAST FORWARD’, is now available on all streaming platforms!
Five iconic pop songs, from Duffy, Muse, Björk, Japan and Jamiroquai, re-imagined in a completely new hard rock style. I'm incredibly proud of the amazing guest contributions from Chris Clancy, Cheza Taylor, Timo Somers, Steve Wilikin, and Hans Pieters.

👉 Listen to Past Forward now on your favorite platform: https://nl.roncoolen.rocks/pastforward-1

And let me know what you think of it!

Past Forward by Ron Coolen