Fons & the Chargers, led by Fons Slieker, is a heartwarming musical project hailing from Utrecht, Netherlands. By day, Fons Slieker is a skilled oral maxillofacial surgeon in training, but by night, he transforms into a creative force dabbling in music and painting. With influences ranging from traditional Crooner jazz to iconic artists like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, Fons Slieker brings a unique perspective to his music. Currently residing in Utrecht with his wife Leandra and newborn son Guus, Fons Slieker pours his love and passion into every note of his music.
With “The Last Little Christmas Tree” out now, we took some time to hear from Fons & the Chargers. Read below to learn more about Fons & the Chargers, the story behind “The Last Little Christmas Tree,” and what’s to come.
Hi! Let’s start with how did the group’s name come about?
My first name’s Fons, so that was an easy starting point for a stage name. But I wanted something with a little wink to the 1940s and ’50s, and to the kind of music that I make. The first single from my album is called “Turn Off Your Phone (It’s Christmas),” so if I’ve got The Chargers with me – no one can charge their phones anymore! It’s also a nod to all the digital tools that I used to make my music.
What city are you all from, and where are you all based now?
I was born in Amsterdam and grew up in Hilversum. When I went to study Medicine, I moved to Utrecht. That’s where I met my wife, and we’ve stayed ever since; that was about 15 years ago. We’ve got a little boy now, and we’re planning to stay in Utrecht for the time being!
How and when did the group form?
Since last summer, I’ve had the idea of making a Christmas album. In my youth, I played the piano a lot, and during my student days, I was involved with music as an amateur DJ. For quite a while, though, music was on the back burner because of my training to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Now that my son has been born, I want to reignite that part of my life, partly so I can pass music on to him as he grows up. Christmas has always been a special time in our home because we have music on all day long. My wife and I absolutely love traditional jazz, crooner jazz and big band Christmas music. Aside from remakes, there are very few truly new tracks being made in that style, which is really what made me decide to take matters into my own hands and make some new music.
How would you all describe your group’s sound to readers who may not be familiar with you all?
Traditional jazz, crooner jazz, big band Christmas music.
Who are some of your group’s main musical influences?
Big inspirations are Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and more recent Michael Bublé.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your group’s music career so far?
To be honest, this album hasn’t been around for very long yet. So, I’m really proud to see that my Christmas music seems to strike a chord with so many people who listen to it. This time of year is all about kindness, family and friends. I hope to get that message across with my music, if that works, then I’m proud.
What would you all say are the greatest lessons that you’ve all learned so far?
My biggest lesson is that if you’re walking around with a creative idea, you should just go for it. Whether it’s music, a book or a painting – if it has the power to bring people together, then it’s always worth it.
Now onto “The Last Little Christmas Tree.” What inspired this song?
During the making of my album and “The Last Little Christmas Tree,” I was playing with the idea of connecting music from the past to the society we live in today. How could I bring those two together? In timeless stories, there are always bigger themes that carry a deeper moral meaning, which keeps the message relevant. Think of Lord of the Rings and the theme of friendship, for example.
Back to “The Last Little Christmas Tree”: I wanted to write a song about kindness and paying attention to the people around you. As adults, we’re very quick to judge how things “should” be, but sometimes you need the innocent view of a child to see the beauty in what isn’t perfect. In our neighbourhood, there are Christmas tree markets every year where mostly dads come with their children to pick out a tree. That’s really where the building blocks for this song came from.
What is “The Last Little Christmas Tree” about?
It’s about the last Christmas tree that no one wants because it has a broken branch—until a child sees its beauty, takes it home, decorates it with love, and proves that even imperfect things can make Christmas magical.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “The Last Little Christmas Tree?”
The cover is inspired by the style of 1940s–50s illustrations. Other than that, I mainly wanted to keep it simple.
What was the creative process like when making “The Last Little Christmas Tree?”
With the building blocks I mentioned earlier, I knew I could create a strong storyline where the “unlikely hero” – the Christmas tree – could really shine. When the inspiration is flowing, everything just comes together, and that feeling is fantastic.
How long did it take to complete “The Last Little Christmas Tree?”
I’d been playing around with the different ideas in my head for a few days, but once it all came together, I ended up creating “The Last Little Christmas Tree” in a single evening.
What message or messages do you all hope fans take away from “The Last Little Christmas Tree” and your group’s music in general?
The themes of my Christmas album are love for others, family and friendship. The theme of “The Last Little Christmas Tree” is that everyone deserves love, and that anyone can flourish with the right care and attention.
What’s next for you all? Are you all working on any upcoming projects, or do you all have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I actually haven’t got that far yet, to be honest. I’m really just looking forward to celebrating the holidays with my new little family, and with friends and relatives. Once I’ve worked out some proper resolutions for Fons & the Chargers, I’ll be sure to share them.
Where can we follow you all on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/fons_thechargers/
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/fonsandthechargers/unplugged-for-christmas-songs-of-snowfall–love
https://www.facebook.com/people/Fons-the-Chargers/61585073723366/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClPDdX0_JTp50EO9I43q-gg
Before you all go, let’s ask you all something random. Favorite dishes to cook?
I love cooking, from traditional Dutch food to Indonesian, Chinese, French dishes or a good American-style BBQ. Food brings people together, just like music.
Thank you all for the great interview; wish you all much continued success!
