Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
This band has no press
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Amsterdam-based Dutch singer-songwriter Lucky Fonz III (born Otto Wichers, 1981) is deeply rooted in American song traditions; from Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan to Bright Eyes and Will Oldham. After having been a barpianist, a rave-DJ, a street musician and leader of a rockband, he discovered traditional folkmusic whilst living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Back in the Netherlands, he became a solo-performing singer-songwriter, first making his name on the thriving Amsterdam underground folk scene.
In a relatively short period of time, he managed to become a popular live act and his songs have earned him a devoted following among both the Dutch indie crowd as well as the roots crowd.
In the spring of 2006, he self-released the critically acclaimed debut album Lucky Fonz III. The songs were picked up first by indie-radiostations, and later by national radio. Throughout the year 2006, he won three prizes for his performances, among which the Grolsch Grote Prijs of The Netherlands for singer-songwriters, Hollands most prestigious prize for new acts. Lucky has played several festivals (such as Noorderslag) and opened up for, among others, Larkin Grimm, Curtis Eller, Badly Drawn Boy and Donavon Frankenreiter.
His second album is expected in the fall of 2007. His new songs appear to have a more distinctly European feel, incorporating influences such as the French chanson, gypsy song and English balladry. Even so, the blues and country are never far away. Lucky is also active as a piano-player in the free-jazz trio Aemstellarcreek, who self-released the album Live at Crea 206. He also writes songs for other singers. Luckys aim as an artist is, in own words, to make many beautiful songs and albums, to give many beautiful performances, to have many beautiful fans, and to be an artist worthy of existence. He will be touring Australia in the spring of 2007.
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