The Blue Moods
Of Teison
“For Thies, music is a deeply human endeavor—a way of creating meaning and connection without necessity. His reflective philosophy shapes his approach, avoiding rushed releases and embracing a slower, more deliberate process.”
Thies van Zon, a music producer from the Netherlands, has built a career rooted in authenticity and emotional depth. Growing up across countries like Spain, Germany, Poland, and India, he returned to Amsterdam at 16 and launched his music project, Teison. Balancing studies, DJ gigs, and professional commitments, Thies has navigated an unconventional path, finding clarity and inspiration through moments of uncertainty.
A key element of Thies’ journey is his retreat to Medina-Sidonia, Spain, where the peace and focus of his family home have been instrumental in completing his work. His debut EP, Mi Alma, came to life there, marking a breakthrough and gaining recognition from prominent artists like &ME. Tracks like “The Space in Between,” inspired by his grandmother, and “Under Stars,” composed during a family trip, reflect his deeply personal approach to music.
Thies met us at the airport, his demeanor warm and effortlessly natural. After a brief introductory exchange, we hopped into the car and began our journey.
We set off down the highway, with the sound of Gazpa playing in the background, heading towards our destination.We arrived at the house and were greeted by its beauty and charm. The exterior of the house is expansive, boasting an array of meticulously maintained plants and trees, each contributing to the tranquil atmosphere. The architecture of the house tells a story of a life lived across cultures, with its blend of brick, Moroccan tiles, and large wooden doors. The interior spaces are vast and open, spacious rooms decorated with books.
His creative process begins at the piano, where he develops simple chords into full compositions. Ambient sounds from his travels and personal experiences add unique depth to his work. A formative period in India sparked his passion for music production, thanks to tools like Ableton, and introduced him to DJing. Lessons in piano and music theory laid the foundation for his production style, emphasizing melody and structure.
Inside the studio, the sunlight streams in gently, casting a perfect glow on the OB-6, his beloved synthesizer, the instrument through which he has crafted Angels.
His latest project, Angels, further explores themes of joy, gratitude, and bittersweet emotion. Drawing on his time DJing in Copenhagen’s vibrant club scene, the EP incorporates house and techno influences while staying true to Thies’ core creative process—starting with chords and building from there. Medina-Sidonia played a crucial role in its completion, providing a space for introspection and collaboration with his brother Stijn, who helps refine and finalize tracks.
Thies balances his music with a master’s program in Copenhagen, where he’s immersed himself in a network of like-minded creatives. He has performed at renowned venues like Hangaren and festivals such as Karrusel, expanding his reach while continuing to craft authentic and heartfelt music. Despite challenges like creative blocks and time constraints, his commitment to quality ensures that each project is carefully nurtured before release.
For Thies, music is a deeply human endeavor—a way of creating meaning and connection without necessity. His reflective philosophy shapes his approach, avoiding rushed releases and embracing a slower, more deliberate process. Looking ahead, he hopes to fully commit to music, structuring his creative routine to foster greater productivity while staying true to his vision.
Medina-Sidonia remains a central part of Thies’ journey, blending family support, natural beauty, and creative freedom. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his work reflects not only his growth but also the profound emotions and personal stories that define his music.
The views stretched endlessly across the fields until meeting the horizon. Just like a fly limits its flight when confined, the human mind also requires the ability to see the horizon—and beyond—to expand its thoughts.
We accompanied Thies for 2 days in Medina-Sidonia. Full article available in Seeking Sound.
If it weren’t for Manuel Estriga from SeekingSound, this project wouldn’t have come to life. It was the desire to return to writing, photographing, and documenting cultural stories that brought us here. I’ve done this before in other projects I haven’t yet shared, but if I could, I’d spend the rest of my life doing just that: capturing a generation of art and culture, entering the world of artists, observing how they live and create, learning from them, and capturing their humanity.
This project is what brought me back to those feelings. Thank you, my friend Manuel. If you hadn’t made that unexpected call, proposing a quick trip to Seville, without us even knowing each other well, none of this would have happened. It was a good decision.
The sun dips below the horizon as our time in Medina-Sidonia draws to a close. Thies is already preparing for what comes next, but for now, the peace of this place is reflected in the melodies that echo from his studio — a testament to the power of silence and solitude in the creative process.