For a long time, Toon van Berkel didn’t care for music. Silence was more comfortable. But over time, music became something essential — something he now can’t live without. It fuels his day, calms his thoughts, expresses what he can’t always put into words, and sometimes hits deeper than any conversation ever could.
Among the artists that shaped his musical world, few resonate like Avenged Sevenfold and Pink Floyd. Songs like So Far Away by A7X — with lyrics about family loss and the struggle to move on — hit close to home. And when Toon listens to The Wall or Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd, it's more than sound. It’s recognition. It’s personal.
Then there's Slipknot, with haunting tracks like Snuff and Bone Church. The raw emotion and darkness in these songs mirror experiences Toon has faced himself. They're not just loud — they’re honest.
Toon doesn’t box himself into one genre. From metal to rock, from Dutch bands like BLØF and Racoon, to the raw energy of System of a Down or BABYMETAL, he embraces variety. Some tracks help him focus, others lift his mood, and some simply tell stories he relates to.
He doesn’t associate songs with coding projects — but definitely with life moments. When he's running, building, reflecting, or just existing, there’s usually music in the background shaping the moment.
One of his most unforgettable experiences was attending a Slipknot concert — an explosion of sound, emotion, and presence. It wasn’t just a show; it was a release. A rare moment of complete connection.
Toon’s Spotify – Master Of Obtaining Monkeys Click a band to view top picks from each.
