Radio 538 DJ Barend van Deelen: 'Don't doubt so much, it will work out'

From an early age, Radio 538 DJ Barend van Deelen wanted nothing more than to be heard by every speaker in the Netherlands. Ten years later this dream became reality and Van Deelen played records for Radio Decibel, 3FM and Radio 538, among others. He now still does this for the latter radio station and has various companies. Who turned on his 'On Air' lamp? Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Radio538

What was your very first part-time job?

“As a guppy I started washing cars at the neighbors and continued my career delivering the Scherpenzeel newspaper. I actually always worked, because my family consists of many entrepreneurs and so I learned from home how much fun entrepreneurship is. In our family it's actually very simple: we basically can't do much more than talk well, so you either become a salesman or a radio DJ!”

Did you know from an early age that you wanted to become a radio DJ?

“I was born in a fairly strict environment, because I grew up in a reformed family. That meant: going to church twice on Sunday, no television and virtually no internet. So I entered a rather limited world in my younger years. But there was one thing I was very familiar with, namely listening to the radio. At first I actually wanted to become a history teacher, but I quickly abandoned this idea and from the age of thirteen I focused on my real passion: making radio.”

How did you realize this dream and end up in your current job?

“If you really want something, the rest will follow automatically. That's why I went to every radio station and 'dropped a tape here and a demo there'. When I was eighteen I worked for the local broadcaster and after that things actually went very quickly! The following year I started at the Veronica Radio School: a program in which a group of young talents are prepared for the profession. From this training I went to Radio Decibel, then to 3FM and from 3FM I ended up at Radio 538.”

Since you came from a fairly strict environment, what did your parents think of you ending up in 'the big city' and the radio world?

“At the beginning of my career, this took some getting used to for my parents. It was really very sensitive. Mainly because I also had to work on Sundays and I became more 'public property'. Of course, it also makes sense in some way, because everyone in this environment pretty much follows the same pattern, so there was some surprise. However, I have never felt crooked eyes and my parents are now more proud of me than ever.”

Who was your wheelbarrow?

“I didn't have a wheelbarrow. I have experienced many facets of the radio profession myself, partly thanks to practical experience. I have sparred a lot with Rick Romijn, Edwin Evers' right-hand man, and of course I spend a lot of time with Ivo van Breukelen. I also had heroes in the past. I really looked up to Giel Beelen, Robert Jensen and Wessel van Diepen.”

Besides being a DJ, you also have several businesses. Tell!

“I have a company called Honest Deelen, which is an extension of radio production: recording voice-overs, chairing the day and hosting events. In addition, I have the Supp Club together with two partners and my own company REBELS RAMPAGE. The ultimate focus and energy boost with a delicious taste.”

Is a Jack of all trades, but a master of none does this apply?

“A day has 24 hours. A person can do a lot in this. Radio is the most important. However, I don't rule out that I might one day put radio making on the back burner. But for that we first have to play the radio and we are still a long way from that point.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“There's nothing better than talking about things and giving people a nice day. This is possible with both radio and entrepreneurship.”

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

“As I said earlier, my parents initially had some difficulty with my career choice. An important moment in my life was when I was still at 27FM at the age of 3. My father had left a congratulatory message on the channel, and of course I broke down at that moment. The message was so beautiful! This was a turning point in our relationship and confirmation for me that what I was doing was right.”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“Don't hesitate so much, it will be fine. This feeling of doubt used to be very intense. I was really on my own and had no safety net to fall back on. 'Just go' was the motto!'

What would you like to change about the Dutch radio landscape?

"A lot. First of all, I want to address the way we broadcast advertising. Nowadays listeners are done with those endless commercial breaks. But how should this be done differently? I haven't invented Columbus' egg yet. Secondly, the terrible obedience of the Dutch media landscape must be abolished. I especially see some courage among the independent media people in this country.” 

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone?

“I am always hunting for young talent. When I look back at the artists who were with me first, including Lil Kleine, Snelle, Boef, Kraantje Pappie and Ronnie Flex, I have certainly been a wheelbarrow for those guys. Not that those boys wouldn't have come without radio, but it is still a nice thing to see one of the above boys steal the show everywhere in recent years; they got to me first!”