Metal Blade Records have announced that Marjan Welman [Picture] is the new singer of Autumn. She replaces Nienke de Jong, who recently announced her departure from the band.

Within the Dutch rock scene Marjan is considered to be a promising talent with her warm voice and perfect timing. Her recent vocal contribution on the Ayreon album "01011001" received outstanding reviews and shows a singer who stands her ground between a selection of highly acclaimed international vocalists.

Marjan will make her stage debut with Autumn at a number of major summer festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Metal Gothic Palace and Summer Breeze. She will be fully involved in the writing process of the follow up record to "My New Time". Marjan will also keep performing with Dutch band Elister.

The band comments the beginning of a new chapter as follows: "We are very proud to welcome Marjan as the new singer of Autumn! As it wasn't easy to fill the gap Nienke left behind, we took our time to find the best possible replacement. Marjan quickly became one of our favourites. She stole our hearts during the first audition with her enthusiasm and powerful rendition of Autumn songs. After auditioning some other remarkable singers, it became clear Marjan had all the qualities we were looking for. She is one of the best-kept secrets in the Dutch music scene and we are delighted to write the next chapter for the big Autumn book with her."

Marjan comments her engagement in Autumn as follows: "A little while ago, Jens contacted me and asked if I might be interested in auditioning for Autumn. I was shocked. "Who, me?" I felt honoured that they would consider me a candidate. He sent me "My New Time" from which I already heard a few songs through myspace. After listening to the entire album once, I realized I wanted to take the amazing opportunity that was right in front of me. On the day of the audition, car trouble threatened to spoil the party. Luckily, we managed to get the audition started without too much delay. After singing away the remaining nerves I also got the chance to enjoy it all. I was struck by the relaxed atmosphere! On my way back I could only hope that they would pick me, and so they did... To also become a part of Autumn in addition to Elister feels wonderful and I hope that we'll do great things!"

Read more (comments by Arjen Lucassen and a biography of Marjan Welman) here.

Source:	metalblade.de
Band profile:	Autumn