ABOUT US
Edgard & Daniel VAN PASSEL, twin brothers, born June 15th 1957: Award-winning Authors, Composers, Producers, Music Publishers - "We trade in Intellectual Property" !
Partners of the Belgian right society SABAM since 1978. Residing in Holland at the start of their musical career, recording in Soundpush Studios in Blaricum and Bullet Sound Recording Studios in Nederhorst Den Berg (for famous Dutch and international artists, such as The Dolly Dots, The Star Sisters, Stars On 45, Lisa Boray, George McCrae, Lyn Collins, ...). The twins were soon presented by 'Conamus', the promotion agency of the Dutch Professional Music Industry, at the Midem Music Fair in Cannes/ France as one of their leading songwriters and producers. That's how their music ended up in the USA. Through their New York office they signed a worldwide contract with EMI Music Publishing in 1990.
But, ... the VanPasselBrothers soon founded their own independent Music Publishing company
"VanPasselBrothers Music"
Worldwide collaborations with: Sony ATV Music/ BMG Music Publishing/ EMI Music Publishing/ Warner Chappell Music/ Universal Music/ MCA Music/ Peermusic ... .
Songs published "in all continents of the world" and cover versions in more than 25 different languages. The 1st cover of one of their songs was recorded in Stockholm/ Sweden in the Abba Studios (Polar Music), soon followed by a 2nd cover on RCA-Victor label in Japan, a 3rd in America on BMG US-Latin label, ... !!
VanPasselBrothers Music copyrights participated in various International Music Festivals: The 1981 'Nordring Jazz Festival' in Scandinavia (entry for Belgium) - Winner of the 1988 'Çesme Music Festival' in Turkey (entry for Holland) - 5th place (1998) in 'The Eurovision Song Contest' (entry for Croatia) and included in the official CD & DVD release (2005) celebrating the '50th Anniversary Of The Eurovision Song Contest'.
In 1993 the Van Passels had an absolute "NR. 1 Smash Hit" in Australia, S.E. ASIA and the rest of the Pacific Region, with their song "DYING INSIDE TO HOLD YOU", originally performed by famous USA artist 'Timmy THOMAS' ("Why can't we live together"/ Drake "Hotline bling"). The song is later covered by various other successful artists, such as Alan Tam, The Wynners, Chlara, Norman Cheung, Darren Espanto (winner of many prestigious awards: Awit Awards 2018 - Double Platinum Award in 2019 - MYX Music Awards 2019 - Top 50 in Spotify's 'Worldwide' Chart).
VanPasselBrothers Music copyrights have more than ''1 BILLION" streams on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, YouTube, ... and the various other Online Digital Platforms. Their copyrights are used: in Commercials & Advertisements, Tv Formats, in a Presidential Campaign, a Musical, as Tv Tunes & Original Soundtracks in Movies, they are played, 'High In The Sky' at various Airlines (United, Jetblue, ...) and are among The Top Copyrights of the Belgian Music Industry in the world!
Even today, Timmy Thomas' original version of “Dying Inside” still appears 'worldwide' in the charts of iTunes and the other online-providers (in the USA, New Zealand, Canada, Norway, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, ...). Various cover versions and other VanPassel songs are in the charts in Japan, Mexico, Sweden, Brazil, South-Africa, Denmark, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan, Slovenia, among others!
May 2024: VanPasselBrothers' composition "Arrivederci", performed by famous Belgian singer 'Sam Gooris', rose to the top of the Belgian charts immediately upon release. The song is released on "VanPasselBrothers" Record Company and was nominated for "Zomerhit 2024". As a result of that success, Sam Gooris wins the Music Industry Award (MIA) in the "Flemish Popular" category on January 29, 2025 with "Arrivederci".
Through their legacy, the twin brothers and their foundation (The VanPasselBrothers fund at KU LEUVEN) support many projects in the field of research and education.
Much more, ... as the story continues: Google: Edgard (Eddy) & Daniel (Danny) Van Passel/ VanPasselBrothers in the worldwide news & social media !!!
VanPasselBrothers Music on Spotify: A selection of our songs in a playlist - Push link below or navigate and scroll through our playlist on the Spotify player below!
Get to know our foundation: “The VanPasselBrothers Fund at KU LEUVEN”
We are building: Power Base Studios
Music is born here.
Vibrations and emotions, straight from the hearts of Edgard & Daniel — timeless melodies shaped with soul and purpose.
NEWS & UPDATES
May 20th, 2025: Our song "Dying Inside To Hold You" was again the theme song in Isko Moreno's election campaign - elected for the 2nd time as mayor of Manila, capital of the Philippines. Below is a video footage.
February 25, 2025 - Dabeme International Music Awards 2025: Among many famous K-Pop Stars, "4th Impact" takes home the 1st prize! Congratulations 👏👏👏 Listen to "It's Not The Same Anymore" (Edgard & Daniel Van Passel) on link below. 💚💚💚
February 22, 2025: “Dying Inside” (Timmy Thomas & VanPasselBrothers) Nr 1 in Singapore iTunes Chart today!
February 12, 2025: In the late 80's & early 90's we had the privilege to record with USA artist "Lyn Collins", the lead female singer in James Brown's touring band. From that collaboration comes the demo 'Men Don't Cry' (a cover version of the S.O.S. Band) which we produced with her, released today on all digital online platforms.
February 7, 2025: Available on all digital platforms since today, our 1st composition & production in Holland. "Sweet Sweet Music" by 'The American Dance Band', recorded in 1982 in Soundpush Studio's Blaricum, with Jaap Eggermont as producer and Peter Schön as arranger. Released via Red Bullet productions in 1983, the song appeared on many international labels. Enjoy listening to the c. 2025 remastered version via link below!
January 29, 2025: Sam Gooris wins the Music Industry Award (MIA) in the "Flemish Popular" category with "Arrivederci". See video on the link below: The nominees & The presentation of the Award to Sam Gooris, who first thanks the composers, Eddy & Danny, in his speech.
Behind the scenes with Award Winner "Sam Gooris" and Radio2. Click below link!
Chart info, January 22, 2025: Our song "Dying Inside To Hold You", performed by American singer 'Timmy Thomas' - with over 30 MILLION streams of his version on Spotify alone - peaks at No. 2 on the iTunes Dance Charts of the United Arab Emirates!
January 20 2025: Canadian/Filipino singer Darren Espanto's version of our song "Dying Inside To Hold You" surpasses 64 MILLION streams on Spotify alone!!
December 20 2024: Wegens groot succes: Nu Extra Shows - Klik op de link onder de foto voor trailer!! Due to great success: Now Extra Shows - Click on the link below the photo for trailer!!
December 8, 2024: We are proud to announce that one of our compositions (“Ca c'est la vie”) is part of "10 Om Te Zien - De Musical".
“10 OM TE ZIEN” - Summer 2024 - VTM Television at Westende Beach Belgium!
June 1st 2024: Manila & the Araneta Coliseum sings the VanPasselBrothers song along with Darren Espanto! ... Just overwhelming!!
May 14th 2024: Within 24 hours after release “Arrivederci” at Nr 4 position in the official Belgian iTunes Chart Top 100.
May 13th 2024: Official release of "Arrivederci" by Sam Gooris - With a lot of media attention, it was even on VTM news. Click on link: https://fb.watch/saWy3RVwjK/?startTimeMs=2000<br>
May 13, 2024:
Met trots kondigen we onze nieuwste productie, "Arrivederci" vertolkt door 'Sam Gooris', aan. Het is een "remake" van onze oorspronkelijk Engelstalige compositie "It's Not The Same Anymore" uit midden jaren '80. Voor Sam hebben we onze song opgefrist en er een "c. 2024 Update" aan gegeven. Tekst & Muziek: Edgard & Daniel Van Passel - Productie: Edgard & Daniel Van Passel samen met Yannic Fonderie.
Hieronder link naar onze nieuwe productie en ook de 1ste versie, uit 1988, die op plaat kwam en die we zelf produceerden voor de gekende Nederlandse productiefirma Red Bullet van Willem Van Kooten (muziekuitgever van o.a. "Venus" (Shoking Blue/ Bananarama), "Rock Me Amadeus" (Falco), "You're In The Army Now" (Status Quo), "Paloma Blanca" - "Little Green Bag" (George Baker Selection), "Ding-A-Dong" (Teach-In), "The Stars On 45", ...). Aan die firma waren we als producers en songwriters begin jaren '80 tot 1990 verbonden en kregen we talrijke internationale contacten.
Ook andere producers en groepen namen onze compositie op. Er zijn o.a. coverversies in Finland, Duitsland, S.E. Asia waar het lied, vertolkt door UK X Factor finalist "4Th Impact", recent nog de originele Soundtrack was van een succesvolle film en waar die versie o.a. in Brazilië, de Filippijnen, Denemarken en Zweden in de charts kwam.
Maar ook in Nederland coverde de gekende meidengroep Barbarella in 1991 onze song. Zie hieronder, het was een hit in Latijns-America, waar ze tourden.
'Sam', die we in die periode al goed kenden van in het "10 Om Te Zien" circuit, kreeg een Cd singeltje van ons en het lied is een van z'n favorieten gebleven. Recent vroeg hij of we met hem wilden samenwerken en voila … hier is "Arrivederci", een "updated" Nederlandstalige versie van onze song uit de jaren '80!
Pre-order kan vanaf 10 Mei - Officiële release op 13 Mei 2024 om 01h AM.
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We are proud to announce our latest production, "Arrivederci" performed by 'Sam Gooris'. It is a "remake" of our original English composition "It's Not The Same Anymore" from the mid-80s. For Sam we freshened up our song and added a "c. 2024 Update". Music & Lyrics: Edgard & Daniel Van Passel - Produced by: Edgard & Daniel Van Passel with Yannic Fonderie.
Below link to our new version & 1st version, from 1988, which was recorded and which we produced ourselves for the well-known Dutch production company Red Bullet of Willem Van Kooten (music publisher of Shoking Blue / Bananarama (Venus) - Falco (Rock Me Amadeus), Status Quo ( You're In The Army Now), George Baker Selection (Paloma Blanca, Little Green Bag), Teach-In (Ding-A-Dong), The Stars On 45, …). We were associated with that company as producers and songwriters in the early 1980s until 1990 and we gained numerous international contacts.
Other producers and groups also recorded our composition. There are cover versions in Finland, Germany, S.E. Asia where the song, performed by UK X Factor Finalist "4Th Impact”, was recently the original soundtrack of a successful film and where that version entered the charts in Brazil, the Philippines, Denmark and Sweden among others.
Also the well-known girl group Barbarella from Holland covered our song in 1991. See below, it was a hit for them in Latin-America, where they toured.
'Sam', who we already knew well at that time from the "10 Om Te Zien" circuit, received a CD single from us and the song has remained one of his favorites. Recently he asked if we wanted to collaborate with him and voila... here is "Arrivederci", an "updated" Dutch version of our song from the '80s!
Pre-order from May 10 - Official release on May 13, 2024 at 01h AM.
May 5, 2024: The X Factor UK Finalist "4Th IMPACT" - currently touring in the USA - will be performing live in DENVER on June 15th 2024 !
May 01, 2024: Our worldwide partner & Sub-Publisher 'Universal Music Publishing Group' just announced a New Licensing agreement with TikTok. On this platform our songs are massively uploaded, with more than "1 BILLION" streams so far.
On June 1st 2024, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary, as a professional artist, with our Top performer "Darren Espanto" at the famous Araneta Coliseum in Manila Philippines. With almost “62 Million” streams on Spotify only, our song and production “Dying Inside To Hold You” is his biggest hit and is “Double Platinum Awarded” by MCA/ Universal Records”. Congratulations to Darren!
On May 11, 2024 Darren will be performing live in Frankfurt, Germany
Stream “Dying Inside To Hold You” by Darren Espanto on Spotify - push link below.
April 7th 2024: Proud to have 5 tracks written & produced by VanPasselBrothers on the new release of Patricia Paay’s, "Forever Young" compilation Cd's.
March 22th 2024:
Just recorded a new production with the well-known Flemish singer "Sam Gooris", for which we wrote the lyrics & music. The single is scheduled to be released on May 13th 2024 and will be available on all digital online Music Stores, a press conference will be held on May 6th. Attached is a photo from during the recordings, as a teaser! 🎼🎼🎙🎙
November 5th 2023: We are extremely proud that our song "Dying Inside To Hold You" will again be part of a movie that is an official entry to the Metro Manilla Film Festival. Our song will be used in the film "Becky & Badette" and will be released on Christmas day, December 25th 2023.
But there is more: Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the beloved and popular annual event that celebrates Filipino cinema and its talent in the Philippines, "is going Hollywood". The overseas edition of MMFF, named Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), will screen the eight 2023 MMFF entries in Los Angeles in late January 2024. MIFF will climax with an exciting and glamorous awards gala.
From Singapore Government Agency website & Wikipedia, info about Timmy Thomas: "Dying Inside To Hold You" 2nd best ‘all time’ selling single in Singapore, with more than 54,000 records sold & in Malaysia with more than 20,000 records sold. The Nr 1 ‘all time’ selling single in Indonesia with more than 30.000 records sold, all physical carriers.
Famous French record label CARRERE has just re-released our composition and production "Lies In Your Eyes" performed by the girl duo 'Shift 1'. Also the B-side "Lost Your Attention".
Originally released on vinyl in 1985 and now available on digital platforms for the first time. The song was recorded in Soundpush Studios in Blaricum - The Netherlands. Open Spotify on below links: 2023 Remastered.
Dutch Red Bullet record label ('Golden Earring', 'Shoking Blue', 'Stars On 45') has just released an E.P. by the English singer ‘Sue Chaloner’. It contains 4 versions of our composition "Lost In Your Love", released in 1987 on vinyl, 7" and 12". Our never-before-released composition and production "Love Injection" is also included.
The songs were recorded in Bullet Sound Recording Studios in Nederhorst Den Berg - The Netherlands. It is the first time that the songs are available on the digital platforms. Open Spotify on below links: 2023 Remastered.
March 2023
TikTok
More than "1 BILLION" views of "Dying Inside To Hold You"
... and we still need to analyze more metadatabases.
Click on the photo below, Darren Espanto January 4th, 2023 at Abs-Cbn TV
Karaoke with the "It's Showtime" family !!!
Even the early demo of "Dying Inside To Hold You" from the late 80s, performed by Edgard & Daniel, becomes a Top 20 Hit in the Philippines in January 2023!
Philippines: Countdown to 2023 with our song "Dying Inside To Hold You" sung by Darren Espanto.
October 17th 2022:
VanPasselBrothers Music proud to be invited by the Universal Music Publishing Group to participate as songwriters and producers in the major music festival Umusic "Fanverse".
Below video - Umusic Fanverse, Oct 17th 2022 - As Shown On The Launch Party !!
March 17, 2022 - In memory of Timmy Thomas, who passed away on March 11, 2022:
Timmy Thomas had a special bond with South Africa. He performed there frequently, the music video for our song "Dying Inside To Hold You" was shot in South Africa in 1993 and he was guest of honor and special performer at Nelson Mandela's inauguration as president in 1994.
Photo: Timmy Thomas and his wife Lillie posing for his many awards, including the 3x Platinum award for our International Hit song "Dying Inside To Hold You".
March 12, 2022: We have just learned of the passing of our dear friend Timmy Thomas. We have been friends since 1990, when Timmy recorded our composition "Dying Inside To Hold You". The song has since become an evergreen and is popular all over the world. The album "Heart & Soul" contains 3 other compositions by us, in addition to 'Dying Inside’. “Rest In Peace”, dear friend.
One of the many personal souvenirs, below: “Thank you guys for a beautiful song - it will live forever”. (Timmy Thomas)
Flashback
Timmy Thomas - Nr 1 in The S.E. Pacific Region in 1993
Details from his Promo Tour !
Manila - Singapore - Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur.
The flight details:
The Promo Details:
"Dying Inside" composer Daniel Van Passel comes up with a campaign version for Mayor Isko Moreno
March 2nd 2022 - Rappler, the Philippines' leading digital media company:
Presidential candidate Isko Moreno dances to '90s dancefloor hit "Dying Inside" by Timmy Thomas at a campaign sortie in Pampanga on Wednesday, March 2 - a nod to his matinee idol roots.
February 23th 2022: While our song "Dying Inside To Hold You" (in Timmy Thomas' version) resonates in the Presidents campaign across the Philippines, this version is also currently #1 on the iTunes Charts in Oman. Chlara's version is currently high in the iTunes Charts in New Zealand!
February 8th 2022 - Manila Philippines - Presidential Campaign Mr ISKO MORENO, Motorcade - Our song "Dying Inside" reverberates … see video below:
January 2022 - Timmy Thomas & VanPasselBrothers Music
“Nr 1 in Cambodia” !!
"Dying Inside To Hold You" is the favorite song of Mr. Isko Moreno, Manila mayor and 2022 presidential candidate in the Philippines. The song is widely used in his presidential campaign.
@iskomorenodomagoso Nakakakilig ang inyong mainit na pagtanggap Dolores, Pampanga! ☺️ #fyp #foryoupage #biliskilos ♬ original sound - Isko Moreno
August 29th 2021: our song “It’s Not The Sama Anymore” by 4Th Impact @ Nr 2 in Brazil iTunes ‘Soundtrack Daily’ Charts!
Previously we hit the Charts in The Philippines, Denmark & Sweden!!
June 22th 2021: Darren Espanto's version of "Dying Inside" crossing the '50 MILLION' streams on Spotify !!
June 12th 2021: watch "Dying Inside" on popular ABS-CBN TV show in the Philippines and abroad !!
March 28th 2021: Timmy Thomas & VanPasselBrothers Music @ the Top of the charts in Greece !
January 25th 2021:
VanPasselBrothers Music and Universal Music Publishing Group are proud to announce that they have signed an advertising deal with UNILAB (the leading quality medicine company in the Philippines and beyond.
January 1st 2021: VanPasselBrothers Music signed a Worldwide Sub-Publishing & Administration deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.
September 30th 2020 - VanPasselBrothers Nr 1 in Sri Lanka with 'Stars On 45' project (as producers, co-authors/ composers of the '89 Remix)!
See links below.
Stars On 45 '89 Remix was also released as track 12 on the Hit Album "The Return of World Hits" & many other successful compilation albums !
August 2020 - Nr 1 in New Zealand - Timmy Thomas & The VanPasselBrothers again @ Nr 1 Spot Down Under.
Timmy Thomas + Darren Espanto = More than 61 MILLION streams on Spotify Only !!
Play their versions, click on the links below.
May 29th 2020: Proud to announce a new single version of "Dying Inside to hold you", today worldwide released on all digital platforms, performed by 'Chlara' - accompanied with a music video. From the 2018 'Evo Sessions' Album 🎶🎶🎶
Flasback
Nr 1 Çesme Music Festival 1988 in Turkey
"Lovers Until The End" Performed by Lisa Boray - winning 4 awards !
The Festival was broadcasted live via satellite in 13 countries.
Play the song on the link below (written & produced by VanPasselBrothers)
Below, 3 links with 3 other versions of our winning Song:
a Spanish version by Lisa Boray + a Symphonic version - Also a cover-version recorded by Angelina VanDijk. There are various other cover-recordings: in South-Africa, ... .
Below: 1988 publication from Music & Media (sister publication of Billboard magazine).
In 1984 the VanPasselBrothers collaborated with the legendary French lyricist 'Pierre Delanoë', known for his successes, including "Nathalie", "Et Maintenant" which he wrote for and with Gilbert Becaud & several other hits that were recorded by Elvis Presley, Franks Sinatra , Tom Jones…. Below "Je Ne Vis Pas De Souvenirs" performed by the Dutch singer Stella, former member of "The Hearts Of Soul" & "Dream Express".
Thank you Mayor Isko Moreno of Manila, for your personal message. Yes we love your 'dance moves' on our song ‘Dying Inside’. We are very proud and very honored!!
Just 5 of the thousands video's on YouTube ...
more than "112 MILLION" views !!
Chart Update:
The Mayor of Manila, Mr Isko Moreno, dancing to the tune of his favourite song 'Dying Inside To Hold You' by the VanPasselBrothers
Live performance November 22 2019 - 1MX MANILA 2019
Darren Espanto takes on "The Last Five" challenges - Nov 15th 2019 TV Entertainment ABS-CBN: Tonight with Boy Abunda - @ 0.55" - "Last song you can't get out of your head" ... And I was ... . !!!
October 24 2019 @Nr7 in the United Arab Emirates
September 5th 2019: China, here we come. "Dying Inside" @Nr 5 in iTunes Charts Macau !!
June 9 2019: Celebrating Darren Espanto's 18th B-day on TV, with "Dying Inside To Hold you" as opening song & as reprise of the Medley !
Mainland China, here we are !! After a successful performance in Florida USA, Darren flew back to Manila to undertake a flight to mainland China to perform as a guest at the country's largest music festival this april 12th 2019 💚💚💚👏👏👏!
Watch final part of Darren Espanto's Unstoppable Concert in Manila 'Kia Theatre' May 26 2018. "Dying Inside To Hold You" is the 'Encore Song' and starts at 6'21"!
A Hit in Sweden: Top 20 in iTunes Soundtrack Chart !!
Watch out for the launch of: "It's Not The Same Anymore" (written by: Daniel Van Passel & Edgard Van Passel) performed by '4Th IMPACT'. The Official Soundtrack of the motion-picture "Ang Dalawang Mrs Reyes" starring Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban. Release date January 17th 2018.
DYING INSIDE TO HOLD YOU- Official Soundtrack of the motion-picture "ALL OF YOU"
OST performed by "DARREN ESPANTO"
Lead Actors: Jennylyn Mercado & Derek Ramsay. Filmed in Taiwan/ Jiufen.
Official Entry to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival. The film opens on Christmas Day, December 25 2017.
Original Video Clip 'Timmy Thomas' - Shot in South-Africa.
Residing in Holland, at the beginning of their musical career and recording at Soundpush Studios (Blaricum) and Bullet Sound Studios (Nederhorst den Berg), the VanPasselbrothers soon belonged to "The Pick Of Dutch Creative Artists", according to Conamus/John de Mol Sr. (Promoter Of The Dutch Professional Music Industry at the International Music Fairs, as MIDEM in Cannes France, among others).
Already in the early ‘80's/ ‘90’s : Authors, Composers, Producers and Music Publishers for 'The Top Local (‘Stars On 45’, ‘Dolly Dots’, ‘Star Sisters’) and International Artists' (‘George McCrae’, 'Timmy Thomas' (USA), ‘Be-2’ (Japan), ‘Jazzy Mel’, 'The Sacados' (Argentina) ... .
VanPasselBrothers on YouTube:
VanPasselBrothers on Soundcloud:
