Leven Is Zich Zelve Zijn

Leven Is Zich Zelve Zijn was released in 1979 on the boutique Belgian label Assekrem. The album represents the artistic output of Leen Persijn, a performer working within the intimate, introspective folk and singer-songwriter traditions that characterized much of the Belgian independent music scene during the late 1970s. Assekrem, known for its eclectic and modest catalog, provided a platform for artists to explore personal and lyrical subject matter with minimal production interference.

The record is a hallmark of regional production, reflecting an era where small-scale labels prioritized thematic cohesion over mainstream commercial viability. Persijn’s work on this release centers on the interplay between vocal delivery and sparse acoustic arrangement, aiming for an atmosphere of authenticity that was highly valued by contemporary listeners of the Dutch-language folk movement. While the record remained a niche release, it has persisted as a documented example of the era's DIY ethos and remains a sought-after piece for collectors of rare Belgian folk pressings.