Amsterdam-based Dutch singer-songwriter Lucky Fonz III (born Otto Wichers, 1981) is deeply rooted in American song traditions; from Cash and Dylan to Bright Eyes and Will Oldham. After short stints as a pianist, DJ and busker he started performing traditional folkmusic whilst living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Back in the Netherlands, he became a solo-performing singer-songwriter making his mark on the thriving Amsterdam underground folk circuit. In a relatively short period of time, he managed to become a popular live act. His songs have earned him a devoted following among both the Dutch indie fans as well as the roots crowd.
In the spring of 2006, he self-released the critically acclaimed debut album 'Lucky Fonz III'. The songs were picked up first by indie-radiostations, later by national radio. Throughout the year 2006, he won three prizes for his performances, among which the Grolsch Grote Prijs of The Netherlands for singer-songwriters, Holland's most prestigious prize for new acts. Lucky has played several festivals (such as Noorderslag) and opened up for, among others, Larkin Grimm, Curtis Eller, Badly Drawn Boy and Jason Molina. In the spring of 2007 he toured Australia supporting The Beautiful Girls and CW Stoneking.
His second album ('Life is Short') will be released October 2007 (only in the NL and Belgium). His new songs appear to have a more distinctly European feel, incorporating influences such as the French chanson, gypsy song and English balladry. Even so, the blues, country and folk are never far away.
Lucky is also active as a piano-player in the free-jazz trio Aemstellarcreek, who self-released the album 'Live at Crea 206'. He also writes songs for other singers. Lucky's aim as an artist is, in own words, 'to make many beautiful songs and albums, to give many beautiful performances, to have many beautiful fans, and to be an artist worthy of existence'.
