Dutch rock
Encyclopedia
Dutch rock is a form of rock music
produced in the Netherlands, primarily in the English language
as well as in Dutch
.
bands from the late 1950s, like The Tielman Brothers and the Blue Diamonds
. They played rock guitar instrumentals when most of the Netherlands's youth had hardly heard of rock 'n' roll. They stemmed from the Indo community in The Hague and were pivotal in earning that city the title of Beatstad ('Beat city') in later years. With 60s bands like Golden Earring
and Shocking Blue
, and Kane
and Anouk in the 90s, The Hague became synonymous for main stream rock.
More progressive music emerged in the 1960s in Amsterdam. In 1964 (see 1964 in music
), The Outsiders
were the first Dutch psychedelic rock
band
to become successful. Well known was the 'Haagse Scene' - many of the popular bands of the 60s came from The Hague, such as Shocking Blue
, which topped the US charts in 1970 with Venus, Golden Earring
, Q65, The Motions, Earth & Fire. Other representatives from this period: the Cats
, Tee Set
, Bintangs, Sandy Coast, Cuby & the Blizzards
and Brainbox
.
George Baker acquired international fame with the songs Little Green Bag
(1969), and "Una Paloma Blanca" (1975).
From the late 1960s the post war generation gained political influence. Many state subsidised rock venues opened all over the country. These clubs, like Amsterdam's Paradiso
and Melkweg
, were stepping stones for many alternative rock
bands on their first European tour and the Dutch crowd stayed well informed about new British and American acts.
In the 70s some artists stood out. Herman Brood
became the ultimate Rock 'n Roll icon. He even scored a hit in the US with Saturday Night. He became the epitome of the "rock'n'roll junkie" he sang about. As an artist he was in the media until his suicide in 2001. Other bands from the 70s: Gruppo Sportivo
, Massada, Vitesse, Solution
, the Nits
, Focus
and still Golden Earring
with their greatest hit ever: 'Radar Love', also Top 10 in the US.
The late 70s and early 80s gave many one hit wonders and some bands that lasted longer. Female bands Luv'
and Dolly Dots
but also disco bands Spargo and Time Bandits
were most successful. Together with the Golden Earring
, which scored some of their biggest hits with 'Twilight zone' and 'When the lady smiles'. The Nits
developed a large audience outside the Netherlands, including Finland
, Switzerland
, Germany
, France
, Belgium
, Greece
and Canada
and in 1989 were the first Dutch band to play in the (then still) Soviet Union
. Urban Dance Squad
was a cross-over band, combining hip-hop with funk and rock. The band's minor American success proved to be influential. Their music style (rapcore
) influenced bands like Rage Against the Machine
. Van Halen
was created by Edward Van Halen who was of Dutch heritage.
Dutch bands in the 00s are Kane
, The Sheer
, Naked Shepherd, Krezip
, Di-rect and Johan
.
Current rock acts
include Anouk, Voicst
, Di-Rect
, Kane
, Destine
, De Staat
.
bands such as Within Temptation
, The Gathering
, After Forever
, Delain
and Epica
. They became successful in the late 90s and in the beginning of the new millennium. However, bands like Supersister and Kayak
(who had a hit with Ruthless Queen) were already internationally successful in the 70s.
Similar, in the last decade of the previous century a more extreme variety of metal, death metal
, have had some success. Bands like Gorefest
, Pestilence
, Asphyx
and Sinister
were well-known both in and outside Europe. At the present, bands like God Dethroned
, Pyaemia
, Maaswater Veenlijk and Severe Torture
enjoy a similar status.
In the 80s Vandenberg
was internationally successful.
.
Tedje en de Flikkers, a group of homosexuals ("flikkers" is Dutch
for "faggots") from Nijmegen, was one of the most infamous punk formation of the Netherlands. They sprang from the left wing and gay movements that thrived in Nijmegen during the 70s and 80s. Their provocative performances (politically more than musically) often literally resulted in orgies of sex, drugs and noise. They existed only for three years (1977–1980).
The Ex is an Amsterdam
group of musicians making something that could be called punk
. De Heideroosjes is also a well-known Dutch punk rock
group, singing in Dutch
, English
, German
and dialect.
and Jovink en de Voederbietels from Gelderland
, Rowwen Hèze
and Neet Oét Lottum from Limburg
, Mooi Wark from Drenthe and Jitiizer from Friesland.
Musically, the music played by such bands can be described as a rowdy, straight-forward style of rock music, inspired by bands such as ZZ Top
, Motörhead, AC/DC
and CCR
. At other times, influences from pop music and folk music (for instance the case with Rowwen Hèze) can be heard.
Not rarely, these bands display a lot of humorous elements in their repertoire, lyrics and live performances. An example is the repertoire of the WC Experience, which contains cover songs from bands such as Queen
, Guns 'n' Roses and Madness
, only the lyrics are replaced by different, rather silly lyrics in their own dialect. Also, the name of 'Band Zonder Banaan' means "Band without a Banana", and is a humorous play on the name of a famous Dutch pop-band, BZN
(Band Zonder Naam, or 'Band Without a Name'). The name "Jovink en de Voederbietels" is a contraction of the names of the two founding band members (Hendrik Jan Lovink en Gijs Jolink), and "voederbietel" is a Dutch word for a food trough on a farm.
Boerenrock bands tend to perform at local festivities and concerts in big tents in rural areas, rather than in concert halls in bigger cities. An event where a lot of Boerenrock music can be heard, and a famous event amongst Boerenrock bands and fans, is the yearly Zwarte Cross ('Black Motocross') which is organized by members of 'Jovink en de Voederbietels'. The event is a mixture of several motocross related activities and a rock festival.
in the Netherlands is mainly active in the four biggest cities Amsterdam
, The Hague
, Rotterdam
and Utrecht
as well as the northern cities Groningen and Leeuwarden. Following below a brief overview of bands, organisations, venues, festivals that create and are connected to the Dutch scene.
In the 90s indie rock band Bettie Serveert
was formed and independent record label Excelsior Recordings
released albums of Dutch indie rock
bands like Caesar
, Ghost Trucker, Alamo Race Track
, Johan
, Spinvis
, Gem
, Bauer
, Daryll-Ann
, zZz
and many others. After 2000 Voicst
was formed and became popular after a beer commercial hit single for Heineken
. After leaving Zoppo and forming Avec-A musician Yuri Landman
received international attention as an experimental luthier
for famous experimental rock
bands. Dutch noise rock
acts are The Ex, Gone Bald
, The Moi Non Plus, Adept
, Bonne Aparte, Feverdream. Post rock: We vs Death, Electro punk: Aux Raus. In Holland the indie music scene
is mainly present in Amsterdam
, Rotterdam
, The Hague
, Groningen and Utrecht
. A cross media platform called Subbacultcha! hosts nights in venues where many international touring avant garde rockbands like Health
, Enon
, Miracle Fortress
, Mahjongg
, These Are Powers
, Pre
perform as well as local indie and noise rock acts like The Moi Non Plus, Bonne Aparte, Adept
, Hospital Bombers, Pfaff. Subbacultcha! also publishes a musical magazine with in depth interviews with the touring bands and arranges instant recording sessions in a studio in the Vondelpark
with those bands.
In The Hague a yearly festival State-X New Forms
happens in Paard van Troje
.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
produced in the Netherlands, primarily in the English language
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
as well as in Dutch
Dutch language
Dutch is a West Germanic language and the native language of the majority of the population of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, the three member states of the Dutch Language Union. Most speakers live in the European Union, where it is a first language for about 23 million and a second...
.
History
Pioneers of Dutch rock were the so-called IndorockIndorock
Indorock is a musical genre, originating in the 1950s in the Netherlands and Europe. It is a fusion of Indonesian and Western music, and has roots in Kroncong .Indo Rock, Rock 'n roll 50's 60's style....
bands from the late 1950s, like The Tielman Brothers and the Blue Diamonds
Blue Diamonds
The Blue Diamonds were a Dutch 1960s doo-wop duo, best known for their million-selling chart-topping single, "Ramona". Indo brothers Ruud de Wolff and Riem de Wolff founded the group shortly after immigrating to the Netherlands in 1949...
. They played rock guitar instrumentals when most of the Netherlands's youth had hardly heard of rock 'n' roll. They stemmed from the Indo community in The Hague and were pivotal in earning that city the title of Beatstad ('Beat city') in later years. With 60s bands like Golden Earring
Golden Earring
Golden Earring are a Dutch rock band, founded in 1961 in The Hague as the Golden Earrings . They had international chart success with the songs "Radar Love" in 1973, "Twilight Zone" in 1982, and "When the Lady Smiles" in 1984. In their home country, they had over 40 hits and made over 30 gold and...
and Shocking Blue
Shocking Blue
Shocking Blue was a Dutch rock band from The Hague, the Netherlands, formed in 1967. Their biggest hit, "Venus", went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1970, and the band had sold 13.5 million discs by 1973, but the group disbanded in 1974.-Members:...
, and Kane
Kane (Dutch band)
Kane is a Dutch rock band. The group consists of the two original members, Dinand Woesthoff and Dennis van Leeuwen . Their music can be described as "guitar rock"...
and Anouk in the 90s, The Hague became synonymous for main stream rock.
More progressive music emerged in the 1960s in Amsterdam. In 1964 (see 1964 in music
1964 in music
-Events:*January 1 – Top of the Pops is broadcast for the first time, on BBC television.*January 3 – Footage of the Beatles performing a concert in Bournemouth, England is shown on The Jack Paar Show....
), The Outsiders
The Outsiders (Dutch band)
The Outsiders were a Dutch band from Amsterdam. Their period of greatest popularity in the Netherlands was from 1965–67, but they released records until 1969...
were the first Dutch psychedelic rock
Psychedelic rock
Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that is inspired or influenced by psychedelic culture and attempts to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. It emerged during the mid 1960s among folk rock and blues rock bands in United States and the United Kingdom...
band
Rock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
to become successful. Well known was the 'Haagse Scene' - many of the popular bands of the 60s came from The Hague, such as Shocking Blue
Shocking Blue
Shocking Blue was a Dutch rock band from The Hague, the Netherlands, formed in 1967. Their biggest hit, "Venus", went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1970, and the band had sold 13.5 million discs by 1973, but the group disbanded in 1974.-Members:...
, which topped the US charts in 1970 with Venus, Golden Earring
Golden Earring
Golden Earring are a Dutch rock band, founded in 1961 in The Hague as the Golden Earrings . They had international chart success with the songs "Radar Love" in 1973, "Twilight Zone" in 1982, and "When the Lady Smiles" in 1984. In their home country, they had over 40 hits and made over 30 gold and...
, Q65, The Motions, Earth & Fire. Other representatives from this period: the Cats
The Cats
The Cats were a rock band from Volendam, The Netherlands. Together with BZN, they were key figures of what came to be called the Palingsound , an umbrella for artists residing in Volendam...
, Tee Set
Tee Set
Tee Set was a pop rock band formed in 1966 in Delft, Netherlands.The group recorded a single in 1969 entitled "Ma Belle Amie", which was a hit in their native country, selling over 100,000 copies...
, Bintangs, Sandy Coast, Cuby & the Blizzards
Cuby & the Blizzards
Cuby + Blizzards – also known as Cuby & the Blizzards – are a Dutch blues group that formed in 1964 around Harry Muskee and Eelco Gelling...
and Brainbox
Brainbox
Brainbox is a Dutch rock group from the late 1960s/early 1970s. It was founded in Amsterdam by guitarist Jan Akkerman, drummer Pierre van der Linden and singer Kazimir Lux . Their debut single was "Down Man", which established their progressive blues sound...
.
George Baker acquired international fame with the songs Little Green Bag
Little Green Bag
"Little Green Bag" is a 1969 song written by Dutch musicians, Jan Visser and George Baker , and recorded by the George Baker Selection at the band's own expense. The 7" single debut of the George Baker Selection was released by the label Negram. The B-side was "Pretty Little Dreamer"...
(1969), and "Una Paloma Blanca" (1975).
From the late 1960s the post war generation gained political influence. Many state subsidised rock venues opened all over the country. These clubs, like Amsterdam's Paradiso
Paradiso (Amsterdam)
Paradiso is an iconic rock music venue and cultural center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.-History:It is housed in a converted former church building that dates from the nineteenth century and that was used until 1965 as the meeting hall for a liberal Dutch religious group known as the "Vrije...
and Melkweg
Melkweg
The Melkweg is a popular music venue and cultural center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is located on the Lijnbaansgracht, near the Leidseplein, a prime nightlife center of Amsterdam. It is housed in a former warehouse and is divided into a number of spaces of varying sizes...
, were stepping stones for many alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
bands on their first European tour and the Dutch crowd stayed well informed about new British and American acts.
In the 70s some artists stood out. Herman Brood
Herman Brood
Hermanus "Herman" Brood was a Dutch musician, painter and media personality. Initially a musician who achieved artistic and commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s, and called "the Netherlands' greatest and only rock 'n' roll star," later in life he became a well-known painter.Known for his...
became the ultimate Rock 'n Roll icon. He even scored a hit in the US with Saturday Night. He became the epitome of the "rock'n'roll junkie" he sang about. As an artist he was in the media until his suicide in 2001. Other bands from the 70s: Gruppo Sportivo
Gruppo Sportivo
Gruppo Sportivo are a Dutch pop band, from The Hague, formed in 1976, who enjoyed some measure of international success in the late 1970s and 1980s...
, Massada, Vitesse, Solution
Solution
In chemistry, a solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of only one phase. In such a mixture, a solute is dissolved in another substance, known as a solvent. The solvent does the dissolving.- Types of solutions :...
, the Nits
The Nits
Nits are a Dutch pop group, founded in 1974. Their musical style has varied considerably over the years, as has their line-up with the core of Henk Hofstede , Rob Kloet, drummer, Robert Jan Stips , keyboards.Their biggest hit in the Netherlands was "Nescio" , a tribute to...
, Focus
Focus (band)
Focus is a Dutch rock band which was founded by classically trained organist/flautist Thijs van Leer in 1969, and is most famous for the instrumental pieces "Hocus Pocus" and "Sylvia"...
and still Golden Earring
Golden Earring
Golden Earring are a Dutch rock band, founded in 1961 in The Hague as the Golden Earrings . They had international chart success with the songs "Radar Love" in 1973, "Twilight Zone" in 1982, and "When the Lady Smiles" in 1984. In their home country, they had over 40 hits and made over 30 gold and...
with their greatest hit ever: 'Radar Love', also Top 10 in the US.
The late 70s and early 80s gave many one hit wonders and some bands that lasted longer. Female bands Luv'
Luv'
Luv is a Dutch pop girl group that scored a string of hit records in Continental Europe as well as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, Luv' was "Holland's best export act" and thus received the "Conamus Export Prize"...
and Dolly Dots
Dolly Dots
Dolly Dots were a popular Dutch girl band in the 1980s. With their style of upbeat dance/pop, they scored many hits throughout Europe. The sextet consisted of Angela Groothuizen, Angéla Kramers, Anita Heilker, Esther Oosterbeek, Patty Zomer and Ria Brieffies....
but also disco bands Spargo and Time Bandits
Time Bandits (band)
Time Bandits are a Dutch band from the 1980s, best known for their song "Endless Road," which was played extensively in Europe.- The band :The band was formed in 1981 by Dutch born Alides Hidding, who wrote all songs and sang lead vocals...
were most successful. Together with the Golden Earring
Golden Earring
Golden Earring are a Dutch rock band, founded in 1961 in The Hague as the Golden Earrings . They had international chart success with the songs "Radar Love" in 1973, "Twilight Zone" in 1982, and "When the Lady Smiles" in 1984. In their home country, they had over 40 hits and made over 30 gold and...
, which scored some of their biggest hits with 'Twilight zone' and 'When the lady smiles'. The Nits
The Nits
Nits are a Dutch pop group, founded in 1974. Their musical style has varied considerably over the years, as has their line-up with the core of Henk Hofstede , Rob Kloet, drummer, Robert Jan Stips , keyboards.Their biggest hit in the Netherlands was "Nescio" , a tribute to...
developed a large audience outside the Netherlands, including Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and in 1989 were the first Dutch band to play in the (then still) Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. Urban Dance Squad
Urban Dance Squad
Urban Dance Squad was a Dutch rap rock band formed after what was originally intended as a one-time jam-session at a festival in Utrecht on December 20, 1986...
was a cross-over band, combining hip-hop with funk and rock. The band's minor American success proved to be influential. Their music style (rapcore
Rapcore
Rapcore is a subgenre of rap rock fusing vocal and sometimes instrumental elements of hip hop with punk rock .-History:...
) influenced bands like Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
. Van Halen
Van Halen
Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band has enjoyed success since the release of its debut album, Van Halen, . As of 2007 Van Halen has sold 80 million albums worldwide and has had the most #1 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart...
was created by Edward Van Halen who was of Dutch heritage.
Dutch bands in the 00s are Kane
Kane (Dutch band)
Kane is a Dutch rock band. The group consists of the two original members, Dinand Woesthoff and Dennis van Leeuwen . Their music can be described as "guitar rock"...
, The Sheer
The Sheer
The Sheer is a Dutch band playing pop and melodic rock music.They had some success with the single Right Now and the debut album The Keyword Is Excitement! in their homecountry, both produced by Daniel Presley. Their third single entitled "The Girl That Lost Her Mind" came in at #40 in the Dutch...
, Naked Shepherd, Krezip
Krezip
Krezip was a Dutch band from Tilburg, formed in 1997. It is notable for the band member's young ages during their original breakthrough. Since then, the band has had several successful albums and singles in the Benelux countries...
, Di-rect and Johan
Johan (band)
Johan was a Dutch band based around singer/guitarist Jacco de Greeuw. Their music has been primarily influenced by bands such as The Beatles, Crowded House, and The Byrds.-Biography:...
.
Current rock acts
include Anouk, Voicst
Voicst
Voicst are a three-piece indie rock band hailing from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. "Voicst" was the name of a stray cat at the band's very first practice space in Amsterdam.- Band members :* Tjeerd Bomhof * Sven Woodside...
, Di-Rect
Di-rect
Di-rect is a rock band from The Hague, The Netherlands, which was formed in 1999. The current line-up consists of Jamie Westland , Frans "Spike" van Zoest , Bas van Wageningen , Vince van Reeken and Marcel Veenendaal .-1999-2000: Formation:Di-rect began in October 1999 when 15 year old Jamie...
, Kane
Kane (Dutch band)
Kane is a Dutch rock band. The group consists of the two original members, Dinand Woesthoff and Dennis van Leeuwen . Their music can be described as "guitar rock"...
, Destine
Destine
Destine is a rock band that formed in Tilburg, the Netherlands in 2006.-History:Originally from the Netherlands, Destine has a sound which is similar to bands like Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Simple Plan....
, De Staat
De Staat
-Biography:De Staat started as a one man project by the leadsinger, Torre Florim, who brought the band together. Their first demo was made in 2007 and recorded in Florim's apartment. Before they even got signed they were already a full grown band, because of their well received live performances in...
.
Symphonic Rock and Hard Rock
The Netherlands are also known for symphonic metalSymphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
bands such as Within Temptation
Within Temptation
Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic gothic metal/rock band founded in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. Their music is described as symphonic metal, although their earlier material, such as Enter, was gothic metal. In an interview, Den Adel said they fell into a...
, The Gathering
The Gathering (band)
The Gathering is a Dutch alternative rock band, founded in 1989 by brothers Hans and René Rutten and vocalist Bart Smits in the small city of Oss, North Brabant....
, After Forever
After Forever
After Forever was a Dutch symphonic metal band with strong progressive metal influences. The band relied on the use of both soprano vocals and death grunts. In February 2009, it was announced that After Forever had disbanded.-Biography:...
, Delain
Delain
Delain is a Dutch symphonic metal band. The band was founded by the ex-keyboardist of Within Temptation, Martijn Westerholt.-Founding:Delain was founded by Martijn Westerholt and Charlotte Wessels. Westerholt is the ex-keyboardist and brother of one of the founders of Within Temptation, Robert...
and Epica
Epica (band)
Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever. They are known for their symphonic sound and the use of female vocals and male growls performed by Simone Simons and Mark Jansen, respectively. All six members write...
. They became successful in the late 90s and in the beginning of the new millennium. However, bands like Supersister and Kayak
Kayak (band)
Kayak are a Dutch progressive rock band formed in 1972 in the city Hilversum by Ton Scherpenzeel and Pim Koopman. In 1973, their debut album "See See The Sun" was released, including 3 hit singles. Their main popularity was in the Netherlands, with their top hit reaching #6 on the Dutch charts in...
(who had a hit with Ruthless Queen) were already internationally successful in the 70s.
Similar, in the last decade of the previous century a more extreme variety of metal, death metal
Death metal
Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....
, have had some success. Bands like Gorefest
Gorefest
Gorefest was a Dutch band from the Zeeland region of the Netherlands which was founded in 1988 as a death metal outfit by De Koeyer, Harthoorn, van Schaik and Hoogendoorn.-History:...
, Pestilence
Pestilence (band)
Pestilence is a death metal band from the Netherlands founded in 1986. Later they incorporated more jazz and fusion elements into their music. After disbanding in order to pursue other musical directions in 1994, Pestilence has reunited in 2008...
, Asphyx
Asphyx
Asphyx is a Dutch death/doom band that was formed in Overijssel in 1987.-Biography:The band was formed in 1987 by Bob Bagchus and Tonny Brookhuis. Eric Daniels was found as a second guitarist and Chuck Colli joined on vocals and bass guitar; this line up released the Enter the Domain demo...
and Sinister
Sinister (band)
Sinister is a death metal band from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, assembled in 1988, disassembled in 2003, and reassembled in 2005 by Adrie Kloosterwaard on vocals and Alex Paul on guitar...
were well-known both in and outside Europe. At the present, bands like God Dethroned
God Dethroned
-Biography:God Dethroned was formed in 1991 by singer and guitar player Henri Sattler, with Hans Leegstra and Ard de Weerd. Sattler and Leegstra had previously been in Dysentery; Leegstra, quickly after the band formed, left the music scene altogether. They recorded a demo, Christ Hunt, in 1991,...
, Pyaemia
Pyaemia
Pyaemia is a type of septicaemia that leads to widespread abscesses of a metastatic nature. It is usually caused by the staphylococcus bacteria by pus-forming organisms in the blood. Apart from the distinctive abscesses, pyaemia exhibits the same symptoms as other forms of septicaemia...
, Maaswater Veenlijk and Severe Torture
Severe Torture
Severe Torture is a death metal band from the Netherlands, formed in 1997 by drummer Seth van de Loo and bassist Patrick Boleij.-History:The band was formed in 1997 by Thijs van Laarhoven on guitar, Seth van de Loo on drums, Erik de Windt on vocals, Jelle on guitar and Patrick Boleij on bass guitar...
enjoy a similar status.
In the 80s Vandenberg
Vandenberg
Vandenberg is a variation on the Dutch and Flemish surname "van den Berg", literally meaning "from the mountain", "from the hill". It may refer to:-People:* Adrian Vandenberg, Dutch guitarist who has worked with Whitesnake...
was internationally successful.
Punk
Ivy Green was among the first punk bands, originating from HazerswoudeHazerswoude
Hazerswoude is a former municipality in the Dutch province of South Holland. It contained the towns of Hazerswoude-Dorp and Hazerswoude-Rijndijk, and the villages Groenendijk and Bent....
.
Tedje en de Flikkers, a group of homosexuals ("flikkers" is Dutch
Dutch language
Dutch is a West Germanic language and the native language of the majority of the population of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, the three member states of the Dutch Language Union. Most speakers live in the European Union, where it is a first language for about 23 million and a second...
for "faggots") from Nijmegen, was one of the most infamous punk formation of the Netherlands. They sprang from the left wing and gay movements that thrived in Nijmegen during the 70s and 80s. Their provocative performances (politically more than musically) often literally resulted in orgies of sex, drugs and noise. They existed only for three years (1977–1980).
The Ex is an Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
group of musicians making something that could be called punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
. De Heideroosjes is also a well-known Dutch punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
group, singing in Dutch
Dutch language
Dutch is a West Germanic language and the native language of the majority of the population of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, the three member states of the Dutch Language Union. Most speakers live in the European Union, where it is a first language for about 23 million and a second...
, English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
and dialect.
Boerenrock
Some bands create a kind of rock music sometimes called "Boerenrock" ('farmers rock'). These bands mix rock and pop music with regional influences, sometimes sung in the regional dialect, and lyrics influenced by life in rural areas. Examples include BZB (Band Zonder Banaan) and WC Experience from Noord-Brabant, NormaalNormaal
Normaal is a rock band from the Netherlands, more specifically from the Achterhoek region, and sing in the local dialect. The band started in 1975 as a reaction to disco and glamrock. They have since gained national fame, and have had more top 40 hits in the Dutch chart than any other band, despite...
and Jovink en de Voederbietels from Gelderland
Gelderland
Gelderland is the largest province of the Netherlands, located in the central eastern part of the country. The capital city is Arnhem. The two other major cities, Nijmegen and Apeldoorn have more inhabitants. Other major regional centers in Gelderland are Ede, Doetinchem, Zutphen, Tiel, Wijchen,...
, Rowwen Hèze
Rowwen Hèze
Rowwen Hèze is a band from the small village of America in the south of the Netherlands. They are one of the biggest bands singing in a northern dialect of Limburgish. The band was founded in 1985.-Music:...
and Neet Oét Lottum from Limburg
Limburg (Netherlands)
Limburg is the southernmost of the twelve provinces of the Netherlands. It is located in the southeastern part of the country and bordered by the province of Gelderland to the north, Germany to the east, Belgium to the south and part of the west, andthe Dutch province of North Brabant partly to...
, Mooi Wark from Drenthe and Jitiizer from Friesland.
Musically, the music played by such bands can be described as a rowdy, straight-forward style of rock music, inspired by bands such as ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based boogie rock, has come to incorporate elements of arena, southern, and boogie rock. The band, from Houston Texas, formed in 1969...
, Motörhead, AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
and CCR
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival was an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a number of successful singles drawn from various albums....
. At other times, influences from pop music and folk music (for instance the case with Rowwen Hèze) can be heard.
Not rarely, these bands display a lot of humorous elements in their repertoire, lyrics and live performances. An example is the repertoire of the WC Experience, which contains cover songs from bands such as Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
, Guns 'n' Roses and Madness
Madness (band)
In 1979, the band recorded the Lee Thompson composition "The Prince". The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, Prince Buster. The song was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of The Specials founder Jerry Dammers. The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts...
, only the lyrics are replaced by different, rather silly lyrics in their own dialect. Also, the name of 'Band Zonder Banaan' means "Band without a Banana", and is a humorous play on the name of a famous Dutch pop-band, BZN
BZN
BZN was a Dutch band.-History:BZN started out as a pop-rock band in their native Volendam in 1966, playing early-Bee Gees-like harmony pop...
(Band Zonder Naam, or 'Band Without a Name'). The name "Jovink en de Voederbietels" is a contraction of the names of the two founding band members (Hendrik Jan Lovink en Gijs Jolink), and "voederbietel" is a Dutch word for a food trough on a farm.
Boerenrock bands tend to perform at local festivities and concerts in big tents in rural areas, rather than in concert halls in bigger cities. An event where a lot of Boerenrock music can be heard, and a famous event amongst Boerenrock bands and fans, is the yearly Zwarte Cross ('Black Motocross') which is organized by members of 'Jovink en de Voederbietels'. The event is a mixture of several motocross related activities and a rock festival.
Indie rock
The indie music sceneIndie music scenes
An independent music scene is a localized independent music-oriented community of bands and their fans. Local scenes can become a key role in musical history and lead to influential genres, for example No Wave from New York City, Madchester from Manchester and Grunge from...
in the Netherlands is mainly active in the four biggest cities Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
, The Hague
The Hague
The Hague is the capital city of the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. With a population of 500,000 inhabitants , it is the third largest city of the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam...
, Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
and Utrecht
Utrecht (city)
Utrecht city and municipality is the capital and most populous city of the Dutch province of Utrecht. It is located in the eastern corner of the Randstad conurbation, and is the fourth largest city of the Netherlands with a population of 312,634 on 1 Jan 2011.Utrecht's ancient city centre features...
as well as the northern cities Groningen and Leeuwarden. Following below a brief overview of bands, organisations, venues, festivals that create and are connected to the Dutch scene.
In the 90s indie rock band Bettie Serveert
Bettie Serveert
Bettie Serveert are a Dutch indie-rock band. Their name translates to "Bettie Serves", or "Service to Bettie", which is the title of a book written by Dutch tennis player Betty Stöve, who made it to the Wimbledon ladies singles final in 1977.-Genesis:...
was formed and independent record label Excelsior Recordings
Excelsior Recordings
Excelsior Recordings is an independent record label located in Utrecht, Netherlands, born out of a love - for 7" vinyl, and anger - over almost-famous Dutch band’s Daryll-Ann's luck. First up was a single release; Nothing sucks like Electrolux...
released albums of Dutch indie rock
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
bands like Caesar
Caesar (band)
Caesar was an indie rock trio from Amsterdam consisting of Roald van Oosten, Marit de Loos and Sem Bakker. The band was founded in 1994. Caesar released four studio albums, plus one retrospective release in 2006, Before My Band Explodes....
, Ghost Trucker, Alamo Race Track
Alamo Race Track
Alamo Race Track is a rock band from Amsterdam, Netherlands. They have released three full-length albums. Their current effort, Unicorn Loves Deer, was released on March 21, 2011 in their native country.-Early days :...
, Johan
Johan (band)
Johan was a Dutch band based around singer/guitarist Jacco de Greeuw. Their music has been primarily influenced by bands such as The Beatles, Crowded House, and The Byrds.-Biography:...
, Spinvis
Spinvis
Spinvis is a Dutch one-man project centred around Erik de Jong . Using experimental, lo-fi music, Spinvis became an instant success in his home country, earning two gold records in the process and performing sold-out tours in both the Netherlands and Belgium.-Spinvis:In 2001, Erik de Jong, or...
, Gem
Gem (band)
GEM is a band from Utrecht, The Netherlands. The five-piece, founded in 2003, plays energetic rock, mixing grit with melody. GEM has released two albums of which Escapades is the newest.-Biography:...
, Bauer
Bauer (Dutch band)
Bauer is a band founded in 1999 by former Bettie Serveert drummer Berend Dubbe and based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The band writes upbeat electronic music.-Discography:...
, Daryll-Ann
Daryll-Ann
Daryll-Ann was a Dutch rock band stemming from Ermelo, a small rural village in the east of the Netherlands. Between 1992 and 2004 the band released six studio albums, plus one live album. Daryll-Ann was the first signing of Dutch label Excelsior Recordings...
, zZz
ZZz
Juan Manuel Silveyra zZz is a Dutch band from Amsterdam, founded in 2001, formed by Björn Ottenheim and Daan Schinkel. On their first album, the instruments of the band only consisted of an organ and a drumkit. They have since incorporated other electronic and live elements into their sound. The...
and many others. After 2000 Voicst
Voicst
Voicst are a three-piece indie rock band hailing from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. "Voicst" was the name of a stray cat at the band's very first practice space in Amsterdam.- Band members :* Tjeerd Bomhof * Sven Woodside...
was formed and became popular after a beer commercial hit single for Heineken
Heineken
Heineken is a Dutch beer which has been brewed by Heineken International since 1873. It is available in a 4.6% alcohol variety in countries such as Ireland. It is the flagship product of the Heineken company and is made of purified water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. In 1886 H...
. After leaving Zoppo and forming Avec-A musician Yuri Landman
Yuri Landman
Yuri Landman is a Dutch experimental luthier who has made several experimental electric string instruments for a list of artists including Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, Liars, Jad Fair of Half Japanese and Liam Finn...
received international attention as an experimental luthier
Luthier
A luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
for famous experimental rock
Experimental rock
Experimental rock or avant-garde rock is a type of music based on rock which experiments with the basic elements of the genre, or which pushes the boundaries of common composition and performance technique....
bands. Dutch noise rock
Noise rock
Noise rock describes a style of post-punk rock music that became prominent in the 1980s. Noise rock makes use of the traditional instrumentation and iconography of rock, but incorporates atonality and especially dissonance, and also frequently discards usual songwriting conventions.-Style:Noise...
acts are The Ex, Gone Bald
Gone Bald
Gone Bald is a noise rock band from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The band was founded in Zagreb, Croatia in 1994. Soon thereafter, the band hitch-hiked to Amsterdam and that's where the band still lives, even though singer/guitarplayer Razorblade Jr is the only original member left after numerous...
, The Moi Non Plus, Adept
Adept
An adept is an individual identified as having attained a specific level of knowledge, skill, or aptitude in doctrines relevant to a particular author or organization.-H. P. Blavatsky:...
, Bonne Aparte, Feverdream. Post rock: We vs Death, Electro punk: Aux Raus. In Holland the indie music scene
Indie music scenes
An independent music scene is a localized independent music-oriented community of bands and their fans. Local scenes can become a key role in musical history and lead to influential genres, for example No Wave from New York City, Madchester from Manchester and Grunge from...
is mainly present in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
, Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
, The Hague
The Hague
The Hague is the capital city of the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. With a population of 500,000 inhabitants , it is the third largest city of the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam...
, Groningen and Utrecht
Utrecht (city)
Utrecht city and municipality is the capital and most populous city of the Dutch province of Utrecht. It is located in the eastern corner of the Randstad conurbation, and is the fourth largest city of the Netherlands with a population of 312,634 on 1 Jan 2011.Utrecht's ancient city centre features...
. A cross media platform called Subbacultcha! hosts nights in venues where many international touring avant garde rockbands like Health
HEALTH (band)
Health is an American noise rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band's 2007 release with Crystal Castles charted at position nine in the UK indie singles chart.- History :...
, Enon
Enon
Enon was an indie rock band founded by John Schmersal, Rick Lee and Steve Calhoon. Currently, Enon is situated in Philadelphia, though the band is known for being part of the New York music scene.-Biography:...
, Miracle Fortress
Miracle Fortress
Miracle Fortress is a Canadian indie rock band based in Montreal. The band is primarily a project of songwriter Graham Van Pelt. Van Pelt also a member of Think About Life.-Band history:...
, Mahjongg
Mahjongg (band)
将麻 is a two-piece band based in Chicago, Illinois formerly known as "Mahjongg," consisting of multi-instrumentalist Hunter Husar and drummer Josh Johannpeter...
, These Are Powers
These Are Powers
These Are Powers is an experimental music group from Brooklyn, New York and Chicago, Illinois. The band mixes polyrhythm with samples and other electronic sounds and noise rock.-History:...
, Pre
Pre (band)
Pre, often written as PRE, is a British noise rock band on Skin Graft Records and Lovepump United. It is based in London and was formed around 2005 with singer Akiko Matsuura, known for taking the stage in only her underwear and extensive stage diving. Pre includes former members of Todd and Seafood...
perform as well as local indie and noise rock acts like The Moi Non Plus, Bonne Aparte, Adept
Adept (band)
Adept is a Swedish post-hardcore band from Trosa.-Formation:Adept was founded in 2004 and consists of musicians Robert Ljung , Jerry Repo Filip Brandelius and Gabriel Hellmark . In their first year, they released their first demo, Hopeless Illusions, recorded and sold on their own...
, Hospital Bombers, Pfaff. Subbacultcha! also publishes a musical magazine with in depth interviews with the touring bands and arranges instant recording sessions in a studio in the Vondelpark
Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is a public urban park of 47 hectares in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is located in the stadsdeel Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, west from the Leidseplein and the Museumplein. The park was opened in 1865 and originally named the "Nieuwe Park", but later renamed to "Vondelpark", after the 17th...
with those bands.
In The Hague a yearly festival State-X New Forms
State-X
State-X New Forms is an independent festival for independent music culture such as avant garde music, noise rock, indie rock, IDM, held in The Hague, in The Netherlands, since 2004. The festival is a fusion of the two festivals State-X and New Forms both of which were held for 6 years...
happens in Paard van Troje
Paard van Troje
Paard van Troje is a venue in The Hague, Netherlands founded in 1972 with the support of the alderman of culture from The Hague. Currently located at the Prinsegracht.-History:The Paard van Troje began as a centre for youth culture...
.
Indie rock scene by city
- AmsterdamAmsterdamAmsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
: Bands like The Ex, Bettie ServeertBettie ServeertBettie Serveert are a Dutch indie-rock band. Their name translates to "Bettie Serves", or "Service to Bettie", which is the title of a book written by Dutch tennis player Betty Stöve, who made it to the Wimbledon ladies singles final in 1977.-Genesis:...
, Gone BaldGone BaldGone Bald is a noise rock band from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The band was founded in Zagreb, Croatia in 1994. Soon thereafter, the band hitch-hiked to Amsterdam and that's where the band still lives, even though singer/guitarplayer Razorblade Jr is the only original member left after numerous...
, CaesarCaesar (band)Caesar was an indie rock trio from Amsterdam consisting of Roald van Oosten, Marit de Loos and Sem Bakker. The band was founded in 1994. Caesar released four studio albums, plus one retrospective release in 2006, Before My Band Explodes....
, Ghost Trucker, Zoppo, VoicstVoicstVoicst are a three-piece indie rock band hailing from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. "Voicst" was the name of a stray cat at the band's very first practice space in Amsterdam.- Band members :* Tjeerd Bomhof * Sven Woodside...
, zZzZZzJuan Manuel Silveyra zZz is a Dutch band from Amsterdam, founded in 2001, formed by Björn Ottenheim and Daan Schinkel. On their first album, the instruments of the band only consisted of an organ and a drumkit. They have since incorporated other electronic and live elements into their sound. The...
, experimental instrument builder Yuri LandmanYuri LandmanYuri Landman is a Dutch experimental luthier who has made several experimental electric string instruments for a list of artists including Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, Liars, Jad Fair of Half Japanese and Liam Finn...
. A cross media platform called Subbacultcha! hosts nights in venues where many international touring avant garde rockbands like HealthHEALTH (band)Health is an American noise rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band's 2007 release with Crystal Castles charted at position nine in the UK indie singles chart.- History :...
, EnonEnonEnon was an indie rock band founded by John Schmersal, Rick Lee and Steve Calhoon. Currently, Enon is situated in Philadelphia, though the band is known for being part of the New York music scene.-Biography:...
, Miracle FortressMiracle FortressMiracle Fortress is a Canadian indie rock band based in Montreal. The band is primarily a project of songwriter Graham Van Pelt. Van Pelt also a member of Think About Life.-Band history:...
, MahjonggMahjongg (band)将麻 is a two-piece band based in Chicago, Illinois formerly known as "Mahjongg," consisting of multi-instrumentalist Hunter Husar and drummer Josh Johannpeter...
, These Are PowersThese Are PowersThese Are Powers is an experimental music group from Brooklyn, New York and Chicago, Illinois. The band mixes polyrhythm with samples and other electronic sounds and noise rock.-History:...
, PrePre (band)Pre, often written as PRE, is a British noise rock band on Skin Graft Records and Lovepump United. It is based in London and was formed around 2005 with singer Akiko Matsuura, known for taking the stage in only her underwear and extensive stage diving. Pre includes former members of Todd and Seafood...
perform as well as local indie and noise rock acts like The Moi Non Plus, Bonne Aparte, AdeptAdept (band)Adept is a Swedish post-hardcore band from Trosa.-Formation:Adept was founded in 2004 and consists of musicians Robert Ljung , Jerry Repo Filip Brandelius and Gabriel Hellmark . In their first year, they released their first demo, Hopeless Illusions, recorded and sold on their own...
, Hospital Bombers, Pfaff. Subbacultcha! also publishes a musical magazine with interviews with the touring bands. It also promotes Dutch bands at foreign festivals such as SxSW and PopkommPopkommPopkomm is an international trade show for the music and entertainment business, and also integrates a congress and festival. It is held in Berlin but has had entries from at least 55 other countries. Popkomm is organised by Popkomm GmbH, Berlin.- History :...
in Berlin Venues that regularly showcase indie rock acts (local and touring bands): ParadisoParadiso (Amsterdam)Paradiso is an iconic rock music venue and cultural center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.-History:It is housed in a converted former church building that dates from the nineteenth century and that was used until 1965 as the meeting hall for a liberal Dutch religious group known as the "Vrije...
, MelkwegMelkwegThe Melkweg is a popular music venue and cultural center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is located on the Lijnbaansgracht, near the Leidseplein, a prime nightlife center of Amsterdam. It is housed in a former warehouse and is divided into a number of spaces of varying sizes...
, OCCIIOCCIIThe OCCII is a venue for alternative and independent music in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The organization is mostly run by volunteers and has its roots in the squatting movement; the building was squatted in 1984 and "legalized" in 1989...
, De Nieuwe Anita, OT301OT301OT301 used to be a squat in the Dutch city of Amsterdam which is located on Overtoom 301. EHBK has now bought the building which is used as a multi-media alternative cultural centre. The building is an old film academy and was squatted in 1999 by a group of artists...
, Bitterzoet, Studio K. - Eindhoven: Music venue the EffenaarEffenaarThe Effenaar is a pop music venue in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. It was founded in 1971 and has grown into one of the larger pop venues in the country....
, bands: Stuurbaard BakkebaardStuurbaard BakkebaardStuurbaard Bakkebaard is a Dutch rock band formed in 1996.Their early work has been frequently compared to artists such as G. Love, Tom Waits and de Kift....
, Beukorkest, Peter pan SpeedrockPeter Pan SpeedrockPeter Pan Speedrock is a Dutch band from Eindhoven. It was founded in 1997 by guitarist Peter van Elderen. He was joined by drummer Bart Nederhand and bass player Bob Muileboom in making their first self titled album. After this album Muileboom was replaced by Bart Geevers, who would stay to be a... - Groningen: Label Subroutine Records. Yearly a prominent indie rock showcase festival calles Eurosonic takes place in Groningen. Venue Vera has a long tradition as a prominent underground spot and desired place for touring indie bands to play.
- HaarlemHaarlemHaarlem is a municipality and a city in the Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of North Holland, the northern half of Holland, which at one time was the most powerful of the seven provinces of the Dutch Republic...
: Bands: the SheerThe SheerThe Sheer is a Dutch band playing pop and melodic rock music.They had some success with the single Right Now and the debut album The Keyword Is Excitement! in their homecountry, both produced by Daniel Presley. Their third single entitled "The Girl That Lost Her Mind" came in at #40 in the Dutch...
, venue: The PatronaatPatronaatPatronaat is one of the 10 largest alternative pop music halls in the Netherlands and was established in 1984. It is located at the Zijlsingel in Haarlem, near the city center....
. - The Hague: A yearly festival State-X New FormsState-XState-X New Forms is an independent festival for independent music culture such as avant garde music, noise rock, indie rock, IDM, held in The Hague, in The Netherlands, since 2004. The festival is a fusion of the two festivals State-X and New Forms both of which were held for 6 years...
happens in Paard van TrojePaard van TrojePaard van Troje is a venue in The Hague, Netherlands founded in 1972 with the support of the alderman of culture from The Hague. Currently located at the Prinsegracht.-History:The Paard van Troje began as a centre for youth culture...
. Bands Fine Chine Superbone, Jobkiss. - Leeuwarden: Suicidal Birds, AdeptAdeptAn adept is an individual identified as having attained a specific level of knowledge, skill, or aptitude in doctrines relevant to a particular author or organization.-H. P. Blavatsky:...
, Bonne Aparte and Academy for Pop Culture - Nijmegen: The Legendary Pink DotsThe Legendary Pink DotsThe Legendary Pink Dots are an Anglo-Dutch experimental rock band formed in London in August 1980. Although far outside the mainstream , LPD have released more than 40 albums, have a devoted worldwide following, and tour frequently.-Overview:The Legendary Pink Dots formed in August 1980 in London...
is an experimental rockExperimental rockExperimental rock or avant-garde rock is a type of music based on rock which experiments with the basic elements of the genre, or which pushes the boundaries of common composition and performance technique....
band with a long tradition and connection with Nijmegen since they are based there since the mid 80s.Festival de Affaire is a yearly festival featuring a line-up filled with international and national indie rock acts. Venues in Nijmegen are Doornroosje, De Onderbroek, and Extrapool. - Rotterdam: Bands like Feverdream, OilOil (band)Oil is a Christian thrash metal band from Long Beach, California. The band was fronted by Ron Rinehart, ex-vocalist for Dark Angel, who converted to Christianity at a Harvest Crusade. Other members include lead guitarist Blake Nelson and drummer Jason Vander Pal...
, Elle Bandita, Neon Rainbows. Venues: WattWattThe watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:...
, WORM, Rotown, Waterfront, Exit, Baroeg - Utrecht: Bands like GemGem (band)GEM is a band from Utrecht, The Netherlands. The five-piece, founded in 2003, plays energetic rock, mixing grit with melody. GEM has released two albums of which Escapades is the newest.-Biography:...
, SpinvisSpinvisSpinvis is a Dutch one-man project centred around Erik de Jong . Using experimental, lo-fi music, Spinvis became an instant success in his home country, earning two gold records in the process and performing sold-out tours in both the Netherlands and Belgium.-Spinvis:In 2001, Erik de Jong, or...
, We vs Death and independent record label Beep! Beep! Back Up the TruckBeep! Beep! Back Up the TruckBeep! Beep! Back up the Truck is a Dutch record label based in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. The Label was founded in spring 2008 and is run by all engaged artists. This way the label created a large network giving the Dutch independent music scene an important impulse. The labels main focus lies...
. Venues: TivoliTivoli (Utrecht)Tivoli is a popular music venue and cultural center in Utrecht, Netherlands. Tivoli is run by a non-profit organisation that has existed since 1979 in its current appearance...
, Tivoli De Helling, EKKO, ACUACUACU may refer to:Educational institutions* Abilene Christian University, a private Christian university located in Abilene, Texas* Ahram Candian University, a private Egyptian university located in 6 October City, Giza, Egypt...
, DBsDBS-Automobiles:*Aston Martin DBS, 1967–72 automobile model*Aston Martin DBS V12, 2008- automobile model, officially also called the Aston Martin DBS-Technology:*Database system*Discbox Slider, a carton board disc case...
. A yearly November festival called Le Guess Who?Le Guess Who?Le Guess Who? is an independent music festival for independent music culture such as noise rock, indie rock, IDM, held in Utrecht, in The Netherlands, since 2007. The festival takes place on various locations in the city of Utrecht; Tivoli Oudegracht...
takes place in Utrecht.