Music scene in Amsterdam
Just in case you've been wondering what live shows have I been seeing lately... here is the scoop. I'm only mentioning these bands because they are amazing, local, and mostly unknown in the world at large (with some notable exceptions). Also, it should help to mention that when there's any singing it's all in English so don't be afraid to check them out :-)
Postmen - Rotterdam hip-hop band... first heard them on some pirated shit, was impressed, went to see them live at the Melkweg with a friend who drove up from Antwerp at my suggestion. We were blown away. Not only do they rap skilfully over well-played electric funk music, but the stage dynamics and auditory dexterity is beyond any "rap acts" I'm familiar with.
Bettie Serveert - alternative pop fused with Velvet Underground references and a killer front lady/singer/songwriter (together with the guitarist). Have heard them since at least 10 years ago... first experience live was in Boston! Subsequently I've seen them half a dozen times and met them backstage. One of the best places to see them is the free annual Uitmarkt.
Ghorar Deem Express - world jazz nonet, including two people from Boston, met them first in Amsterdam and have seen them quite a few times as well as running their web site. Quirky and sometimes virtuosic punk world jazz, they are unlike any other band I ever met.
Bernie's Lounge - Amsterdam funk/latin/ska/jazz, I first saw them live last night and was blown away. Their jam swings harder than any other jam, I don't care what anyone might say. They are already famous in Italy and Brazil and are going to play here opening for Buena Vista. They're way better than Buena Vista ;-)
I'd really like to start a music site with photos of local acts, that I've been taking at smaller shows. All of their own sites have downloadable tracks, but a public blog that would allow fan photo posting would be fun to run. There's so much eclectic music here locally that I feel I shouldn't even see big acts until I see all the local names at least once.
Postmen - Rotterdam hip-hop band... first heard them on some pirated shit, was impressed, went to see them live at the Melkweg with a friend who drove up from Antwerp at my suggestion. We were blown away. Not only do they rap skilfully over well-played electric funk music, but the stage dynamics and auditory dexterity is beyond any "rap acts" I'm familiar with.
Bettie Serveert - alternative pop fused with Velvet Underground references and a killer front lady/singer/songwriter (together with the guitarist). Have heard them since at least 10 years ago... first experience live was in Boston! Subsequently I've seen them half a dozen times and met them backstage. One of the best places to see them is the free annual Uitmarkt.
Ghorar Deem Express - world jazz nonet, including two people from Boston, met them first in Amsterdam and have seen them quite a few times as well as running their web site. Quirky and sometimes virtuosic punk world jazz, they are unlike any other band I ever met.
Bernie's Lounge - Amsterdam funk/latin/ska/jazz, I first saw them live last night and was blown away. Their jam swings harder than any other jam, I don't care what anyone might say. They are already famous in Italy and Brazil and are going to play here opening for Buena Vista. They're way better than Buena Vista ;-)
I'd really like to start a music site with photos of local acts, that I've been taking at smaller shows. All of their own sites have downloadable tracks, but a public blog that would allow fan photo posting would be fun to run. There's so much eclectic music here locally that I feel I shouldn't even see big acts until I see all the local names at least once.