VanVelzen

VanVelzen delivers a brand of pop that feels physically impossible to contain. Built around his virtuosic, percussive piano playing and a voice that punches far above its weight, the music is a masterclass in the 'big' sound. It is unapologetically catchy, drawing from the anthemic traditions of British pop rock while maintaining a distinctly Dutch sense of directness and melodic clarity.

What truly sets him apart is the sheer kinetic energy of his arrangements. Even in his studio recordings, there is a palpable 'live' friction; the drums are crisp and driving, the piano lines are rhythmic rather than just melodic, and the vocal delivery often carries a soulful, slightly raspy edge that suggests he is singing to the very back row of a stadium. It is music that demands participation, whether through a foot-tap or a full-throated singalong.

Newcomers should start with his debut 'Unwind' to hear the blueprint of his sound, specifically the hit 'Baby Get Higher'. For those who prefer a more electronic edge, his collaboration with Armin van Buuren, 'Broken Tonight', showcases how his songwriting translates perfectly into the world of high-drama trance and dance music.