Best Kept Secret 2023 blokkenschema dag 2 - zaterdag 10 juni 2023

Two Door Cinema Club are no strangers to Best Kept Secret's outstretched, lakeside sceneries. The group's ultra catchy tunes invade your ears and camp out in your cranium for eternity. Few bands adopt different stylings in such a sly and infectious way, cooking with elements of pop punk, mid-naughts Brit rock and electro-funk. Hits like 'What You Know', 'Something Good Can Work' and 'Undercover Martyn' are fixtures in every indie disco romp on earth. But nothing beats witnessing them in the flesh!

This is the stuff fairy tales are made of: plaster crew turned hottest festival act of the moment. Truth be told, that’s breakout outfit Goldband in a nutshell. Boaz Kok, Karel Gerlach, Milo Driessen and Wieger Hoogendorp unfurl their nostalgia -meets-novelty blueprint in show-stopping fashion, combining vintage Dutch pop with cutting-edge club beats. Goldband will celebrate the taste of tequila and the colors of the night at Best Kept Secret.

Max Colombie is indeed a Strange Entity: a magnetic pop star who can somehow embody his most grandiose and vulnerable self in the very same instant. His hot-blooded brand of pop mixes melancholy and euphoria with the same whimsy as mixing Skittles with M&M's. An Oscar and The Wolf performance is a feast for all your sensations. Time to roll out the catwalk.

Alt-folk hero Kevin Morby has a knack for turning the world on its head with each song he pens. His now-iconic 'City Music' dares to dream the utopian dream, whereas his latest masterpiece 'This Is A Photograph' reckons with spirits of the past with bittersweet wit. Morby's mix of folk, indie rock, gospel and blues echoes the same timeless magic as the likes of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Tom Petty – universal songs summoned into existence within a specific time and place.

With her magnetic stage presence and her effortless blending of styles, Turkish artist Gaye Su Akyol pushes traditional sounds from her home country towards the cutting edge. Her latest album is called “Anadolu Ejderi', which translates to 'Anatolian Dragon'. It's an aptly heroic description of the songs she has written, fusing elements of disco, surf rock, post-punk and funk to serve vibrant chronicles of love and rebellion.

Nothing is more fun than an unpredictable band, and Black Country, New Road is just about as unpredictable as bands get.Their free-form blend of orchestral rock, chamber folk, post-punk and jazz defies easy categorization, and their shows feel like open-invitation ceremonies never to be repeated again. Their acclaimed new album Ants From Up There is an instant classic; the final chapter of Isaac Wood's arresting, open-hearted pathos. We catch BC, NR in familiar flux at Best Kept Secret.

Angus Stone regularly strikes that sensitive chord with sister Julia. But under his moniker Dope Lemon, Stone channels his inner Big Smooth Cat. You know, the cool music lifer who wears his shades indoors, fancies a glass of scotch and a hand-rolled cigar, and likes to put his favorite records under the needle, devil-may-care about the chaos looming in the outside world. Think the Velvets, but with a soulful touch.

Edinburgh's Young Fathers are content being misfits, often considered too rock for hip-hop audiences and too hip-hop for rock audiences. But here's the kicker: their joyous, radical music utterly transcends any idea of genre, emitting a boundless energy that connects any soul lucky enough to stumble into it, almosts like a parade marching through the streets. And for that very reason, Young Fathers have simply become one of the best live acts around.

As a counterbalance to the glossed up, giddy hedonism of The Strokes in the early zeroes, Interpol paint a gloomier– but no less romantic – picture down East with the legendary 'Turn On The Bright Lights'. The band's brooding post-punk anthems illustrate the comedowns, the aftermaths and the heartbreaks within the shadowy seams of metropolitan nightlife. Up till today, Interpol have maintained their undeniable mystique, while expanding their craft to new dramatic heights.

Dutch techno hero Young Marco has become a household name in the fringes and the mainstream alike, capped by iconic dancefloor anthem 'What You Say?' and a legendary Boiler Room set at Dekmantel. Through and through, the Amsterdam based DJ is the epitome of 'all-embracing', holding as much stake in pure pop euphoria as with cutting edge club sounds. There's no escaping Young Marco at Best Kept Secret, so best roll with the madness and wait for the drop.

Three days. Three wildly different shows. It is time to colour it in. BKS is proud to present this very special project by one of The Netherlands’ biggest bands. Across our three day infinity, De Staat will perform three separate and unique shows. Each its own colour, its own state of mind, and its own setlist. Three different stages. No song repeats. So strap in, and revel in this opportunity to shed your true colours and commit to Red, Yellow, and Blue. What is it going to be?De Staat – Red It’s the end of the line: waves of Red will absorb you into its swirling mass. No time to think, heads will roll on this dark side of the spectrum. What more have you got left in the tank? Because with this one, De Staat is coming for your energy surplus. What’s that? Look at me!

Last year when The Strokes headlined Best Kept Secret, we noticed how today's youth is as caught up in the escapsim of indie's Golden Age as the current crop of post-punk scathers. Now what if there was a band that embodies the best of both worlds? Well, look no further, as Liverpool outfit STONE are that and much, much more. The band's high-wired garage rock bangers are tailor-made to please the rowdiest masses.

In the music of Sir Chloe, one can trace down a long lineage of firebrands, from Courtney Love all the way to Sky Ferreira. Songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dana Foote's ascent to the mainstream is anything but traditional, however, as her breakup-anthem "Michelle" became a TikTok viral hit. Sir Chloe's mascara-smeared indie rock anthems are peppered with a fork-tongued wit, something all generations can appreciate.

Pitou draws inspiration from big surrealistic imagery and smaller terrestrial happenings. Stylistically as well: her influences range from minimal folk to richly arranged classical music. Her highly anticipated debut album Big Tear explores a wider range of sounds beyond the possibilities of voice and guitar, with touches of synths, harp, electronics and piano.

Lankum are without question one of today's most compelling live acts. The band reinterpets Irish folk traditionals within cutting edge forms like ambient, drone music and even alternative metal. Lankum's immersive, spiritual sets frequently leave crowds utterly breathless, as their music touches on humankind's most extreme contradictions in arresting fashion.

Alex Giannascoli is living proof that talent always trumps tools. Over the past decade, the Philly indie phenom produced an assembly line of albums from his bedroom that defy logical convention – from Radiohead-esque pop abstractions to the warm alt-folk glow of Elliott Smith. Giannascoli’s latest gem ‘God Save The Animals’ marks his first baby steps into a proper studio space; and the results are as magical as you’d imagine.

Canadian outfit Peach Pit pen incredible songs that spark a twinkle and a smile, even when they lament about things like heartbreak, loneliness and loss. Frontman Neil Smith knows how to create a vivid scene with his words, whether he's singing about empty shampoo bottles or angry text messages. Under the backdrop of their warm, harmonious indie pop, Peach Pit will charm and move you in equal measure.

Sophie Straat's last name is actually the Dutch word for 'street', which is fitting, since her outspoken brand of Dutch pop signifies an age when people take to streets to express their dissatisfaction. From police violence, the housing crisis to sexism, Sophie is never shy to orate our everyday issues into life-affirming protest songs, which she performs with an unlimited supply of charisma and humor.

Song titles like ‘Dread & Butter’ or ‘Pukebox’ suggest that Psychedelic Prn Crumpets come from some warped parallel universe. But believe it or not, most of their psych rock chronicles are based on real events, albeit some hallucinogens may or may not have been involved. Akin to fellow Aussies King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, PPC bring an absurd wit to their genre-blending fireworks, so brace yourself for a heavy dose of fun, frivolous chaos.

Ineffekt didn’t allow premature youth to stop him from absorbing all facets of club culture with a daredevil mentality. Now at the ripe age of 21, Rick Bouwkamp has already built a lofty resumé that includes slots alongside Bicep and Avalon Emerson, as well as bringing the house down at DGTL Festival, Dekmantel Selectors and De School. Ineffekt’s fantastic debut ‘Kora’ teems with giddy energy, cooking up a euphoric blend of breakbeat, PC Music, techno and alternative pop.

The word 'haai' means 'shark' in Dutch, but for DJ, songwriter and producer Teneil Throssell, HAAi means a continuous hunt for the most euphoric drop, the most thrilling breakbeat and the most frenetic change of pace. Trapped between the jaws of HAAi's adventurous techno permutations one cannot help but dance: her sets are streamlined and full of colorful hooks, yet somehow maintain that unmistakable raw edge.

The Floor has a history of first time DJ’s. It is here where Khruangbin, Ionica Smeets, Black Lips and Spinvis all had their debut behind the decks. Some of them even took lessons at the record filled fan cave that’s the apartment of host St. Paul. This time it is the mythical figure of VPRO Flowerboy who will grace us with his virgin selection of personal faves.

What an inspiring woman Sylvana is. Nothing but R.E.S.P.E.C.T. for her mission in politics, against all odds. But! Today she is with us as the music fanatic she has been from day one, with a big heart for soul, disco and R&B. Knowing that Rock Steady by Aretha Franklin is her favorite jam of all time, we the people will be left with no choice but to step and move our hips with a feeling from side to side. Let us give Sylvana the warmest welcome only festivals can produce.

No musical style is more urgent than that mixture between wave, post punk and EBM. Throw a grain of teenage angst into the broken blender and you get the haunting sound of Camy Huot. This visual artist and DJ is truly one of a kind in the Utrecht scene. Whether it is as a radiostar for Stranded FM or opening for the edgy Freaky Dancing happenings, she’s in parties, never in the can.

Juma Iking holds an absolute cult status in his hometown of Nijmegen. And rightly so. His live sets are a highly kinetic trip through the wires of Black musical heritage. Playing guitars, synthesizers and drum computers while cooking up a feel good blend of disco, house, reggae and even punk-funk rhythms. It has to be seen to be believed. You’d think there is a full band playing, but it’s simply a case of me, myself and Iking!

Indonesian producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist Dea Barandana truly is a Best Kept Secret, one who resides at the infamous Potato Head Beach Club in Bali. Dea increasingly plays his fusion grooves all over the world. It’s a sound that is as melancholic as it is infectious. A meandering journey across forgotten record stores and dusty crates to modern club music and back. Time to bring some island life into the Beekse Bergen!

No revival in music has had a better year so far than old skool jungle beats. You hear the forerunner of drum ‘n bass in productions of favorite artists like Nia Archives, Yaeji and even Caroline Polachek. The time is right to invite a true Dutch legend when it comes to playing those super sharp old skool beats. L-Dopa still hosts his own jungle radio show on Operator, but 2023 desperately needs him back behind those festival decks!

The Floor can’t wait to welcome German DJ Tereza. One of the best selectors out there, culminating in the show she hosted last year for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM. Celebrated for her fine ear for underground disco, house or – how she would call it herself – “breaky stuff” and the ability to conquer with a smile. After club shows all over Germany and festivals in the UK, it’s high time to let Tereza take us on her musical safari without any prisoners.

Vera Siemons & Liza van den Brink

“We can come an end, '' Louis van Gaal said somewhere in 2022. Was he talking about football or dreaming about Coloray? The dance floor knows. Raynor the Groot is an absolute giant when it comes to synthpop, electro, disco and EBM. His own productions dominate the sound of many late nights at your favorite club. As an artist, he has played as many electronic festivals as pop or indie festivals. Is Love Ever Enough? To Coloray, it is not. Please keep on banging those Paradise Drums for us.

The coolest bands are often of the no-frills variety and accordingly, Marathon's angular, adrenaline-pumping alt-punk doesn't need crazy stage hijinks to get the mosh pit moving. The name already strikes the right chord: sometimes you need to run before you can walk, rage out with abandon and let the chips fall where they may. Indeed, Marathon present a short cut to shake all the gloom and doom out of your system.

The Cool Greenhouse enjoy planting tongue firmly in cheek with their absurdist, bone-dry art-punk vignettes. Taking cues from Gang Of Four, Franz Ferdinand and Jonathan Richman, the band's shows are always entertaining one-liner fests that highlight the ridiculousness in politics, popular culture, bureaucracy and the possibility of alien life. The Cool Greenhouse tend to loosen both tongues and limbs with their delightfully droll tunes.

We usually associate hammocks with peace and quiet. This Norwegian trio, however, is anything but. Hammok's hefty mishmash of math punk, noise rock, post-hardcore and alternative metal feels more akin to playing dodge ball with death bots. Songs unfold in delightful non-puristic ways too, taking inspiration from hip-hop and autotuned pop to inject their brand of heavy music with a fresh and exciting twist.

Poetry can be diamond or dynamite: forever etched in your soul or blasting your thinking wide open. Terzij de Horde tend to lean towards the latter, meditating on grounded, humanistic subjects over the arcane. On their debut LP ‘Self’ the Utrecht-based band filter existing Dutch poetry through the cataclysmic intensity of black metal. On their latest LP ‘In One Of These, I Am Your Enemy’, they examine human behavior in systems of power. A mind-blowing and wholly cathartic live experience.

Big Joanie embrace a joyous grassroots ethos inspired as much by The Raincoats as Solange. Where acclaimed debut LP 'Sistahs' felt like a raw extension of the band's outspoken activism, followup 'Back Home' takes things to a more widescreen level, seamlessly adopting elements of indie pop, African folk, electronic music, 60s girl groups and post-disco . With co-signs from the likes of Grace Jones, Thurston Moore and Sleater-Kinney, Big Joanie is indeed ready for the Big Stage.

CLT DRP (pronounced 'CLIT DRIP') forge a mighty sword of EDM beats and brain bashing punk to decapitate patriarchal norms, toxic relationships and other injustices. The trio also knows how to have a ton of fun: fans of The Prodigy, Peaches and Chicks on Speed will surely dig CLT DRP's hard-hitting but catchy live energy. Getting sweaty and rowdy for these agitators is more than worth it.

Barış Akardere’s background started in producing hip-hop and instrumental beats, and as he burgeoned, he switched gears to a constantly-evolving vernacular of house and techno, often with a soulful, introspective twist. Always adding bits to his studio setup, from vintage drum machines to classic analog and FM synths, he harbours his wide musical interests on monthly radio show Gentle Action on RadioRadioFM.

Deeply rooted in Eindhoven’s 90s hip hop culture, Amsterdam-based Margie mixes boogie and house with whatever floats her boat. In the world of this idiosyncratic DJ, there’s simply good or bad music. Storytelling is Margie’s forte, which she does in fine style through both pen and decks. Spinning tall musical tales on a high key, her musical flair speaks volumes – unapologetic, raw, surprising.

Tsepo’s pure dedication to DJing has earned him the respect of promoters around Europe. Rather than producing music to get his name out there, the Dutchman's sole focus is the art and craft of playing the right records at the right time. Always digging for something new and searching out sounds that will add to his musical vocabulary, the man with the big smile and an even bigger afro lives for longer sets where he can really tell a story.

De Toegift (Dutch for 'the encore') are one of the most hotly tipped emerging live acts. This band sounds like nothing else: a homebred, free-flowing mix of jazz and folk that conjures sceneries for late hour melancholy, modern myths and wistful romance. If it's not the sublime musicianship that does you in, it'll be frontman Maxim Ventulé's commanding stage presence.