BLØF

BLØF is a four-piece Dutch rock band from Vlissingen, in Zeeland, which has become popular regionally and internationally for its music, its frequent collaborations with bands from other parts of the world, willingness to incorporate other genres into their "sound", and focus on bettering the world around them. It has twice won the Edison Award for "Best Band" in the Netherlands.

Bløf played the first ever rock concert in the country of Bhutan, as part of their Umoja project in 2006.

Early history

BLØF is a Dutch pop rock band founded in 1992 by musician Peter Slager, and originally consisted of four musicians: bassist Peter Slager, guitarist Paskal Jakobsen, Bas Kennis, playing keyboards, and Henk Tjoonk as drummer. By late 1994, the band recorded their first album, Naakt Onder De Hemel, (roughly translated as "Naked under the heavens"), which took just one week. Drummer Henk Tjoonk suggested distributing it themselves, and their self-produced, self-promoted record was a hit in Zeeland; a province of The Netherlands. The record was well received by critics and drew enough attention to score promotional support and a contract from EMI Music, to take over distribution of the album nationwide. The single "Aan de Kust" became a hit song in Zeeland, despite the fact that it got little airplay from national radio stations. Keyboardist Bas Kennis credits their first rudimentary website that was up and running as early as 1995, before other local bands. His maintaining of the website gave fans access to the band and a way to find out more about their music and tour dates. BLØF received an award for "Best New Talent" for the album. The money that was included with the award was used to record their second album, Helder, which was released in September 1997.