❗️CONFIRMED 27/2/‘25:
DAN AND THE MIDDLE MEN (@danandthemiddlemen):
Dan and the Middle Men is a punchy Alt-Rockband from the north of the Netherlands with various influences from Rage Against the Machine to Royal Blood, born from a solo project from Irish frontman Daniel Devoy who moved to the Netherlands in 2020.
Heavy grooves and energetic fuzzy riffs are what they’re all about. A strong combination, as they’ve won multiple band contests with their kinetic live sets which will have you both dancing and banging your heads!
HELEN JEWETT (@helenjewettband):
Helen Jewett came together thanks to an impromptu school workshop involving a bucket of name tags. After a few rehearsals and some pub chats about the complexities of existence, the band began to dream and work toward a position they never dared to imagine for themselves.
With a shared love for bands like Joy Division, Radiohead, and My Bloody Valentine, they started crafting songs that merged the genres they were most passionate about: Post-Punk and Shoegaze, with touches of Folk, Electronica, Hardcore, and Ambient. Their poetic lyrics, reflecting on existentialism, nostalgia, and the turbulence of modern life add a profound and evocative layer to their music, inviting listeners into an icy and introspective soundscape.
Alongisde the acts, Baloney Soundsystem will turn the tables at the Simplon café during the evening.
🎶: Rock, Shoegaze
📅: 27 feb 2025
📌: Simplon Bovenzaal
🕤: Doors open at 20:30
🎟️: €5,- (link in bio)
❗️CONFIRMED 20/2/‘25:
KIDD NEBULA (@kiddnebula):
Jazz, funk and Hip-Hop melt together in the work of Leeuwarder Kidd Nebula. His lyrics are funny and relatable. His melodies range from uptempo and danceable to chill. On February 20th, he will join us at Simplon UP with his new live band: Kidd Nebula & The Voodoo Funk Conspiracy, adding an extra jazzy sauce to his indie-funk music during the MENTAL CHILLNESS Try-Out Tour.
MOSSI & SB (@mossi.music, @prod.sb_97):
Oldschool boombap with a modern twist. These Groninger rapper and producer released their long-awaited EP Scheve Blikken last year, where they mix vintage samples with contemporary influences to create an amazing, fresh sound.
Alongside the acts, DJ B.E.N will spin some classic tracks during the evening.
🎶: Hiphop, Funk
📅: 20 feb 2025
📌: Simplon Bovenzaal
🕤: Doors open at 20:30
🎟️: €5,- (link in bio)
No UP this week due to ESNS, but we will be back next week with Wallplug and Stu33. Until then, look out for this next announcement!
❗️CONFIRMED 13/2/‘25:
ENJAKU YOYO (@enjakuyoyo):
ENJAKU YOYO is a Techno Pop duo based in the Netherlands, straight from Japan. Two years ago Jun and Koko made a new start in the Netherlands and in the meantime they have already performed at several festivals such as Schippop, Booch? and St. Rosa. In addition, ENJAKU YOYO has performed twenty two times at different venues throughout the Netherlands in the selection of the Popronde. Get swept up in their dynamic mix of percussive Tap Guitar, dark techno and intense riffs at Simplon UP! An unforgettable experience where you will be forced to dance along.
YUSUF KEMAL ÖZTÜRK @yusuf.kemal.ozturk:
Based in the Netherlands with deep Turkish roots, Yusuf Kemal Öztürk is a multi-instrumentalist who crafts immersive, cinematic soundscapes that blend post-rock, alt-rock, ambient, and prog-rock. Influenced by artists like Radiohead, Silver Mt. Zion, Aphex Twin, and Porcupine Tree, alongside the rich musical traditions of his heritage, his music carries the emotional depth and narrative quality of a soundtrack.
Classically trained in piano from the age of 13, Yusuf Kemal quickly expanded his skills to include guitar, bass, and drums by 16. After facing challenging circumstances that led him to relocate to the Netherlands in 2019, he found a deep need to tell his story through music—a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Yusuf Kemal’s music is more than just something to listen to; it’s an evocative experience designed to evoke empathy, bridge cultures, and invite listeners into the emotions and stories that have shaped his life.
Alongside the acts, Tarnim will glue the evening together with some lovely tunes in the Simplon café.
🎶: Technopop, Post-Rock, Ambient
📅: 13 feb 2025
📌: Simplon Bovenzaal
🕤: Doors open at 20:30
🎟️:
❗️CONFIRMED 30/1/‘25:
This UP, two talented singer-songwriters will take the stage!
YUMEI (@yu.mei.b):
Having sung her whole life, Yumei only discovered her love for writing in 2022. Not long after, she set out to collaborate with producer Rutger Bandell and release her debut EP ‘Thoughts of Mine’. Being intrigued by complex emotions and abstract experiences, Yumei explores the ways in which our thoughts can hold us back, but can also function as a tool to unveil our inner workings. The project doesn’t shy away from putting her darkness on display and highlights the beauty of transformation and growth. Blending the sounds of neo-soul, jazz, and r&b, and captivating listeners with her warm voice, Yumei hopes to encourage people to be introspective and garner a deeper understanding of oneself.
After having dipped her toes in the waters of live performing, she is eager to tread new stages going forward. While still in the process of self-discovery, both personally and artistically, Yumei invites the audience of Simplon UP on the 30th of January to embark on this exciting journey together.
NIENKE WITKAMP (@nienkewitkamp):
Nienke Witkamp loves doing puzzles - and you can hear it in her music. She gathers her thoughts, emotions, stories, experiences and ideas and fits those pieces together into layered songs. The result is warm soul-pop with layered lyrics, where poetry and sudden clarity alternate seamlessly. In February 2024, Nienke released the single ‘Licht weer Aan’ together with Kaièt, followed by her debut EP and first solo project ‘Dear Self,’ in October of the same year. In late May 2025, she will graduate from the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen.
For Nienke, songwriting is her way of giving every piece a place, and now it’s time to share her passion with an audience. From the studio, out of her head—onto the stage. With honesty, melody, warmth and soul, she tells her stories, leaving listeners reflective and intrigued.
Happy New Year! Team UP wishes you all the best for 2025. Let’s kick the year off with a new announcement.
❗️CONFIRMED 23/1/‘24:
WALLPLUG (@wallplugrecords):
Wallplug brings a unique blend of soulful vocals, deep R&B, and powerful Hip-Hop to Simplon UP. This collective of diverse artists delivers an immersive show where music and art come together. Each member adds their own style and personality, resulting in a musical experience that feels both intimate and explosive. Expect a performance that moves you and gets you on your feet.
STU33 (@stu33_050):
STU33 is the place where young talent thrives! From the open studio in Lewenborg, young artists come together to create music, build beats, and tell their stories. A showcase of pure creativity and emerging talent. On this night, they step out of the studio and onto the stage at Simplon UP. Expect authentic tracks, honest lyrics, and a raw, unfiltered vibe. Support local talent and prepare to be surprised!
Alongside the acts, DJ B.E.N. will spin some tracks during the evening.
🎶: Hiphop
📅: 23 jan 2025
📌: Simplon Bovenzaal
🕤: Doors open at 20:30
🎟️: €3,- (link in bio)
❗️CONFIRMED 6-2-‘25:
NINA WOOD (@ninainthewood):
Nina wood returns to Simplon UP to celebrate the release of her new EP! This quirky musician explores the limits of Dutch pop music and offers a unique experience. Nina Wood is not just a musician, she is a storyteller that comforts and offers consolation that nothing in life happens at random. Her idiosyncratic mix of sounds and texts make a lasting impression in the hearts of listeners. With her honest and authentic approach to music, Nina Wood is an act to remember
MARIT NYGÅRD (@marit.nygard):
She will be joined by Marit Nygård. Expect happy, angry, sad or hopeful, but mainly honest songs. She’s looking for a connection, for cheap supermarket wine, for an existence as a one-man orchestra; the one that listens closely gets an insight in the life of a student that struggles through coming of age, love and a changing world. She is part of the talent track Hit the North 2023 and already plays various stages in the north of the Netherlands.
Alongside the acts, @femb0yslim will be our DJ of the evening. Come check it out!
🎶: Nederpop
📅: 6 feb 2025
📌: Simplon Bovenzaal
🕤: Doors open at 20:30
🎟️: €3,- (link in bio)
❗️CONFIRMED 9/1/‘25:
Get ready for the first UP of 2025! 🎶
LILLA MY (@lillamymusic):
Lilla My, named after a character from The Moomins, writes songs about subjects like queer love, mental health, grief and recovery. The music is inspired by artists like girl in red and Clairo, but you can also hear influences of different genres like riot grrrl and shoegaze. Recently she released her debut EP, and after a successful solo performance at UP last year Lilly My will return to Simplon, this time with a band!
IN GOOD SPIRIT (@ingoodspirit_):
Also performing will be the band In Good Spirit, an indie folk group that formed not too long ago in Groningen. Their music reminds us of acts like Bon Iver, The Beatles and Karen O. From sunny rays and autumn days, their music is moments, marinated for your ears.
Alongside the acts, DJ Mono Audio will spin some tunes in the café.
🎶: Indie Pop
📅: 9 jan 2025
📌: Simplon Bovenzaal
🕤: Doors open at 20:30
🎟️: €3,- (link in bio)