Starting off the week knee-deep in Europe and checking out as many festivals that are happening right now. Still spending some time with Pinkpop 2026 in Landgraaf, Netherlands. Getting Monday rolling with a set from Bente, who has a huge reputation in Holland – it was recorded by the venerable VPRO-FM on June 21st this year.
Here is a blurb from the Vestrock Festival website, happening in May of 2027 which may provide a few insights:
Although Dutch singer and actress Bente (also known as Bente Fokkens, and from the feature film Kappen! in which she played the lead role) has been active for over ten years, she only released her debut album Als Ik Met De Wind Kon Dansen in 2022 and then spent much of the time performing nonstop on stages across the Netherlands. Last year saw the release of her second album drift, featuring songs about love, loss and self-image. Bente is an exceptionally strong vocalist, as heard on her enchanting cover of André Hazes’ classic Zeg Maar Niets Meer, as well as the recent track Wie Is Zij with Roxeanne Hazes.
Bente’s musical journey began at the young age of eleven when she discovered her passion for singing, writing, and performing. As a teenager, she was already in the spotlight on shows like The Voice Kids and De Wereld Draait Door, and her life even became the subject of a captivating documentary titled “Bente’s Voice.”
In 2019, Bente decided to shift her musical direction and signed a contract with the prestigious record label TopNotch. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, where she began writing and singing in Dutch. She achieved her breakthrough with the single “Liefste, Ken Je Mij” (“Dearest, Do You Know Me”), and since then, she has made impressive strides with two EPs and several successful singles, collaborating with well-known artists such as Maan and Ronnie Flex.
A highlight of her artistic journey was the long-awaited release of her debut album, titled “Als Ik Met De Wind Kon Dansen” (“If I Could Dance With the Wind”). With a deep fascination for numerology and a special connection to the number 11, Bente chose to launch her album on the unique date 11-11-22. This album, featuring talented artists like Typhoon, Tim Knol, and Meau, brought Bente’s mature sound to the forefront.
Recently Bente scored multiple hits with her songs ”Kan Je Me zien”, ”Hoogtevrees” and ”Vervreemd”.
Needless to say, she doesn’t sing in English (yet)., but that’s no excuse not to enjoy a performance with tons of conviction and voice worthy of shockwaves.
The Lunchroom (in case you haven’t already noticed) likes to travel and likes to hit up other countries. There’s a lot of talent out there that begs to be discovered. Whether or not they sing in your language is a moot point.
Music is universal and talent knows no borders.
Crank it up and enjoy lunch.
